SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Produce complex polymer composite products

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110280	Produce complex polymer composite products
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology			Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 3	NQF Level 03	28
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		2018-07-01	2023-06-30	SAQA 06120/18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

People in the field of polymer composite fabrication require the skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard. The fabrication of composites requires the combination of two or more different materials to form a product. What makes composites unique is that a composite material is formed at the same time as the structure itself is being fabricated. This means that the person who is making the structure is creating the properties of the resultant composite material, and so the manufacturing processes that are used have an unusually critical part to play in determining the performance of the resultant structure. Composites are not like metals, where a sheet might be made in one factory and shaped into a car roof in another. With composites it all happens at once. The products are often subjected to considerable or sometimes extreme stress when in operation and the manufacturing process needs to be consistent and accurate.

Qualifying learners are able to:

Produce complex composite products, making intelligent use of formulation techniques and using a variety of raw materials and fabrication techniques

The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Polymer Composite Fabrication (NQF Level 3) and related qualifications.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression and reflects the second level skill in composites fabrication skill. It is one of a series of unit standards for activities at and above this level. The credits assigned to it are based on the assumption that I am learning what is needed for this unit standard as part of my learning for a range of related unit standards. If I have experience in these related activities but do not have credits for them, I can obtain credits by being assessed through a process that recognises prior learning. If I do not have such experience of related activities, then my learning time will be increased. I can choose to be assessed and obtain credits against those other unit standards as I make progress towards the outcomes of this unit standard.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

The ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes determine the scope and level of this unit standard.
All work is performed autonomously with minimal supervision.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Discuss the role and purpose of various materials in combination.

OUTCOME NOTES

Discuss the role and purpose of various materials in combination to produce complex composite products.

OUTCOME RANGE

Resins: polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, furane, urethane, acrylic, flame retardant
Additives: accelerators, catalysts, hardeners, fillers, pigments, release agents
Reinforcements: glass, carbon, aramid, uni/multiaxial, pre-pregs, core materials
Processes: spray coatings and lay-ups, vacuum infusion, bagging, RTM, autoclaves

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:

for the purposes of integrated assessment

to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding

to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Store, transport, select and prepare materials for complex composite products.

OUTCOME RANGE

Measure, calculate, mix, thaw and pre-heat, tailor

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:

for the purposes of integrated assessment

to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding

to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Prepare mould, set up equipment, fabricate product, assemble and join composites.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:

for the purposes of integrated assessment

to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding

to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Manufacture simple composite moulds and commission new moulds or tooling.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:

for the purposes of integrated assessment

to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding

to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Apply release agents, prepare surfaces for repair, complete and finish repair.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:

for the purposes of integrated assessment

to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding

to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6

Record data; recognise and report variances.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:

for the purposes of integrated assessment

to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding

to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7

Complete quality checks, recognise problems and take corrective action.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:

for the purposes of integrated assessment

to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding

to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the MERSETA Education and Training Quality Assurance Body, which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. My assessor will be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.
I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.
I will be assessed in the workplace but I can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.
I can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

1. Names & functions of:

Materials

Symbols, abbreviations, conventions

Measuring equipment, scales and rulers

Specialised materials

2. Purpose of:

Polymeric materials

Correct measuring equipment

Correct transportation of materials

3. Attributes, properties characteristics

Properties of materials

Specialised materials

4. Sensory cues

Smell and feel of properly and improperly cured material

5. Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:

Implications of poor planning

Incorrect measurements, weighing and volume

Incorrect mixing

6. Procedures and techniques:

Ratios and measuring of material

Mixing of materials

Fabrication of specialised materials, complex geometries

Reporting of problems

Recording of data

7. Theory: rules, principles, laws:

Forces, pressure, rheology, temperature (exothermic reactions, activation energy) change of state, wetting, capillary action

Principles of polymers, polymerisation and cross-linking reactions: influence of catalysts, accelerators, monomers, inhibitors, diluents, contaminants, temperature and humidity

Units of measurement (conversion) and measurement scales

Degradation of polymers: heat, chemical, physical, water, ultra violet light

8. Relationships, systems:

Relationship between humidity and temperature and processing times and characteristics

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME

N/A

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES

N/A

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify and solve problems

Anticipate, identify and respond to fabrication problems

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

Organise and manage myself and my activities

Determine job requirements, plan, prepare and perform complex fabrication procedures

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information

Interpret specifications and drawings and develop plans to meet the specifications

Interpret information obtained from quality checks (eg hardness, mass)

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively

Record work done, discuss problems

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology effectively and critically

Relate appropriate theory to all aspects of the fabrication process

Relate the physical changes to chemical processes

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems

Relate the end use requirements to the choice of materials, fabrication methods and quality checks.

UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

Results achieved

1. Fabricated products meet specifications

Indicators

1. Products are correctly manufactured in specified time
2. Correct materials are used
3. Fabrication process is planned and implemented without delays caused by inadequate preparation
4. Waste levels are within specified limits
5. A range of products are produced consistently
6. Fabrication steps are performed according to standards
7. Fabrication problems are identified and resolved
8. Work area is clean and neat
9. Correct handling and mixing procedures are followed
10. Safety rules are followed and appropriate safety equipment is used
11. Problems are identified and reported correctly
12. Data records are produced accurately and timeously
13. Repairs are carried out according to specifications

Understanding confirmed

Discuss issues and respond to questions relating to:
1. Identification of materials used in complex processes
2. Properties of materials in combination
3. Difficulties associated with materials in combination
4. The relationship of materials in combination
5. Handling and application of materials
6. Reasons for and purpose of procedures

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	36155	National Certificate: Polymer Composite Fabrication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MERSETA
Elective	50543	National Certificate: Small Craft Construction	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"	2009-08-31	Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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