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: 

Produce pressure die castings 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264059  Produce pressure die castings 
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  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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for people who work, or intend to work in a manufacturing process or similar environment where metal pressure die-castings are produced for sale. The skills, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard will contribute towards the achievement of a National Certificate in Foundry Operations at NQF Level 3. Equipment operated in this unit standard is against a set of specific instructions.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Plan to produce pressure die castings.
  • Prepare and set up pressure die casting equipment.
  • Produce pressure die castings.
  • Shut down pressure die casting machine. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that the learner has a National Certificate in Foundry Operations NQF Level 2 or an equivalent qualification. It also assume that the learner is working towards a qualification as part of a learning programme, which integrates all the required unit standards.

    The learning time will increase if the learner does not have:
  • A relevant NQF Level 2 qualification.
  • Experience in a relevant field.
  • Demonstrated competence in the interpretation of technical drawings.
  • Demonstrated competence in producing moulds.
  • Relevant quality awareness principles and procedures.

    The learning time will be decreased if the learner has experience in this field because:
  • The learning programme will be adjusted to build on what the learner already knows.
  • The learner can apply to have prior learning recognised. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.
  • This unit standard applies to pressure die casting into a permanent die.
  • Pressure die casting process includes high and low pressure machines; and hot or cold chambers.
  • Metal is limited to non-ferrous metal. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan to produce pressure die castings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Production plan is interpreted and a sequence of work is planned according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work area is inspected and prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Materials are checked to ensure adequate supply for job requirements according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Materials include filters, strainers, cores and inserts.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Team members are informed of planned work activity according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare and set up pressure die casting equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct die is selected and installed in line with production plan and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operational parameters are set and verified against job specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parameters include fill time, freeze time, shot speed, shot pressure, dwell time, closing time, ejector dwell, spray and preparation time.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pressure die casting process is started in line with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Non-conformances are identified and appropriate corrective action taken according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate safety, health and environmental principles and procedures are applied according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Produce pressure die castings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Machine operations are performed in line with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Functions and sequence of operations is monitored and controlled for each phase of the casting process in line with product specifications and worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Machine settings include metal temperatures, cooling water flow, cooling airflow and die temperature.
  • Machine functions include first and second stage of molten metal injection, operation of mechanism that forces molten metal into die and closed tool, solidification cycle, opening of die, part ejection and closing of die.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Molten metal holding vessel is maintained at operating level and temperature in line with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Melt condition is maintained according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Melt condition includes even circulation of melt and removal of dross.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    First off castings are examined for conformance with product specifications in line with worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examinations include visual, physical, gauge measurement, x-ray, weighing and critical dimension checks.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Conditions that contribute to inferior and/or reject castings are monitored and appropriate corrective action taken to minimise downtime or production losses according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Casting defects and process problems include poor casting fill, blisters, pinholes or craters, lamination, soldering, dragging, die erosion, ejector pin push, bending and metal build up.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Segregation between conforming and non-conforming product is maintained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Castings are handled without damage and in line with worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Handling includes degating and deflashing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Castings are examined for quality assurance traceability in line with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Appropriate safety, health and environmental principles and procedures are applied according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Shut down pressure die casting machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Machine is cleaned in line with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate safety, health and environmental principles and procedures are applied according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Faults are identified and the appropriate corrective action taken according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Machine is shut down and cleaned in line with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Applicable production documents are completed and processed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Production output and throughput is reported according to standard operating procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 4 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency. Only an Assessor with suitable first hand experience in process operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Things I know and can explain:

    Names and functions of:
  • Pressure die casting machines, equipment, consumables and materials.
  • Casting cycle phases.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Pressure die casting machines and equipment.
  • Pressure die casting consumables and materials.
  • Release agents
  • Die/mould coating.
  • Machine settings.
  • Pressure die casting cycles.
  • Indicators of quality product.
  • Product inspection processes.

    Sensory cues:
  • Relating to producing pressure die castings.

    Purpose of:
  • Applying die/mould coat.
  • Producing pressure die castings.
  • Verifying quality requirements during planning.
  • Monitoring conditions that contribute to inferior and/or reject castings.
  • Monitoring product quality.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Importance of production flow.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Applicable worksite procedures.
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental principles and procedures.
  • Planning techniques.
  • Die selection.
  • Applying die/mould coating.
  • Equipment start up and shut down.
  • Monitoring process conditions.
  • Maintaining melt condition.
  • Removing castings from die.
  • Product compliance checking.
  • Casting segregation and storage.
  • Product handling.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.

    Theory, rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable engineering, production and metallurgical rules, principles and laws.

    Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship between die preparation and quality 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:
  • Relating to producing pressure die castings. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team group, organization or community:
  • To achieve the pressure die casting objectives. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage my activities and myself:
  • By planning my own work and meeting my production schedule requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • By interpreting job instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • By reporting non-conforming process and product. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • To produce pressure die castings. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • How non-conforming pressure die castings affect company bottom line and customer relations. 
    		•

    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
    Elective  66449   National Certificate: Foundry Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2013-11-07  MERSETA 


    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.