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

Operate and monitor computerised numerically controlled (CNC) machining equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243014  Operate and monitor computerised numerically controlled (CNC) machining equipment 
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 2  NQF Level 02  16 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
This unit standard reflects the skills required to:
  • Operate CNC machining equipment.
  • Monitor the machining of components effectively and efficiently.
  • Perform tasks related to the production process.
  • Identify problems, error conditions and malfunctions.

    It also reflects the understanding of:
  • Machining processes.
  • Computer numeric controls.
  • Statistical process control charts and their purpose.

    This unit standard would be assessed in the context of:
  • A machining centre.
  • A CNC lathe or turning centre.
  • Any other equipment in which material is removed to form the part, eg cutting, boring, grinding.

    The skills, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the Exit Level Outcomes required for the National Certificate in CNC Production Machining: NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following competencies are assumed:
  • Communication and Literacy, NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 1.

    In addition, learners are assumed to have basic hand tools skills at NQF Level 1.

    This assumption forms the basis for the allocation of credits for this unit standard. If a learner does not have such experience or qualifications, the learning time will be increased. The allocation of credits is also based on the assumption that the learner will be following a learning programme which integrates the required unit standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Use the correct terminology to explain, discuss and describe components, machine states and functions of CNC machinery and to discuss incidents, issues and problems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Terminology includes:
  • Operation state.
  • Indicator lamps.
  • Components and functions of equipment and machine parts.
  • Fixtures and tools.
  • Reset switch and emergency stop.
  • Operation modes.
  • Operation panel switches in operation modes.
  • Operation panel switch functions.
  • Screens and menus. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Response to questioning indicates an understanding of the components, machine states and functioning of CNC machinery. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Understanding confirmed. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Response to 'what if' and 'why' questions indicates an understanding of:
  • Machine modes and error conditions.
  • The effect of tool tip wear or breakage on the surface finish and the dimensional characteristics of the work piece.
  • The importance of maintenance and the implications of poor maintenance.
  • Quality error conditions and the purpose of SPC. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Understanding confirmed. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Terminology is used correctly and appropriately in discussions and reports. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interpret and follow written and oral job instructions and assist in the preparation of the CNC machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Procedures are consistently followed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work instructions are correctly implemented. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Preparation tasks are carried out to the satisfaction of the setter. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Start and stop the CNC machine, monitor and adjust the machining process and report malfunctions or problems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Machine operations are carried out correctly according to company procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A high level of productivity is maintained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Results achieved.

    The achievement of this assessment criterion must lie within the learner's control. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Products are produced to specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The machine and its associated tooling and equipment are maintained in good condition. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator . 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safe working practices are followed consistently. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Malfunctions and problems are recognised immediately and are timeously communicated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Load material into and remove the product from the machine, inspect the product, record quality data, and label and pack the product. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Record quality data includes conformance to the requirements of SPC Inspect includes visually assessing product against set standard (first-off). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Products are produced, packed and labelled according to specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safe working practices are consistently followed during loading and removal processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Output standards are consistently achieved. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Manual operations are performed with reasonable dexterity and with due care for the limits of the component performance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Recording of data is done correctly and according to company procedures and practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Monitor variations on Statistical Process Control plots, identify when production reaches an error condition and respond. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Error conditions include limit points and trends.
  • Plots can be in physical form on paper or in electronic form on a screen and in the form of X- and bar-charts.
  • Respond includes suspending production and calling for assistance. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A high level of productivity is maintained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Results achieved.

    The achievement of this assessment criterion must lie within the learner's control. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various error conditions are recognised immediately and communicated accurately. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Statistical process control charts are cared for, handled and stored appropriately. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Concepts and issues related to statistical process control charts and error conditions are explained accurately and comprehensively. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Perform housekeeping tasks and dispose of waste. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work area is kept clean and tidy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safe working practices while handling waste and performing housekeeping are consistently maintained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Waste is handled and stored according to worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Concepts and issues related to housekeeping and waste disposal are explained accurately and comprehensively. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:

    > How the assessment is moderated.
    > How a learner can appeal against the outcome of the assessment.
  • Any institution or company which offers learning to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
    The integrated assessment should be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will specify how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:

    > Evaluating evidence in a portfolio of evidence, particularly projects which integrate various aspects of the unit standard and which demonstrate the integration of knowledge, skills and values, and the development of the critical outcomes.
    > Observing and listening to the learner at work, both in primary activities as well as in other interactions, or in relevant simulations.
    > Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding and to verify other evidence.
    > Looking at records and reports.
    > Formative assessment.
  • Assessment of competence for this unit standard is based on experience acquired by the learner in the workplace, within the particular machining context. The assessment process should cover the explicit tasks required for the unit standard as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the process of operating and monitoring computerised numerically controlled (CNC) machining equipment.
  • The assessment process should also establish how the learning process has advanced the Critical Cross-field Outcomes.
  • The learner may choose in which language he/she wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.
  • Assessors should also evaluate evidence that the learner has been performing consistently over a period of time.
  • Assessment criteria of the type results achieved are critical to this unit standard and must be achieved.
  • The assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and in conjunction with the assessment for the qualification as a whole. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate.

    Names & functions of:
  • Main parts and functions of CNC turning and milling machinery.
  • Machine controls, menus.
  • Accessories.
  • Work-holding fixtures.
  • Tools (geometry and composition) and tool holders.
  • Measuring equipment.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Common defects on components.
  • Productivity measures.
  • Various kinds of graphs.

    Purpose of:
  • Control systems.
  • Statistical Process Control.
  • Quality procedures and processes.
  • Housekeeping.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Productivity.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • CNC operating methods.
  • Miscellaneous function codes (M-codes).
  • Tooling, including worn or damaged.
  • Various material types.
  • Various grades of inserts.
  • Surface finish and dimensional characteristics.
  • Various error conditions as indicated by Statistical Process Control.

    Processes and events:
  • Quality error conditions.
  • Tool breakages, machine breakdowns.
  • Power failures.
  • Unsafe conditions and situations.

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Effects of variability on final product.
  • Implications of not adjusting/replacing worn or damaged tooling.
  • Implications of component not meeting specifications, e.g. poor finishes, uneven surface textures, incorrect size.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • CNC operating sequences.
  • Machine cleaning procedures.
  • Recording and reporting procedures.
  • Policies for reporting incidents and malfunctions.

    Sensory cues:
  • Sense deviations in noise, vibration, smell and appearance.
  • See or feel variations in surface finish.
  • Feel for the limits of force applied to materials or components such as nuts, bolts machine screws, etc.

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

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Variability (e.g. machine, material or operating conditions).
  • Electricity, measurements, logic, co-ordinate geometry, specifications.
  • Programming principles, including movements, co-ordinates, sequences.
  • Plotting of data, representing data on graphs.
  • Machining processes.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of CNC operating to setting and programming functions.
  • Relationship of final machined component (product) to client/customer demands. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems.
  • Recognize problems while machining components and respond appropriately, e.g. adjustment/replacement of worn or damaged tooling. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Record outputs, incidents, measurements.
  • Classify different types of information related to the product or the process.
  • Plot product dimensions on various types of graph.
  • Identify deviations from the norm.
  • Work with documentation relating to product instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively.
  • Report incidents and conditions.
  • Respond to questions or requests for more detail using appropriate terminology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically.
  • Understand and explain the basics of the operation of a CNC machine. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
  • The role of CNC machines in manufacturing and engineering.
  • The operator function in the context of the organisation.
  • The product, its purpose, its end-use and its value to the customer. 
    		•

    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  57878   National Certificate: CNC Production Machining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  65809   National Certificate: Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  59689   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  66449   National Certificate: Foundry Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2013-11-07  MERSETA 


    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.