Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:49 AM AWST
23/07/2026 6:49 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Design structural/mechanical polymer components
Design structural/mechanical polymer components
Unit of competency
National Code
PMBTECH603B
PMBTECH603B
State Code
W7707
W7707
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/06/2011
Field of Education
030701 - Mechanical Engineering
Original Release Date
07/06/2011
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This competency covers the mechanical/structural design of components which are to be made from polymeric materials. It applies the traditional engineering structures to viscoelastic materials.This competency is typically performed by senior technicians/technologists who are designing, or part of a team, designing polymeric structures or polymeric mechanical components.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine mechanical/ structural design requirements.
- 1.1 Determine stress/strain requirements of end use.
- 1.2 Determine flexural/rigidity requirements of end use.
- 1.3 Determine required physical properties (such as size, shape, density) of end use.
- 1.4 Determine environmental requirements (physical, chemical, radiation) of end product.
- 1.5 Identify how component fits with entire end product.
- 1.6 Develop mechanical design brief and verify with appropriate people.
2. Select material(s) and additives, including reinforcing, appropriate for the design brief.
- 2.1 Select material/combination of materials with appropriate physical properties.
- 2.2 Select material/combination of materials with appropriate chemical properties.
- 2.3 Select material/combination of materials with appropriate radiation resistance properties.
- 2.4 Arrange for compounding and testing of possible material(s) as appropriate.
- 2.5 Determine relevant properties of selected material/shortlisted materials.
3. Undertake mechanical design of component.
- 3.1 Calculate size and shape/profile of component to meet design brief.
- 3.2 Liaise with product developer to also deliver required aesthetic aspects.
- 3.3 Liaise with product developer/production to ensure efficiency in manufacture.
- 3.4 Suggest modifications to material(s)/compound as required.
4. Design jointing/joining/ other product interfaces.
- 4.1 Liaise with designers of other components.
- 4.2 Agree on interface requirements/joints/joining as appropriate.
- 4.3 Design suitable interfaces.
- 4.4 Check interface design to ensure it meets the end use requirements without sacrificing integrity.
5. Finalise design.
- 5.1 Check internal consistency of design.
- 5.2 Check overall design meets end use requirements.
- 5.3 Write component specification.
- 5.4 Liaise with product developer/production to write production specification/procedures.
- 5.5 Supervise manufacture and testing of prototypes/manufacturing trials as appropriate.
- 5.6 Finalise specifications and manufacturing processes, complete all reports.
- 5.7 Ensure project records are complete and all required reports have been completed and submitted.
- 5.8 Archive records according to company procedure.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency unit is for the design of a new product or a component of a new product which has a significant structural or mechanical requirement. It assumes an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.
This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. The competency assumes a working knowledge of all main processes and polymer materials so that an informed choice can be made between them.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency unit is for the design of a new product or a component of a new product which has a significant structural or mechanical requirement. It assumes an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.
This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. The competency assumes a working knowledge of all main processes and polymer materials so that an informed choice can be made between them.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this training package.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical aspect for this unit of competency is the ability to apply a thorough understanding of polymer materials, their additives and the rheological, heat and other effects of processing to the design of a new mechanical or structural component. The ability to modify both compound design and mechanical design to optimise the results should be evident. The designed product must not only be fit for its purpose but also capable of efficient manufacture for an appropriate price.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using industrial situations and equipment using industrial polymers and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
using appropriate, industrial equipment, situations and polymers
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical aspect for this unit of competency is the ability to apply a thorough understanding of polymer materials, their additives and the rheological, heat and other effects of processing to the design of a new mechanical or structural component. The ability to modify both compound design and mechanical design to optimise the results should be evident. The designed product must not only be fit for its purpose but also capable of efficient manufacture for an appropriate price.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using industrial situations and equipment using industrial polymers and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
using appropriate, industrial equipment, situations and polymers
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAH87 | PMBTECH603 | Design structural/mechanical polymer components | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W528 | MSA60108 | Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology | Qualification |
| W403 | PMB60107 | Advanced Diploma of Polymer Technology | Qualification |