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

Perform heat treatment processes on engineering metals 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
13275  Perform heat treatment processes on engineering metals 
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  8 
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 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in field of engineering.

The learning outcomes in this unit standard also contribute to the exit level outcomes required for various NQF level 3 engineering qualifications.

Qualifying learners are able to demonstrate knowledge of the heat treatment of metals, complete a range of heat treatment processes and test the metal condition after processing. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their alloys are covered by this unit standard and the range of heat treatments include homogenising, annealing, normalising, stress relieving, hardening and tempering. This unit standard applies to furnace and surface heat treatment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This unit standard has been designed as the start of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for materials and testing within the field of engineering.

The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already learned to identify engineering metals, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments used in engineering. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
The scope and level of this unit standard is determined by the ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes.

Work will be done under supervision. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Discuss and explain the heat treatment of metals. 
OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Discuss the effects of heat treatment on metals
  • Describe the phases in the range for a micro structure
  • Explain the phases in terms of percentage carbon increase in the alloy, phase transformation with changing temperature and the eutectic and eutectoid phase transformations
  • Explain the consequences of using incorrect cooling rates
  • Explain the principles and common use of temperature-time-transformations (TTT) and continuous-cooling-transformation diagrams and jominy curves 
    		•
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • The effects of heat treatment are explained in terms of changes in metal geometry, e.g. the softening of material to improve its machinability, the hardening of material to improve its wear resistance, pre-treatment metal condition, and handling requirements.
  • Phase transformation of micro structures would involve ferritic, perlitic and martensitic processes. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The heat treatment of metals is discussed and explained in relation to the content of the specific outcome above. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Parts are heat treated to specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Determine heat treatment requirements. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Read and interpret job instructions
  • Select appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium
  • Determine sequence of operations 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The heat treatment of metals is discussed and explained in relation to the content of the specific outcome above. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Parts are heat treated to specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare materials and equipment for heat treatment process. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Select and prepare heat treatment equipment
  • Lay out parts for heat treatment
  • Prepare, stack, suspend or load parts for heat treatment 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The heat treatment of metals is discussed and explained in relation to the content of the specific outcome above. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Parts are heat treated to specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete heat treatment of metals. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Prepare a micro structure to reveal the phases in the range for metals
  • Start up and operate heat treatment equipment
  • Remove parts
  • Inspect and test heat treated parts
  • Pack and store parts 
    		•
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Testing and inspection include hardness testing, inspection for fracture or crazing, and distortion 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The heat treatment of metals is discussed and explained in relation to the content of the specific outcome above. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Parts are heat treated to specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Recognise and report problems, changes and/or malfunctions while working. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Work safely with due care for self, fellow workers, equipment, materials and the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The heat treatment of metals is discussed and explained in relation to the content of the specific outcome above. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Parts are heat treated to specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators
    1. Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content
    2. Appropriate heat treatment process and quenching medium are selected for metal and condition required
    3. Heat treatment equipment selected is relevant to process
    4. Appropriate tests and inspections on heat treated parts are performed and repeated as necessary to determine the nature of the problem and/or obtain the required results s
    5. Worksite procedures are adhered to
    6. Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel
    7. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained
    8. Work is carried out in a safe manner

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • The heat treatment of metals
  • The heat treatment process - sequence, procedures and techniques
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment
  • Equipment used
  • Personal protective equipment used
  • Applicable theory

    Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the MERSETA Education and Training Quality Assuror who has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.

    The learner can be assessed in the language of his/her choice although s/he has to report incidents or conditions to someone else. The learner will be assessed on his/her ability to report in the language commonly used in his/her working environment.

    The learner will be assessed in the workplace but s/he can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.

    The learner 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 
    Names & functions of:
  • Heat treatment equipment
  • Personal protective equipment

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Phase transformation of microstructures
  • The effects of heat treatment on metals
  • Heat treatment processes
  • Safety hazards associated with heat treatment

    Purpose of:
  • Heat treatment
  • Inspection and testing

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Causes of and responses to common problems
  • Implications of using incorrect heat treatment process and/or equipment, not reporting problems in work area

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Heat treatment procedures

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

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable metallurgical theory as it relates to the heat treatment of metal parts

    Relationships, systems:
  • The role of the heat treatment process in the manufacture of a component 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise and respond to problems while heat treating metal parts 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Collect sensory and numeric information from the heat treatment process and the completed assembly
  • Classify the information and identify deviations from the norm 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Record and document all activities related to the heat treatment process 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Understand and explain the metallurgical theory relevant to the heat treatment of metal parts 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • The role of the heat treatment process in the manufacture of a component 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  22871   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication (light or heavy)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  MERSETA 
    Elective  23274   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-06-25  MERSETA 
    Elective  23255   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  23278   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-10-22  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  91926   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  23280   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Tooling Manufacture  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-10-22  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  58721   Further Education and Training Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  59731   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.
     
    1. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    2. ANGLO PLATINUM - ENGINEERING SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE 
    3. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    4. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    5. Majuba FET College - Central Office 


    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.