21785 version 2
Page 1 of 3
Demonstrate knowledge of and test materials for mechanical
engineering applications
Level
5
Credits
15
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: describe the properties of
materials used in mechanical engineering applications; and test material
properties and identify likely causes of material failure.
Subfield
Mechanical Engineering
Domain
Applied Principles of Mechanical Engineering
Status
Registered
Status date
27 October 2005
Date version published
19 March 2010
Planned review date
31 December 2015
Entry information
Open.
Replacement information
This unit standard replaced unit standard 11394.
Accreditation
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and
industry.
Standard setting body (SSB)
Competenz
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0013
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Special notes
1
All activities must comply with: any policies, procedures, and requirements of the
organisations involved; the ethical codes and standards of relevant professional
bodies; and any relevant legislative and/or regulatory requirements, which may
include but are not limited to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992,
Resource Management Act 1991, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act
1996, and their subsequent and delegated legislation.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
21785 version 2
Page 2 of 3
2
Range
Competence is to be demonstrated with reference to a ferrous metal and three other
materials which may include but are not limited to: aluminium, brass, copper, zinc,
magnesium, titanium, polymers, solid timber, concrete, ceramics, adhesives,
composites; individually and/or in combination.
3
Definition
Worksite procedures refer to documents that include: worksite rules, codes, and
practices; equipment operating instructions; documented quality management
systems; and health and safety requirements.
Elements and performance criteria
Element 1
Describe the properties of materials used in mechanical engineering applications.
Performance criteria
1.1
Description of material properties are related to manufacturing processes and
establish the suitability of materials.
Range
properties may include but are not limited to – hardness, rigidity,
strength (including impact strength), ductility, malleability,
machinability, treatability, creep, fatigue, toughness, resistance to
corrosion and erosion, compatibility, permeability, resistivity,
electrical and thermal conductivity, toxicity, transition temperature,
co-efficient of expansion;
processes may include but are not limited to – welding, forging,
casting, cutting, pressing, bending, spinning, machining, extrusion,
finishing.
1.2
Interpretation of equilibrium diagrams establishes the suitability of materials for
their intended application.
1.3
Changes in material properties are explained in terms of causes and effects.
Range
causes may include but are not limited to – time, treatment,
alloying and composition, work, contamination, environment,
stress, surface finish, corrosion.
Element 2
Test material properties and identify likely causes of material failure.
Performance criteria
2.1
Destructive and/or non-destructive testing methods are matched to the
properties to be tested.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
21785 version 2
Page 3 of 3
2.2
Destructive and/or non-destructive tests are conducted in accordance with
manufacturing specifications and worksite procedures.
2.3
Analysis of data confirms the material properties and establishes the nature of
any actual or potential materials-associated problems.
Range
data may include but is not limited to – observation,
measurements, laboratory reports.
2.4
Likely causes of material failure are identified in terms of material properties,
material structure, and/or environment.
2.5
The assistance of qualified professionals is sought for specialist advice on
causes of material failure.
2.6
Required documentation is completed in accordance with worksite procedures.
Range
may include hard copy and/or electronic documentation.
Please note
Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated
authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against
unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register
credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards
must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations
wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for
tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Competenz info@competenz.org.nz if you wish to suggest changes to the
content of this unit standard.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016