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: 

Set up and start CNC machining processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243024  Set up and start CNC machining processes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
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  14 
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 
This unit standard reflects the skills required to:
  • Select, lay out and secure tools and fixtures for a variety of products and machining operations.
  • Set up the equipment and produce an approved first-off.
  • Resolve setup problems.
  • Produce products which meet quality and output requirements.

    It also reflects the understanding of:
  • Machining and programming principles.
  • Error conditions, faults and malfunctions.

    This unit standard would be assessed in the context of:
  • A machining centre.
  • A CNC lathe or turning centre.
  • Any other equipment in which material is removed to form the part, eg cutting, boring, grinding.

    The skills, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the Exit Level Outcomes required for the National Certificate in CNC Production Machining: NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following competencies are assumed:
  • Communication and Literacy, NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 2.

    In addition, learners are assumed to have relevant skills at NQF Level 2 in the context of CNC machining processes using computer numeric controlled equipment. This includes an understanding of control systems, set up procedures and the requirements of the finished product.

    This assumption forms the basis for the allocation of credits for this unit standard. If a learner does not have such experience or qualifications, the learning time will be increased. The allocation of credits is also based on the assumption that the learner will be following a learning programme which integrates the required unit standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Machines that are set can be:
  • Machining centres.
  • CNC lathes or turning centres.
  • Any other equipment in which material is removed to form the part, e.g. cutting, boring, grinding.

    Reference to machining in this unit standard includes all of the above processes.

    Further information on the scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Perform pre-operational procedures and plan and prepare for setup process. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pre-operational procedures include checking lubrication, programming systems for functionality, collecting and arranging necessary equipment and tooling at workstation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All planning and preparation work is carried out consistently, systematically and according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Manufacturers' specifications are checked and incorporated into the planning process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All checks and related activities are carried out with due care for the equipment, the materials and the quality of the final product. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select, lay out and secure tools and fixtures and set up the equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Tools and fixtures include attachments, jigs and securing fixtures.
  • Lay out includes sequencing the tools.
  • Set up includes zero-points, tool off-sets, home position, tool changing position. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Evidence demonstrates that the learner has performed setting processes for a variety of products over a period of time. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All work is carried out consistently, systematically and according to standard operating procedures and manufacturers' specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All operations are carried out with due care for the equipment, the materials and the quality of the final product. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All operations are carried out in a manner which will not impact on the safety and health of the learner, the people around him/her or the environment in general. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The manner in which operations are carried out includes the control of spillages, prevention of oil and water leaks, energy efficiency, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The work area is returned to a clean and tidy state after the set up operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select, load and secure material, and unload finished product. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Material includes ferrous and non-ferrous material, plastics and any other machine-able material or components
  • Loading/unloading includes manual loading and making use of lifting equipment.
  • Securing includes clamping job to table. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct material is chosen according to the specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Loading, securing and unloading operations are carried out with due care for the equipment, the materials and the quality of the final product. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All operations are carried out in a manner which will not impact on the safety and health of the learner, the people around him/her or the environment in general. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The manner in which operations are carried out includes the control of spillages, prevention of oil and water leaks, energy efficiency, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Set up equipment, produce first-offs and obtain quality approval. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Set up includes determining datums, setting tool offsets, selecting and loading programme, testing setup. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The first-off samples meet all quality requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Evidence demonstrates that the learner has performed setting and start up processes for a variety of products over a period of time. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Error conditions and quality issues are recognised and corrected effectively and timeously. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential deviations are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken which will minimise downtime or production losses in the future. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
  • Assessment criterion type: Indicator.
  • This assessment criterion is designed to establish that the learner has sufficient experience and knowledge in order to anticipate problems and respond proactively. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Deviations are restricted to common processing problems related to the process or the product.
  • Corrective action can include adjustments to equipment, or calling for specific assistance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Recording of data corresponds to the requirements of the appropriate statistical process control method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Response to questioning about error conditions and quality issues indicates an understanding of the key concepts and theoretical principles related to machining, the various machining methods, the functioning of machinery and quality requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Key concepts include:
  • Machining and programming principles.
  • Productivity.
  • Meeting production standards.
  • Procedures and their purpose.
  • Housekeeping.
  • Safety.
  • Working with others.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Response to questioning about problems indicates sufficient experience, knowledge and understanding of typical issues encountered in the CNC manufacturing environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
  • Assessment criterion type: Indicator.
  • This assessment criteria is designed to ascertain the ability of the learner to think reflectively and learn from past experience. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Hand over to production personnel (operator) and ensure that the process runs smoothly. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Hand over includes monitoring the production process to ensure that there are no problems and informing or instructing the operator with regard to the particular quality issues for the product. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Instructions are clear and take into account all critical issues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indica. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Questions are clarified and understanding of the instructions is confirmed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Output and quality requirements are met. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The manufacturing process is not interrupted by inadequate supply of material and consumables. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work area is kept clean and tidy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Waste material is collected regularly and disposed of according to procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Disposal includes segregation of waste and non-conforming product.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Recording of data corresponds to the requirements of the appropriate statistical process control method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Identify and report or rectify typical set up or production problems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The learner would rectify problems that are within the scope of his/her responsibility and which occur most frequently. Arcane or one-of-kind problems are excluded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Deviations and non-conformances are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken to minimise downtime or production losses. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Deviations are restricted to common processing problems related to the process or the product.
  • Corrective action can include adjustments to equipment, or calling for specific assistance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Recording of data corresponds to the requirements of the appropriate statistical process control method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The learner is able to provide evidence that he/she can identify and correct problems in a range of products requiring a variety of machining or turning operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Discuss principles, issues and problems relating to the planning, preparation, set up and hand over of the production process with relevant personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Discussions and responses to questions indicate an understanding of the key concepts and theoretical principles of machining, the various machining methods, and the functioning of machinery. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Key concepts include:
  • Machining and programming principles.
  • Productivity.
  • Meeting production standards.
  • Procedures and their purpose.
  • Housekeeping.
  • Safety.
  • Working with others.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Discussions and responses to questions indicate an understanding of issues related to routine problems encountered while working. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discussions and responses to questions indicate the learner is able to reflect on experience and to link theoretical issues to practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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 the assessment is moderated.
  • How a learner can appeal against the outcome of the assessment.

    Any institution or company which offers learning to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
    The integrated assessment should be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will specify how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Evaluating evidence in a portfolio of evidence, particularly projects which integrate various aspects of the unit standard and which demonstrate the integration of knowledge, skills and values, and the development of the critical outcomes.
  • Observing and listening to the learner at work, both in primary activities as well as in other interactions, or in relevant simulations.
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding and to verify other evidence.
  • Looking at records and reports.
  • Formative assessment.

    Assessment of competence for this unit standard is based on experience acquired by the learner in the workplace, within the particular machining context. The assessment process should cover the explicit tasks required for the unit standard as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the setting up of equipment and starting of the machining process.

    Assessment criteria of the type 'Results achieved' should be regarded as critical to the achievement of this unit standard.

    The assessment process should also establish how the learning process has advanced the Critical Cross-field Outcomes.

    The learner may choose in which language he/she wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    Assessors should also evaluate evidence that the learner has been performing consistently over a period of time.

    The assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and in conjunction with the 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:

    Names & functions of:
  • Machine parts.
  • Tools, equipment.
  • Specifications, instructions.
  • Consumables.
  • Services.
  • Maintenance and safety functions on the equipment.
  • Standards.
  • Time frames.
  • Efficiency.
  • Wastage or spoilage.
  • Offsets.

    Purpose of:
  • Machine efficiency.
  • Safety equipment.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Machine parts; services.
  • Safety equipment.

    Processes and events:
  • Alarms.
  • Preparation, quality assurance.
  • Starting up, shutting down.
  • Fires.
  • Evacuation drills.
  • Power failures.

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Injuries.
  • Damage to equipment.
  • Effect of poor maintenance.
  • Power failures.
  • Equipment.
  • Poorly trained personnel.
  • Poor lighting, housekeeping.
  • Effects of quality control.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Safety procedures, routine operations.
  • Use proprietary CNC software.
  • Housekeeping.
  • Use of tools.
  • Starting up, shutting down.
  • Adjusting process parameters.
  • Taking corrective action.
  • Reporting and recording.

    Sensory cues:
  • Tactile, olfactory and aural cues related to routine operations, materials and product quality, damage or fault detection.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Related to safety, health and environment.
  • Standards, operating procedures.
  • Organisational policies and rules relating to routine operations.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Principles of the process e.g. lean manufacturing.
  • Principles of machining and programming.
  • Contextualisation of concepts related to torque, energy.
  • Temperature.
  • Lubrication.
  • Materials.
  • Hydraulics, pneumatics.

    Categories:
  • Hazardous materials.
  • Personnel.
  • Tools.
  • Equipment.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship and integration of stores, conversion, dispatch and maintenance departments to achieve quality production (value chain). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise and solve problems relating to set up of equipment and starting manufacturing process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others:
  • When setting up equipment and starting manufacturing process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • When selecting, laying out and securing tools and fixtures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • When planning and preparing for set-up. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • With rest of manufacturing team. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Use CNC and ancillary equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Understand the impact of inaccurate set up on first-off product and mass-produced product. 
    		•

    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  57877   National Certificate: CNC Production Machining  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  91926   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.