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: 

Qualify a CNC machining process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243016  Qualify a CNC machining process 
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 4  NQF Level 04  10 
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 
Quality assurance principles require that every significant change in a CNC machining process, or any new CNC machining process introduced, undergoes a proper qualification prior to its implementation. This ensures that the process will be capable of consistently meeting the specifications of the form, fit, and function of the final products, even after the change or new introduction.

This unit standard reflects the skills required to:
  • Perform a qualification process that will result in a consistently quality product
  • Consistently produce quality product.
  • Calculate limits, determine appropriate frequency checks and develop necessary documentation.
  • Set up CNC machining processes to ensure that they are stable and consistently stay within calculated control limits.

    It also reflects the understanding of:
  • Critical characteristics of products.
  • Methods of achieving quality.
  • Role of statistics in achieving quality production.

    This unit standard would be assessed in the context of:
  • A machining centre.
  • A CNC lathe or turning centre.
  • Any other equipment in which material is removed to form the part, eg cutting, boring, grinding.

    The skills, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the Exit Level Outcomes required for the Further Education and Training Certificate: CNC Production Machining. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following competencies are assumed:
  • Communication and Literacy, NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 3.

    In addition, learners are assumed to have set up and problems solving skills at NQF Level 3 in the context of CNC machining processes using computer numeric controlled equipment.

    This assumption forms the basis for the allocation of credits for this unit standard. If a learner does not have such experience or qualifications, the learning time will be increased. The allocation of credits is also based on the assumption that the learner will be following a learning programme which integrates the required unit standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Qualifying a process means ensuring that the production process will continuously produce products according to customer specifications, taking into account the variability in the manufacturing process.
  • Proofing includes programme, tooling, components, equipment, jigs and fixtures.
  • Further information on the scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and develop statistical process control tools to measure the product's critical characteristics. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Tools include formulae for the control limits; Machine Capability Index; X-Bar and R Charts; Standard deviations, normal distribution charts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key critical characteristics are identified and justified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Potential error conditions, faults and malfunctions are anticipated and built into the statistical process control tools. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Limits are correctly calculated, and frequency checks are appropriate to the job. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mean, frequency, upper and lower control limits, standard deviation (n-1) 3 and 6 Sigma.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Documentation is completed and correctly laid out according to company procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Discussion of issues and responses to questions demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to statistical process control and qualifying processes, and of how these relate to application in practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Understanding confirmed. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Key concepts include:
  • Calculation of control limits.
  • The relationship between process quality and product quality.
  • Application of the various type of chart.
  • Causes of and remedies for process instability.
  • Analysis of charts to identify causes of process instability.
  • The limits of productions control, ie the concept that 'there is no perfect circle'.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Determine the frequency of measuring and testing processes and implement the measuring and testing programme. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Potential faults and malfunctions are anticipated and built into the measuring and testing programme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Frequency of measuring and testing processes are appropriate to the product requirements and the machining process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Measuring and testing processes are appropriate for the product's critical characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mean, frequency, upper and lower control limits, standard deviation (n-1) 3 and 6 Sigma.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measuring and testing processes are carried out as specified in the programme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Set up process to run production, measure and test the output and compile statistical process control charts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The manufacturing process is systematically and completely proofed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Results achieved:

    Proofing refers to verifying the programme, tooling, components, equipment, jigs and fixtures, etc. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Baseline figures are obtained and recorded. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Compiled statistical process control charts are accurate and comply with organisational standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate SPC charts, identify any instability in the process, identify the cause(s) and determine changes required. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Process instabilities may include inaccurate feeds and speeds, sequence of events, etc.
  • Identify includes anticipating such instabilities. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Error conditions and instabilities are recognised and noted. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A systematic process is used to establish the cause of the instabilities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator:

    Systematic process includes the use of a problem solving tool or technique. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The planned process adjustments are evaluated for any unintended consequences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Planned changes to the process are noted and recorded. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Changes include speeds, feeds, fixtures and other process related adjustments.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Adjust process, tools and equipment until the process is stable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Production process settings are adjusted to the mean. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Required data is collected and evaluated to verify the impact of adjustments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    When the process is stable it is re-evaluated for any unintended consequences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Record changes, compile reports and submit requests for updating the data pack. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Requests for changes to the data pack can be substantiated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Changes include tolerances, specifications, surface finishes, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Requests for changes meet organisational standards and requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The critetion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Change requests submitted are verified as accurate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Any changes to procedures or measuring and testing programme are recorded and relevant personnel are informed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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 the assessment is moderated.
  • How a learner can appeal against the outcome of the assessment.

    Any institution or company which offers learning to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.

    The integrated assessment should be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will specify how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Evaluating evidence in a portfolio of evidence, particularly projects which integrate various aspects of the unit standard and which demonstrate the integration of knowledge, skills and values, and the development of the critical outcomes.
  • Observing and listening to the learner at work, both in primary activities as well as in other interactions, or in relevant simulations.
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding and to verify other evidence.
  • Looking at records and reports.
  • Formative assessment.

    Assessment of competence for this unit standard is based on experience acquired by the learner in the workplace, within the particular machining context. The assessment process should cover the explicit tasks required for the unit standard as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the qualification of CNC machining processes.

    The assessment process should also establish how the learning process has advanced the Critical Cross-field Outcomes.

    The learner may choose in which language he/she wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    Assessors should also evaluate evidence that the learner has been performing consistently over a period of time.

    The assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and in conjunction with the 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 & functions of:

    > Range of statistical process control tools.
    > Product critical characteristics.
    > Definitions of quality, SPC and process variation.
    > Samples and populations.
    > Control charts.
  • Purpose of:

    > Quality assurance.
    > Process qualification.
    > Measuring critical product characteristics.
    > Compiling statistical process control charts.
    > Control charts.
    > Repeatability.
    > Interchangeability.
  • Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:

    > Range of statistical process control tools.
    > Statistical process control charts.
    > X-bar and R charts and values.
    > Chart patterns.
    > Form fit and function.
  • Processes and events:

    > Monitoring process, making adjustments.
    > Calculating and plotting X and R values.
    > Interpreting chart patterns.
  • Causes and effects, implications of:

    > Damage to equipment.
    > Effect of poor maintenance.
    > Power dips.
    > Poorly trained personnel.
    > Poor housekeeping.
    > Effects of quality assurance.
  • Procedures and techniques:

    > Compiling statistical process control tools.
    > Safety procedures.
    > Monitoring and adjusting process parameters.
    > Taking corrective action.
    > Reporting and recording.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:

    > Related to safety, health and environment.
    > Standards, operating procedures.
    > Organisational policies and rules relating to qualifying process.
  • Theory: rules, principles, laws:

    > Basic principles of statistics and statistical process control.
    > Principles of the procedures.
    > Materials.
    > Variability of the manufacturing process.
  • Relationships, systems:

    > Quality assurance and the value chain.
    > The role of statistics in continuous improvement. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify instabilities in the manufacturing process and take corrective action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    When setting up the manufacturing process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    When developing statistical process control tools to measure the product's critical characteristics. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    When measuring, plotting and interpreting data related to critical characteristics. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    When submitting requests for updating datapacks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Application of statistical process control to produce consistently good product. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the relationship between qualifying the production process and continuous production of quality product. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57885   Further Education and Training Certificate: CNC Production Machining  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.