SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct tooling, material or equipment trials in plastics manufacturing processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119163  Conduct tooling, material or equipment trials in plastics manufacturing processes 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12664  Conduct mould or material trials in volume manufacturing processes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
In order for me to perform effectively in the field of plastics manufacturing, I will be able to:
  • Determine the performance of new tooling, material or equipment.
  • Identify problems related to the new tooling, material or equipment and make recommendations to overcome these.
  • Apply methods and techniques to test particular performance characteristics and perform evaluations.

    I will also know and understand:
  • The principles, value and purpose of a scientific approach to testing and evaluating.
  • Techniques for designing and implementing testing and evaluation processes.
  • The principles which underpin the need for testing the properties and characteristics of tooling, materials and equipment.

    I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any volume plastics manufacturing process, e.g.
  • Injection moulding.
  • Blow moulding.
  • Various kinds of extrusion.
  • Variations of thermoforming.
  • Rotational moulding.
  • Calendaring.
  • Compression and related moulding processes.
  • Reaction injection moulding.
  • Polymer composites fabrication processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and resin injection.

    The volume production process also includes the regeneration of recycled materials and the manufacture of intermediate products such as sheet, profiles, compounds and master batches.

    The skill, the knowledge and the values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits for this unit standard assume that I have a National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 4 or an equivalent qualification. They also assume that I am working towards my qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates all the required unit standards.

    My learning time will increase if I do not have:
  • A relevant NQF 4 qualification.
  • Experience in a relevant field.

    My learning time will be decreased if I have experience in this field because:
  • My learning programme will be adjusted to build on what I already know.
  • I can apply to have that prior learning recognised. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This standard covers the introduction of any new aspect in the production process. It includes but is not limited to:
  • New tooling, materials or equipment.
  • Redesigned tooling or equipment.
  • New materials, grades, compounds.

    Tooling includes:
  • Moulds for all variants of injection, blow, injection stretch, rotational and compression moulding and variants; thermo and vacuum forming; polymer composite fabrication processes.
  • Dies for extrusion processes.
  • Forming devices such as:
    > Masks.
    > Calibration bars.
    > Chill rolls.
    > Cooling jigs.
    > Die face cutters and pelletisers.
    > Equipment for stretching.
    > Any equipment that shapes the final form of the manufactured product (where product is understood to be finished products as well as intermediate products which are designed for further conversion or assembly).

    This standard may require the learner to involve others in the process. They may carry out parts of the trial under the learner's direction. Learners will be assessed on their ability to brief and advise those other people.

    The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.

    The work reflected in this unit standard is normally performed autonomously. The work will be guided by relevant worksite procedures, manufacturers' specifications and safety, health and environmental legislation. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Collect and evaluate information relevant to the trials. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Information includes trial objectives, product specification, production specification, material specification, tooling construction and operation.

    Trials include trials of tooling, materials and equipment; both new designs and modifications. Trials can be used for producing prototypes or sample products for testing purposes, for troubleshooting or the development of new operating procedures. Evidence of at least two types of trial (tooling, material, equipment) is presented.

    Evaluate includes establishing if the trials are practical or feasible based on machine size; availability of ancillary equipment; inspection of tooling, dies or equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Formulate a project plan, select and brief project team and arrange for necessary resources. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Project plan includes objective(s), evaluation process, data collection methods.

    Project team includes members of the work group required to assist with the process as well as any outside parties.

    Arrange for includes ordering, requisitioning, releasing, completing documentation.

    Resources includes tools, equipment and material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare materials, tooling and equipment for the trial. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Prepare refers to any activity that should be performed before the actual trial begins. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Set up and run trials, collect and verify performance data and complete finishing procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Performance data includes product measurements, cycle times or output rates, process limitations.
  • Finishing procedures include tagging and marking samples according to the project plan, the customer's or the test laboratory's requirements or any local procedures; cleaning up and returning the manufacturing equipment back to production. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Compile and present final report and recommendations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Recommendations includes changes to the product design or the tooling, material or equipment; changes to operating procedures, settings or production parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Engage in discussions with the workgroup and other partners on conducting tooling, material or equipment trials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Data on performance of tooling, material or equipment is collected and evaluated and a recommendation is made. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Data may include processing data, trial specimens, test results of trial specimens, problem lists.
  • Performance includes processing parameters, end product properties vs. specifications, financial impact.
  • Recommendations may include acceptance, rejection with reasons, suggestions for improvements.
  • Evidence of at least two of the following types of trial should be presented:
    > Tooling.
    > Equipment.
    > Materials.

    If the recommendations include a redesign or modification, evidence of the follow-up trial should also be included.

    If there are no opportunities for conducting trials in my own company I may have to find ways of collecting evidence in other contexts, e.g. by using the facilities of material and equipment suppliers or training organisations .
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The project plan and its implementation represent a systematic and methodical approach to the trials. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The data collected and the conclusions generated are valid, reliable and verifiable. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety, health and environmental and other standards are maintained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Project team members perform their role in the trials effectively and efficiently. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Presentation of report and findings is clear and to-the-point. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The trials are performed within practical or specified timeframes without undue wastage of materials or undue delays or interruption of normal production processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Discussions of issues demonstrate that I have an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to conducting tooling, material or equipment trials and an understanding of how these relate to application in practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Issues, key concepts and principles include:
  • Various options for the trials.
  • The salient features of the trials.
  • The data that has been collected.
  • Areas of concern.
  • Justification of choices.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    To obtain credits I must be assessed. The assessment will be based on evidence that I produce. My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:
  • How my assessment is moderated.
  • How I can appeal against the outcome of the assessment.

    Any institution or company which offers learning that will enable me to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.

    My assessment against this standard should meet all the requirements of established principles. It should include practical assessment activities, which are appropriate to the contents of this unit standard. These activities should include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations, etc.

    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 on all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. The specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and practical evidence. My assessment will not only be based on observation but also on other evidence which I compile into a portfolio of evidence. I cannot be assessed only through a written or oral test.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge will be assessed in relation to each other. If I am able to explain the items which fall under the heading of essential embedded knowledge, but am unable to perform the specific outcomes, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'. Similarly, if I am able to perform tasks described under the specific outcomes, but cannot explain or justify them in terms of the fundamental concepts, principles and practice relevant to the level of the unit standard that underpins my skill, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'.

    I will also be assessed on my ability to apply the principles and techniques related to the critical cross-field outcomes, not only in terms of what I can demonstrate, but also in terms of what I know and can discuss.

    My assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and even in conjunction with my assessment for the qualification as a whole. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:

    1. Names and functions of:
  • Equipment, materials, additives and tooling related to the trials.

    2. Purpose of:
  • Obtaining and working with base-line information.
  • Working methodically and reducing the impact of multiple variables.
  • Recording all information.

    3. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Properties of materials.
  • Attributes of different tooling or equipment designs.
  • Attributes of different types of trial.

    4. Processes and events:
  • Planning and preparation processes.
  • Setting up and trialling processes.
  • Recording and reporting processes.

    5. Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Impact of the change of any single variable.
  • Impact of changes because of the interrelationship of variables.
  • Impact of changes on the process and process capability.

    6. Procedures and techniques:
  • Running trials with a methodical change of variables.
  • Determining mathematically or empirically the starting points, setting positions and parameters.
  • Sampling, tagging and marking procedures.

    7. Sensory cues:
  • Related to the manufacturing process which indicate that the process is compromised or that problems will occur.

    8. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Safety, health and environmental issues related to the trials.
  • Materials handling.

    9. Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Summarising data (sum, average, difference, deviations, trends).
  • Scientific principles and techniques.
  • Relevant mathematics and statistics.
  • Relevant engineering and polymer processing principles.
  • Impact of changing variables on underlying physical and chemical properties.

    10. Categories:
  • Materials.
  • Tooling designs.
  • Equipment designs.

    11. Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship between the trials and the production needs and end-use requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Anticipate possible problems and plan a process to test for those problems and implement changes.
  • Determine gaps and problem areas and respond appropriately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Co-ordinate the efforts of the project team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan a project to test and evaluate an unknown situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Determine a set of parameters for optimum performance, collect trial data and compare to parameters to determine gaps or problem areas (see identify and solve problems). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
  • Brief project team members on their roles in the project plan for each trial.
  • Present findings to interested parties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
  • Conduct trials using scientific method.
  • Determine effects of new tooling, material or equipment technology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Determine optimum criteria to satisfy requirements for quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness, safety, health and the environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    My assessor will be registered and have a plastics manufacturing qualification at NQF 6 or higher. In the absence of assessors with such qualifications, the ETQA can make interim arrangements. My assessor should also be active in the industry and be familiar with the materials, machinery, products and level of technology in which I have contextualised my skills and knowledge. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 12664, "Conduct mould or material trials in volume manufacturing processes", Level 5, 12 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49448   National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  57122   National Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.