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: 

Compound plastic materials 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119167  Compound plastic materials 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
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 4  NQF Level 04  7 
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 
In order for me to perform effectively in the field of plastics manufacturing, I will be able to:
  • Select and weigh materials and additives and monitor compounding conditions
  • Set up and run compounding equipment.

    I will also know and understand:
  • The importance of following recipes
  • How particular compounds are made, and the reasons for compounding
  • The impact of the compounding process on the materials.

    I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any volume plastics manufacturing process, eg
  • Injection moulding
  • Blow moulding
  • Various kinds of extrusion
  • Variations of thermoforming
  • Rotational moulding
  • Calendaring
  • Compression and related moulding processes
  • Reaction injection moulding
  • Polymer composites fabrication processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and resin injection.
    The volume production process also includes the regeneration of recycled materials and the manufacture of intermediate products such as sheet, profiles, compounds and master batches.

    The skill, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits for this unit standard assume that I have a National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level3 or an equivalent qualification. They also assume that I am working towards my qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates all the required unit standards.
    This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for materials in a plastics manufacturing setting.

    My learning time will increase if I do not have:
  • A relevant NQF 3 qualification
  • Experience in a relevant field.

    My learning time will be decreased if I have experience in this field because:
  • My learning programme will be adjusted to build on what I already know
  • I can apply to have that prior learning recognised. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.
  • Learners who are involved in compounding materials for a variety of end-uses require the skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard.
  • The learner should be able to work autonomously with minimal supervision. The work will also be guided by relevant worksite procedures, manufacturers' specifications and safety, health and environmental legislation. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Determine preparation requirements; obtain and prepare materials for compounding. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Compounding includes
  • Batch mixing processes, e.g. for PVC and elastomers
  • Continuous processes, e.g for product specific compounds, masterbatches, recycling of thermoplastic material
  • Blending and alloying 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts)
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare mixing equipment, select, weigh and feed additives and materials in the required order and discharge the compound. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Mixing equipment includes high speed mixers, tumble mixers 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Set up compounding equipment, load materials and monitor the compounding conditions and output. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Materials will include polymers, mixtures, masterbatches, additives, processing aids, colourants, reinforcements, fillers
  • Compounding conditions includes pelletising, cooling, drying and bagging
  • Monitor includes ensuring that the time requirements are met 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Carry out quality checks on compound materials, complete required documentation and report any problems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Engage in discussions with other parties on issues related to the compounding process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Finished compounds meet specifications and production requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evidence should extend over a range of at least five to 6 different compounds.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Batch reports are compiled. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    No scrap, machine down-time or damage occurs as a result of my poor planning and work practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    No material and additive spillage or wastage occurs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Calculations, measuring and weighing of ingredients are accurate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evidence should demonstrate the ability to adjust recipes to different batch sizes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Worksite procedures are adhered to. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    A clean and tidy work environment is maintained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Work is carried out in a safe manner with due care for the health of fellow workers and the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Discussions of issues demonstrate that I have an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to the compounding process and an understanding of how these relate to application in practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Issues, key concepts and principles include:
  • Compounding
  • Additives
  • Mixing procedures
  • Batch numbers
  • Applicable theory
  • Reporting and documentation requirements
  • Polymer properties and end-product requirements
  • Implications of not adhering to procedures, sequences and recipes
  • Items critical to health, safety and the environment
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • To obtain credits I must be assessed. The assessment will be based on evidence that I produce. My 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 my assessment is moderated
    > How I can appeal against the outcome of the assessment
  • Any institution or company which offers learning that will enable me to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • My assessment against this standard should meet all the requirements of established principles. It should include practical assessment activities, which are appropriate to the contents of this unit standard. These activities should include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations, etc.
  • 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 on all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. The specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and practical evidence. My assessment will not only be based on observation but also on other evidence which I compile into a portfolio of evidence. I cannot be assessed only through a written or oral test.
  • The specific outcomes and essential knowledge will be assessed in relation to each other. If I am able to explain the items which fall under the heading of essential embedded knowledge, but am unable to perform the specific outcomes, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'. Similarly, if I am able to perform tasks described under the specific outcomes, but cannot explain or justify them in terms of the fundamental concepts, principles and practice relevant to the level of the unit standard that underpins my skill, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'.
  • I will also be assessed on my ability to apply the principles and techniques related to the critical cross-field outcomes, not only in terms of what I can demonstrate, but also in terms of what I know and can discuss.
  • My assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and even in conjunction with my 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 and functions of:
  • Additives, fillers, reinforcements, colourants, processing aids
  • Compounds, mixtures, alloys, masterbatches
  • Recipes, ratios and units

    Purpose of:
  • Additives, fillers, reinforcements, colourants, processing aids
  • Compounds, mixtures, alloys, masterbatches
  • Compound preparation
  • Recipes, ratios and units

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Polymer, compound and end-product properties
  • Particle size and shape

    Processes and events:
  • Preparation and mixing
  • Compounding
  • Pelletising and bagging
  • Equipment operations

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Impact of additives on compounding process and end-product performance
  • Contamination, cross-contamination
  • Processing conditions, heat history, degradation
  • Short and long term implications of incorrect compound mixing on end-product and end-product performance
  • Particle size and shape and impact on mixing
  • Materials handling and the development of static charges

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Mixing, blending, compounding
  • Calculating quantities
  • Reading recipes
  • Identifying problems

    Sensory cues:
  • Colour, smell and feel related to compounds, mixtures and the processes

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation
  • Applicable company policies and procedures
  • Quality standards and specifications

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Units of measure
  • Formulations (ratios, percentage, parts per hundred)
  • Principles of polymer properties, behaviour and processing
  • Changes of state, degradation and decomposition
  • Mass, volume, density
  • Mixtures, compounds
  • Rheology and flow characteristics of polymers and particles

    Categories:
  • Materials
  • Additives
  • Compounds

    Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship between the polymer, additives, reinforcements and fillers, etc, and its effect on compound and end-product performance 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Related to the preparation of compounds. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Interact with others in the process of compounding materials. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    According to procedures, following regular, consistent, methodical work patterns. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Related to selecting, weighing and preparing the materials. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Record and document all activities related to the compounding process and the batch records. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
  • Use recipes and formulae
  • Related to weighing and measuring 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Recognise and optimise the relationship between additives, material, machinery and product end-performance. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    My assessor will be registered and have a plastics manufacturing qualification at NQF 6 or higher. In the absence of assessors with such qualifications, the ETQA can make interim arrangements. My assessor should also be active in the industry and be familiar with the materials, machinery, products and level of technology in which I have contextualised my skills and knowledge. 

    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
    Elective  49451   Further Education and Training Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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.