Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Die support
Die support is the specified toolstack dimensions that will support dies, according to the force the extruder can exert.
Container
The container is the part of the extruder that holds the billet and billet support components.
Support tooling
Support tooling is the name given to the various pieces of tooling (e.g. bolsters that provide stiffness to the die during extrusion).
Die holder
Die holders accommodate the diesets (feeder plate, die plate and backer). Die holders are the first components in toolstacks.
Bolster
Bolsters are deep discs of steel that provide stiffness in the toolstack to allow the die to remain flat and thus do its work properly. The term bolster includes any inserts designed to cut the cost of support tooling.
Die slide
The die slide is the part of the extruder that accommodates the dies and other tooling that makes up the toolstack.
Toolstack
The toolstack is the assembly of die, feeder plate and backer, holder and support tooling that fits into the die slide.
Die
The die is the part of the tooling that creates the extrusion shape as the metal is pressed through it.
Bearing
The die contains bearings of various lengths. Bearings are lands that act as frictional controls on metal flow. The bearing is an outline of the extrusion shape cut through the die to the highest precision possible.
Feeder plate
The feeder plate precedes the die and provides an additional degree of flow control. It is also described as a control plate. It is bolted to the die and backer, forming the dieset.
Backer
The die must be given support against the force needed to make metal flow. The first item of this support is the backer. Backer profiles are usually slightly larger than die apertures (precision cut) and are not high precision items.
Platen plate
The platen plate or pressure ring is set into the front wall of the press as a replaceable feature. Platen plates take up the forces applied to the toolstack and transmit them to the extruder structure.
Primary and secondary bolsters
Some larger press operate with a combination of single, one piece bolsters for special shapes and a split system of primary and secondary bolsters.
The primary bolster is usually deeper than the secondary and provides the main support. It is cut closer to the die aperture than the secondary bolster which closely follows the primary aperture so as to back it up.
Secondary bolsters are likely to be shared by several primary bolsters.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to take a systematic approach to correcting solid and hollow dies and their die support systems, including conducting trial extrusions to verify corrections. Proper use of hand and power tools and workshop machines is required in undertaking corrections.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
comply with WHS, regulatory requirements and risk management associated with extruder operation and die handling
relate intended changes to bearings, apertures, other die components, and toolstack components to particular extrusion faults
adjust metal flow using workshop machines, hand tools and handheld power tools to correct bearings
maintain bearings and other die components to specification
identify situations where die or other components must be either scrapped or returned to die manufacturer
supervise or conduct trial extrusions to verify corrections
report and document results of corrections.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed on the job with access to the extruder for which the die has been designed and relevant die and extrusion records. Access to hand and machine tools, including a milling machine, surface grinder and relevant hand and power tools, are also required.
The competencies covered by this unit would usually be demonstrated by an individual working in a team environment that includes extruder operators, die designers and die makers. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit may be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, hand tools, machine operation, recording and reporting associated with die correcting.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.