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: 

Produce components by spark eroding machining operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258715  Produce components by spark eroding machining operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
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 3  NQF Level 03  8 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
13255  Produce components by spark eroding machining operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8   

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, with specific references to the manufacturing and maintenance of tools, jigs, dies and plastic injection or blow-moulds/thermo-forming moulds.

Qualifying learners can carry out spark eroding machining operations using a range of accessories and tools and results are checked with precision measuring instruments.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Plan and prepare spark eroding machine.
  • Machine electrode.
  • Perform spark eroding operations.
  • Apply quality checks on component. 
    		•

    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 the manufacturing and maintenance of tools, jigs, dies and plastic injection or blow-moulds/thermo-forming moulds.

    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already learned to:
  • Manufacture production tooling to drawing or sample part, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and level of this unit standard is determined by the ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes.

    The learner should be able to work autonomously with minimal supervision. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare spark eroding machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All filters are maintained and checked on a regular time frame to ensure free flow of fluid. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required material is selected to machine the electrode. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Materials used to machine electrode may include copper and/or carbon.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Drawings are interpreted to machine electrode to required specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Machines and tools used for electrode manufacturing include a range of hand/machine tools, lathes, milling and grinding machines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measuring equipment is select specific to the machining processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Measuring equipment selected includes, micrometers, verniers, slip gauges, height gauge, dial test indicator.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Machine electrode. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Materials are prepared and correctly marked out if required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required machinery is selected to perform specific operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Electrode is machined to the required drawing specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Electrode is measured to ensure that it meet the required specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Machining processes are undertaken safely with care for self, fellow workers, machines, equipment, materials and environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safe working practices include the use of guards, safety switches and appropriate personal protective equipment.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform spark eroding operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Required coolant is checked and maintained when start and shut down of machine is done. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Defects of mould or/press tool are determined in accordance with the sample part or blue print. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Electrode is set up in spark eroding machine with out any damage done to electrodes accessories and machine. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Set up includes, clocking, clamping devices, component.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Process parameters are set and adjusted for required surface finish, metal removal rate and flushing rate with due regard for electrode wear and method of flushing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Machine operating instructions and worksite procedures are adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Machine is monitored during operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Adjustments to process parameters during sparking process are made quickly and appropriately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply quality checks on component. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    On completion of sparking operation component is measured to ensure that it complies with the drawing specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Machine, accessories, tooling and workplace is cleaned to in accordance with legal and safety requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Cleaning of machine includes cleaning and monitoring of filtration system.
  • Accessories include clamping equipment, table, angle plate, vice, and magnetic blocks.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problems, changes and/or malfunctions are recognised and reported in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work completed is recorded in accordance with workplace procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assuror (ETQA) that has jurisdiction over this field of learning.

    The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a relevant qualification and be a subject matter expert in this learning area and at least have 3 years experience in the skills specific area.

    The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification.
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Assessment of a portfolio of evidence.
  • Direct observation in simulated and/or controlled work conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names, functions and locations of:
  • Main parts and functions of spark eroding machine.
  • Machine controls.
  • Di-electric flushing rate.
  • Personal protective equipment.

    Purpose of processes and procedures of:
  • Material preparation.
  • Safety checks.

    Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:
  • Electrodes.
  • Process parameters.
  • Material types.
  • Coolant levels.
  • Safety hazards.

    Cause and effect, implications of:
  • Implications for surface finish, metal removal rate, electrode wear, flushing rate and method of flushing if machine parameters are varied.
  • Implications of incorrect installation of electrode.
  • Implications of component not meeting specifications.
  • Implications and consequences of situations such as, e.g. damaged or faulty equipment, allowing faulty processes to continue, delaying reports about changing conditions.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Set up procedures for spark eroding machine.
  • Spark eroding operations and procedures.
  • Measuring procedures.
  • Machine cleaning procedures.
  • Recording and reporting procedures.

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

    Theory - rules, laws, principles:
  • Applicable machining theory covering speeds and feeds, material properties and the underlying principles of machining.
  • Applicable mathematical concepts including geometry, trigonometry and algebra.
  • Applicable underlying scientific concepts.

    Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship of the electrode to the spark erosion process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Recognise problems while machining components and respond appropriately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Plan sequence of operations based on job requirements and set up machine appropriately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Collect sensory and numeric information from the process and the machined component.
  • Classify the information and identify deviations from the norm. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Record outputs, incidents, measurements.
  • Report incidents and conditions.
  • Respond to questions or requests for more details. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Understand and explain machining theory and mathematical and scientific concepts underpinning the spark erosion operation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • The relationship of the electrode to the spark erosion operation. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 13255, "Produce components by spark eroding machining operations", Level 3, 8 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  66449   National Certificate: Foundry Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2013-11-07  MERSETA 
    Elective  91926   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.