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 engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests used in engineering 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12477  Identify engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests used in engineering 
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  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 engineering.

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

Qualifying learners can identify the types, properties and common applications of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and demonstrate an understanding of common testing and treatment procedures. 

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 engineering. 

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 materials used in common engineering applications. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Materials used in engineering include metals, alloys and non-metals.
  • Distinctions between ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys must be explained in terms of colour codes, strength, density, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity and magnetic properties. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of engineering materials identified and differentiated from one another. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Physical properties of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Common metal tests used in engineering described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Heat treatment processes described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Changes in metal properties caused by heating described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Effects external factors have on engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Discuss the physical properties of engineering materials used in common engineering applications. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Physical properties include yield stress, proof stress, ultimate tensile stress, % elongation, impact strength, toughness, fatigue strength, wear resistance, heat resistance, hardness, bend. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of engineering materials identified and differentiated from one another. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Physical properties of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Common metal tests used in engineering described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Heat treatment processes described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Changes in metal properties caused by heating described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Effects external factors have on engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing using engineering materials. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Explain the common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing using engineering materials.
  • Relate common applications to characteristics of engineering materials
  • Relate methods of processing and manufacturing to engineering materials 
    		•
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Applications would relate to the machinability, castability, weldability, forgeability and corrosion resistance.
  • Methods of processing engineering materials include machining, casting, rolling, forging, extrusion, drawing and spinning.
  • Methods of manufacturing include hot working, cold working and thermal processes. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of engineering materials identified and differentiated from one another. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Physical properties of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Common metal tests used in engineering described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Heat treatment processes described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Changes in metal properties caused by heating described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Effects external factors have on engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the common metal tests used in engineering. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Identify the common metal tests and the processes and equipment used 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Common metal tests must include tensile, hardness, shear, impact, spark and bend tests 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of engineering materials identified and differentiated from one another. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Physical properties of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Common metal tests used in engineering described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Heat treatment processes described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Changes in metal properties caused by heating described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Effects external factors have on engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of heat treatment processes. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Identify the different kinds of heat treatment processes used
  • Explain the changes in metal properties caused by heating 
    		•
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Heat treatment processes must include homogenising, annealing, normalising, stress relieving, hardening, tempering and case hardening.
  • Changes in metal properties include a variety of changes in state, e.g. strength, hardness, ductility, magnetism, dimensions and colour. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of engineering materials identified and differentiated from one another. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Physical properties of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Common metal tests used in engineering described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Heat treatment processes described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Changes in metal properties caused by heating described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Effects external factors have on engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain the effects external factors have on engineering materials. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Environmental effects include oxidation, acid attack, galvanic action, heat 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Types of engineering materials identified and differentiated from one another 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Physical properties of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Common applications and methods of processing and manufacturing of engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Common metal tests used in engineering described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Heat treatment processes described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Changes in metal properties caused by heating described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Effects external factors have on engineering materials described and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    Descriptions and explanations are clear and accurate and demonstrate the learner's understanding of concepts and content. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the MERSETA Education and Training Quality Assuror who has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.

    The learner can be assessed in the language of his/her choice although s/he has to report incidents or conditions to someone else. The learner will be assessed on his/her ability to report in the language commonly used in his/her working environment.

    The learner will be assessed in the workplace but s/he can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.

    The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names & functions of:
  • Engineering materials
  • Common tests
  • Heat treatment processes

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Engineering materials
  • Applications
  • Changes in metal properties caused by heating

    Purpose of:
  • Testing
  • Heat treatment

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Basic metallurgical theory as it applies to engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments

    Relationships, systems:
  • The importance of understanding engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments when working in the engineering field 
    		•


    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 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 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 materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests and treatments when working in the engineering field 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    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 
    Core  22869   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  MERSETA 
    Core  58268   National Certificate: Lift Installation and Maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Core  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 
    Core  23273   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-06-25  MERSETA 
    Core  23254   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting and Machining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-06-25  MERSETA 
    Core  23277   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-06-25  MERSETA 
    Core  59729   National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  58882   National Certificate: Fluid Power  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Core  67609   National Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Core  22771   National Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-07-29  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  78523   National Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance  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.