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

Write computer numerical controlled (CNC) programmes for CNC machining centres using proprietary software 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
13333  Write computer numerical controlled (CNC) programmes for CNC machining centres using proprietary software 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  30 
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 the field of engineering machining.

Qualifying learners are able to write programmes for a three or more axis CNC machining centre using proprietary computer software. This includes writing programmes for operations such as the machining of complex surfaces and may use sub routines. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression.

The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learners has already learned to:
  • Write simple computer numerical controlled (CNC) programmes and set and operate a CNC machine 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The CNC programmes written may apply to a variety of machines and processes.

    Problems of a technical nature are resolved in consultation with technical advisors. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to write programme. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Select appropriate software
  • Interpret drawings and specifications and determine machining sequence
  • Select appropriate tools for the task 
    		•
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    CNC programming must include writing for operations such as the machining of complex surfaces and may use sub routines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Programme is produced in required format for machine operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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. Programme complies with job specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 3 
    3. Sample components meet specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 
    Write programme. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Enter machining parameters as required by proprietary software
  • Verify tool path using computer simulation
  • Make modifications 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Programme is produced in required format for machine operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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. Programme complies with job specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 3 
    3. Sample components meet specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 
    Verify programme. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Transfer Computer Aided Design (CAD) / Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) file to machining centre memory
  • Produce sample component 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Programme is produced in required format for machine operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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. Programme complies with job specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 3 
    3. Sample components meet specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 
    Recognise and report problems and changes while programming. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Programme is produced in required format for machine operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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. Programme complies with job specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 3 
    3. Sample components meet specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 
    Record information on work done. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Document process and conformance of component to specifications 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Programme is produced in required format for machine operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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. Programme complies with job specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 3 
    3. Sample components meet specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Tools selected meet materials, geometry of work piece and job specifications
    2. Machining parameters satisfy the requirements of the proprietary software
    3. Modifications to programme where required ensure compliance with job specifications
    4. Components are measured and conformance to specification documented
    5. Problems are reported timeously to appropriate personnel

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to 'what if' and 'why' questions covering:
  • CNC programming (preparation, writing, formats, codes, editing)
  • Tool paths
  • Computer Aided Design(CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Computer simulation
  • Applicable theory
  • Quality
  • Materials
  • Reporting and documentation requirements

    Discuss 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 
    My 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. My assessor will (at the very least) 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 
    Names & functions of:
  • Proprietary software
  • Common defects in sample components

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • CNC programming methodology
  • Standard code formats and functions
  • Tool paths
  • Computer simulation
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Material types

    Purpose of:
  • CNC programming
  • Computer simulations

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of incorrect programming
  • Implications of not making the required modifications

    Procedures and techniques:
  • CNC programming sequencing
  • Modification procedures
  • Recording and reporting procedures

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

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable programming theory covering computer programming and the underlying principles of CNC machining
  • Applicable mathematical concepts including geometry, trigonometry and algebra
  • Applicable underlying scientific concepts

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of CNC programme to final machined component 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise and respond to problems while programming 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • Plan sequence of programming operations based on job requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Collect sensory and numeric information from job specifications and drawing and write programme 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Record outputs
  • Respond to questions or requests for more details 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Understand and explain programming theory and mathematical and scientific concepts underpinning the programme 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • The relationship of the programme to the final machined component
  • The role of CNC machines in manufacturing and engineering 
    		•

    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  58025   National Certificate: CNC Production Machining  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  23256   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-10-22  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  23281   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Tooling Manufacture  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-10-22  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  22773   National Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2011-02-16  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.