SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Fabricate a polymer composite product

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110281	Fabricate a polymer composite product
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 2	NQF Level 02	9
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:

Fabricate a polymer composite product
The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Polymer Composite Fabrication (NQF Level 2) 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 first level of composite 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.

The learning for this unit standard is very closely related to the learning for Identify and work with materials for polymer composite fabrication. The two unit standards may be assessed at the same time.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

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

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Apply surface coating.

OUTCOME RANGE

Refers to open mould but excludes spray processes
Surface material: gel coat, in-mould coating
Tools: brushes and rollers

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Refer to consolidated assessment criteria in specific outcome 4.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Apply body of resin and reinforcement materials, and consolidate into a laminate.

OUTCOME RANGE

Materials: resins, solid fillers, fibre reinforcements, ribs, stiffeners
Tools: brushes and rollers

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Refer to consolidated assessment criteria in specific outcome 4.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Apply surface coatings to back of laminates.

OUTCOME RANGE

Materials: topcoat, flow coats
Tools: brushes and rollers

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Refer to consolidated assessment criteria in specific outcome 4.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Prepare edges, align components and apply resin and reinforcements to join composite parts.

OUTCOME RANGE

Simple lap joints, right angles

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

Results achieved

A fabricated composite product is produced

Indicators

Fabricated product meets standards

Fabricated product can be consistently fabricated within the time standards

Resins and reinforcements are applied according to specifications

Ratio of resin and reinforcement is uniform across the whole fabrication

Products are properly cured

Work is performed with due regard to the safety and health of self, fellow workers and the environment in general and appropriate safety equipment is used

Working area is kept neat and cleaned after use

Tools and equipment are cared for, cleaned and stored according to manufacturing standards

Correct tools are identified

Understanding confirmed
Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:

Waste and waste levels

Processing of materials

The curing process

The incorrect use of surface coatings

Build sequence

Behaviour of materials

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:

Different coatings

Release agents

Different defects and deformities

Different reinforcements
2. Purpose of:

Surface preparation and secondary bonding

Various layers, resins and reinforcement types
3. Attributes, properties characteristics

Resins, reinforcements, chemicals, metals, non-metals

Flow properties (thixotropic)

Pot life

Exothermic and endothermic reactions
4. Sensory cues

Visual and tactile cues relating to viscosity and gelation

The smell of different types of chemicals
5. Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:

Implications of poor application techniques and consolidation

Consequences of slow work, interruptions, environmental conditions, eg dust, humidity
6. Procedures and techniques:

Surface coating and resin application

Reinforcement application

Consolidation

Testing for gelation and cure
7. Theory: rules, principles, laws:

The building sequence

Application of coatings
8. Relationships, systems:

Relationship between defects and end product

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

According to procedures; following regular, consistent, methodical work patterns

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively

Record work done

Report and discuss issues related to the fabrication process, the materials and the environmental conditions

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology effectively and critically

Mixing and applying of coating

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

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

Relate fabrication non-conformances to final product and end use, in terms of safety, customer satisfaction and product life cycle

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

N/A

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	36154	National Certificate: Polymer Composite Fabrication	Level 2	NQF Level 02	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MERSETA
Core	77003	National Certificate: Yacht and Boat Building	Level 2	NQF Level 02	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MERSETA
Core	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
Elective	50542	National Certificate: Small Craft Construction	Level 2	NQF Level 02	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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