Elements and Performance Criteria

Classes of materials, based on properties
Classes of materials:
Non-ferrous metals and alloys - Copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, tin and their alloys; ferrous metals - Carbon steels, alloy steels, cast irons; bearing materials; lubricants; non-metals - timber, concrete, ceramics, polymers and fabrics, adhesives, electrical insulation materials; thermal conductors and insulators; electrical conductors, semiconductors and insulators
Properties of materials:
Strength, elasticity, plasticity, malleability, toughness, brittleness, fatigue endurance, mouldability, weldability, machinability, formability, resistance to creep and stress relaxation, resistance to degradation (eg. use of plastic fillers to enhance UV resistance), adhesion; electrical, magnetic, thermal, chemical and optical; material structure and effect on properties
Other factors:
Corrosion and corrosion protection methods.
The effect of manufacturing and construction processes on material properties.
The effect of property enhancement on design (eg. adhesives plus sintering replacing some forging and machining of gears on shafts)
Cost:
Manufacture of material and source of material; typical applications and possibilities

Mechanical engineering
The engineering discipline concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture, implementation, installation, commissioning and maintenance of mechanical products, processes, systems or services for converting energy into power and motion, materials into product and components into machines and systems for domestic, industrial, public or private services, entertainment and military applications.

Manufacturing engineering
Manufacturing engineering includes conceptual development, design, manufacture, construction, implementation, installation, optimisation, commissioning and maintenance of resources and processes employed for the manufacture of product and components, machines and systems for domestic, commercial, industrial, entertainment, civil, medical or military applications

Australia's national measurement system
National Standards Commission (legal metrology); Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation (physical standards); National Association of Testing Authorities, Aust. (Laboratory accreditation); Standards Australia International Ltd (AS standards specifications)

Sources of information
Includes reference texts, manufacturer's catalogues and industrial magazines, websites, use of phone, email and fax information gathering.

Standards councils/ societies/ authorities/regulatory bodies
AS: Australian; ASTM : American Society of Testing materials; MIL Spec.:US Military Specification; ASME: American Society of Manufacturing Engineers; ISO : International Standards Organisation

Standards and codes
NDT and mechanical test standards; chemical test standards; electrical test standards; compliance test standards for components

Tests of materials
Destructive including tensile, compression, impact, hardness, fatigue, corrosion, stress relaxation and creep, fatigue , peel resistance (adhesives).
Non Destructive including Hardness, Ultrasonics, X-ray, Die Penetrant, Eddy current, Surface Friction, conductivity, heat expansion, photoelastic. Heat capacity refractive index, magnetic hysteresis loop.

Traceability
Test calibrations can be traced back to the relevant base unit in the relevant Measurement System

Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to select and test mechanical engineering materials.

Context of assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

Interdependent assessment
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with selecting and testing mechanical engineering materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Consistency of performance
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

selecting class of materials for an application based on comparison of properties for a significant range of materials classes
selecting class of materials for an application suitable to production and construction methods and processes
identifying, overcoming or compensating for common characteristics, faults or flaws in materials or product
identifying test methods for materials and components, specific industrial test standards and regulations for particular engineering applications
identifying test methods for faults or flaws in materials and components or product
selecting materials following an extensive search of appropriate sources of information including manufacturer's catalogues and websites
selecting appropriate tests from a range of possible tests, following an extensive search of appropriate sources of information including manufacturer's catalogues and websites
satisfying applicable standards and regulations for materials and components
sourcing materials test certificates and using the material properties information from them
sourcing and implementing Materials Safety Data Sheets
implementing tests correctly for materials and component faults and properties of materials
selecting testing methods appropriate to applications
obtaining appropriate test sheets / certificates for applications
obtaining appropriate Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for application
completing reports, records and design documentation
addressing environmental impact and sustainability issues
reporting, recording and filing test reports and documentation
implementing materials tests and test sheets/certificates, test calibration and traceability

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

properties of materials classes
the effect of material properties on production and construction methods and processes
the effect of characteristics, faults or flaws in materials on product and processes
test methods for materials and components, specific industrial test standards, regulations and authorities related to particular engineering applications
test methods for faults or flaws in materials and components or product
methods of accessing and using alternative information sources
test procedures and typical applications for tests
sources and uses of information on materials, materials tests, test certificates, regulations, standards, regulatory bodies and industrial authorities
methods of accessing Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
identification of materials for an application based on comparison of properties of materials
identification of test for an application based on an understanding of its ability to measure specific material or product properties
significance of test sheets / certificates to applications
the need for obtaining and filing test sheets / certificates
significance of MSDSs and relevance of procedures
materials selections in relation to design functional requirements
environmental impact and sustainability assessment
significance of test reports and documentation to applications
significance of reporting and recording procedures
significance of materials tests and test sheets/certificates, test calibration and traceability
significance of MSDS to applications
significance of reporting and recording procedures

Communicating ideas and information
(0)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(0)

Planning and organising activities
(0)

Working with others and in teams
(0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(0)

Solving problems
(0)

Using technology
(0)