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

Identify fabrication materials, their characteristics and applications used in engineering 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244345  Identify fabrication materials, their characteristics and applications used in engineering 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
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 fabrication and welding.

The learning outcomes in this unit standard also contribute to the exit level outcomes required for various NQF Level 2 fabrication and welding qualifications.

Qualifying learners can:
  • Identify common engineering fabrication materials.
  • Determine the physical properties and perform material testing on engineering fabrication materials.
  • Determine information and characteristics of steel sections and profiles. 
    		•

    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 fabrication and welding. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    In this unit standard, the learner is required to identify, distinguish, list, describe and explain the basic concepts as outlined under the specific outcomes. The learner is not required to go into great detail. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify common engineering fabrication materials. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Materials used in engineering fabrication include:
  • Metals, alloys and non-metals (stainless-types, aluminium, mild steel, copper, bronze, brass, galvanized or coated).
  • Rolled steel sections (RSJ, channel, angle, I and H-beam, etc.).
  • Solid and hollow profiles (T-bar, Z-bar, square, round, rectangular-bar/tubing, etc.).
  • Types of metal sheet and plate (Flat, chequer, etc.).
  • Indicators: Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner understands the concepts and content. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of engineering fabrication materials identified and differentiated from one another according to industry requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Physical properties for the purpose of identification of engineering fabrication materials is described and explained according to acceptable specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Common applications of materials is described and explained by explaining its uses in the engineering fabrication according to industry requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Determine the physical properties and perform and perform material testing on engineering fabrication materials. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Assessment Indicators:
  • Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner understands the concepts and content at this level. Care should be taken not to transcend the appropriate level of learning. 
    		•
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Physical properties and related tests must include:
  • Yield stress.
  • Proof stress.
  • Ultimate tensile stress.
  • Elongation.
  • Impact strength.
  • Toughness.
  • Fatigue strength.
  • Wear resistance.
  • Heat resistance.
  • Hardness.
  • Bend.

    Materials used in engineering fabrication include:
  • Metals, alloys and non-metals (Stainless-types, aluminium, mild steel, copper, bronze, brass, galvanize or coated).
  • Rolled steel sections (RSJ, channel, angle, I and H-beam, etc.).
  • Solid and hollow profiles (T-bar, Z-bar, square, round, rectangular-bar/tubing etc.).
  • Types of metal sheet and plate (Flat, chequer, etc.). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physical properties of engineering fabrication materials described and explained according to industry requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing of engineering fabrication materials described and explained in line with best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Common metal tests used in engineering fabrication described and explained according to industry requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common metal tests must include:
  • Tensile.
  • Hardness.
  • Shear.
  • Impact.
  • Spark.
  • Bend tests.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Effects which external factors have on engineering fabrication materials are described and explained in terms of likely deterioration in general condition of materials. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    External and environmental matter must include:
  • Oxidation, acid attack, galvanic action, heat, capacity for corrosion.
  • Factors which promote external and environmental effects.
  • Preventative measures.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Determine information and characteristics of steel sections and profiles. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    The purpose of this learning unit is to assist learners in the fabrication and welding environment so that they may identify steel sections and profiles and related characteristics and use information from steel tables. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Steel sections and profiles used in fabrication and welding must include:
  • Metals, alloys and non-metals (Stainless-types, aluminium, mild steel, copper, bronze, brass, galvanized or coated).
  • Rolled steel sections (RSJ, channel, angle, I and H-beam, etc.).
  • Solid and hollow profiles (T-bar, Z-bar, square, round, rectangular-bar/tubing, etc.).
  • Types of metal sheet and plate (Flat, checker, etc.). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Steel sections are identified and applications explained in terms of uses within the fabrication and welding industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The differences in the various steel sections are explained and discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Differences must include:
  • Differences between equal-leg and unequal-leg angle.
  • Sketches of different types of rail section and checkered plate.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The recommended information is interpreted using tables and charts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information must include:
  • Back-marks.
  • Gauges.
  • Drill sizes.
  • Drill-pitch.
  • Height and breadth.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Symbols for rivets and bolts are identified and their application explained in terms of manufacturing requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Symbols must include:
  • Holes.
  • Rivets.
  • Bolts (HSFG on-site and off-site) include: Not countersunk (c/sunk), c/sunk near side, c/sunk far-side.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Engineering fabrication materials.
  • Common tests.
  • Heat treatment processes.
  • Fabrication processes (Cutting, rolling, bending, forming).

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Engineering fabrication materials.
  • Heat and temperature.
  • Heat measurement.
  • Applications.
  • Changes in metal properties caused by heating.

    Purpose of:
  • Testing.
  • Heat treatment.
  • Steel section information.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Basic metallurgical theory as it applies to engineering fabrication materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments.
  • Steel tables (National or SABS coded).
  • Expansion and contraction.
  • Causes and preventative measures related to corrosion.

    Relationships, systems:
  • The importance of understanding engineering fabrication materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments when working in the engineering fabrication field.
  • Relationship and importance between heat treatment and fabrication processes.
  • Linking physical sciences with the world of work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Collect and classify information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Describe engineering fabrication materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Understand underlying basic metallurgy as it relates to engineering fabrication materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • The importance of understanding engineering fabrication materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments when working in the engineering fabrication field. 
    		•

    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 
    Assessor Notes:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessments at title level are unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, directness, authenticity, sufficiency, openness and consistency.
  • This unit standard may be obtained through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58722   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.
     
    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.