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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Fabricate a polymer composite product 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110281  Fabricate a polymer composite product 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
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 2  NQF Level 02 
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 
People in the field of polymer composite fabrication require the skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard. The fabrication of composites requires the combination of two or more different materials to form a product. What makes composites unique is that a composite material is formed at the same time as the structure itself is being fabricated. This means that the person who is making the structure is creating the properties of the resultant composite material, and so the manufacturing processes that are used have an unusually critical part to play in determining the performance of the resultant structure. Composites are not like metals, where a sheet might be made in one factory and shaped into a car roof in another. With composites it all happens at once. The products are often subjected to considerable or sometimes extreme stress when in operation and the manufacturing process needs to be consistent and accurate.
Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Fabricate a polymer composite product
    The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Polymer Composite Fabrication (NQF Level 2) and related qualifications. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression and reflects the first level of composite fabrication skill. It is one of a series of unit standards for activities at and above this level. The credits assigned to it are based on the assumption that I am learning what is needed for this unit standard as part of my learning for a range of related unit standards. If I have experience in these related activities but do not have credits for them, I can obtain credits by being assessed through a process that recognises prior learning. If I do not have such experience of related activities, then my learning time will be increased. I can choose to be assessed and obtain credits against those other unit standards as I make progress towards the outcomes of this unit standard.

    The learning for this unit standard is very closely related to the learning for Identify and work with materials for polymer composite fabrication. The two unit standards may be assessed at the same time. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes determine the scope and level of this unit standard.
    All work is performed under supervision. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply surface coating. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Refers to open mould but excludes spray processes
    Surface material: gel coat, in-mould coating
    Tools: brushes and rollers 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Refer to consolidated assessment criteria in specific outcome 4. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply body of resin and reinforcement materials, and consolidate into a laminate. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Materials: resins, solid fillers, fibre reinforcements, ribs, stiffeners
    Tools: brushes and rollers 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Refer to consolidated assessment criteria in specific outcome 4. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply surface coatings to back of laminates. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Materials: topcoat, flow coats
    Tools: brushes and rollers 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Refer to consolidated assessment criteria in specific outcome 4. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Prepare edges, align components and apply resin and reinforcements to join composite parts. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Simple lap joints, right angles 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The assessment criteria have been formulated in this way to provide guidance to assessors:
  • for the purposes of integrated assessment
  • to achieve a balance between performing tasks and understanding
  • to focus on the achievement of the purpose of the unit standard

    Results achieved
  • A fabricated composite product is produced

    Indicators
  • Fabricated product meets standards
  • Fabricated product can be consistently fabricated within the time standards
  • Resins and reinforcements are applied according to specifications
  • Ratio of resin and reinforcement is uniform across the whole fabrication
  • Products are properly cured
  • Work is performed with due regard to the safety and health of self, fellow workers and the environment in general and appropriate safety equipment is used
  • Working area is kept neat and cleaned after use
  • Tools and equipment are cared for, cleaned and stored according to manufacturing standards
  • Correct tools are identified

    Understanding confirmed
    Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
  • Waste and waste levels
  • Processing of materials
  • The curing process
  • The incorrect use of surface coatings
  • Build sequence
  • Behaviour of materials 


  • UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the MERSETA Education and Training Quality Assurance Body, which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. My assessor will be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.
    I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.
    I will be assessed in the workplace but I can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.
    I can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Names & functions of:
  • Different coatings
  • Release agents
  • Different defects and deformities
  • Different reinforcements
    2. Purpose of:
  • Surface preparation and secondary bonding
  • Various layers, resins and reinforcement types
    3. Attributes, properties characteristics
  • Resins, reinforcements, chemicals, metals, non-metals
  • Flow properties (thixotropic)
  • Pot life
  • Exothermic and endothermic reactions
    4. Sensory cues
  • Visual and tactile cues relating to viscosity and gelation
  • The smell of different types of chemicals
    5. Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of poor application techniques and consolidation
  • Consequences of slow work, interruptions, environmental conditions, eg dust, humidity
    6. Procedures and techniques:
  • Surface coating and resin application
  • Reinforcement application
  • Consolidation
  • Testing for gelation and cure
    7. Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • The building sequence
  • Application of coatings
    8. Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship between defects and end 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
  • Anticipate, identify and respond to fabrication problems 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • According to procedures; following regular, consistent, methodical work patterns 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • Record work done
  • Report and discuss issues related to the fabrication process, the materials and the environmental conditions 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • Mixing and applying of coating 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Relate fabrication non-conformances to final product and end use, in terms of safety, customer satisfaction and product life cycle 

  • 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  36154   National Certificate: Polymer Composite Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Core  77003   National Certificate: Yacht and Boat Building  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Core  50543   National Certificate: Small Craft Construction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2009-08-31  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  50542   National Certificate: Small Craft Construction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2009-08-31  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.