Checking for defects in composite mouldings
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to be able to check for defects in composite mouldings (such as moulds, panels, components, jigs), in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to use appropriate drawings, specifications and documentation to identify with defects in composites mouldings.
You will be able to identify a range of defects in composite mouldings using various methods and techniques.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the activities undertaken and to report any problems with the activities that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to instructions under supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work you carry out.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to checking for defects in composite mouldings, and to report to others so they can decide what action needs to be taken. You will understand composite materials and their application and will know about defects in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for dealing with the defects in line with organisation practice and procedures.
You will understand the safety precautions required when working with the composite mouldings and when using associated tools and equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety, environmental and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- check for defects to the composite moulding
- report defects to the appropriate people promptly and in accordance with organisational procedures
- record details of defects, and any recommended actions required to rectify defects, in accordance with quality assurance and control systems and procedures
- complete relevant documentation
- leave the work area in a safe and appropriate condition on completion of the activities
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the health and safety precautions to be taken and procedures used when working with composite materials, consumables, tools and equipment in the specific work area
- the hazards associated with carrying out inspections on composite mouldings, and with the composite materials, consumables, tools and equipment used, and how to minimise these and reduce any risks
- the protective equipment (PPE) that is needed for personal protection and, where required, the protection of others
- the application of COSHH regulations in relation to the storage, use and disposal of composite materials and consumables
- the specific environmental conditions the must be observed when handling composite mouldings (such as temperature, humidity, fume/dust extraction systems and equipment)
- how to identify and use information from engineering drawings and related specifications (to include symbols and conventions to appropriate BS, ISO or BSEN standards) in relation to work undertaken
- how to interpret drawings, lay up manuals systems of measurement, workpiece reference points and system of tolerancing
- the quality procedures used in the workplace to ensure production control (in relation to currency, issue, meeting specification)
- the basic conventions and terminology used when identifying defects (such as dis-bonds, de-lamination, resin injection, resin voids, core potting, repair patches)
- how to recognise the different types of defect that can occur in composite mouldings
- the different methods used to identify defects in composite mouldings including sensory checks, hand measuring tools and machine tools
- the factors to be taken into consideration when selecting the method to check composite moulding for defects
- the importance of identifying defects in composite mouldings and the implications if defects are not identified during production
- correct methods of storage and handling of composite materials
- the extent of your own responsibility and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
- the documentation to be completed during and/or on completion of the surface treatment activity
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Carry out all of the following during the checking activities:
- use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, material data sheets, specifications, planning and quality control documentation)
- adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, COSHH, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations and procedures to realise a safe system of work
- maintain a safe working environment for the composite moulding inspection activities
- check that all tools and equipment to be used are in a safe and usable condition and, where appropriate, are within current calibration/certification dates
- follow safe practice/approved techniques and procedures at all times
- return all tools and equipment to the correct location on completion of the activities
Identify defects in composite mouldings using all of the following methods:
- touch
- sound
visual
and one of the following:
- mechanical equipment
- non-destructive testing (such as ultrasonic scanning, x-ray, thermography and sheraography)
- co-ordinate measuring machines
- testing equipment to check features (such as tensile strength, compression, sheer, impact and peel)
- other (to be specified)
Identify defects applicable to one of the following resin types:
- bio resin
- thermoplastic
- polyester
- vinyl ester
- epoxy
- phenolic
- bismaleimide
- cyanate ester
- other (to be specified)
Identify defects applicable to one of the following fibre types:
- natural fibre
- thermo plastic
- glass
- aramid
- carbon
- hybrid
- other (to be specified)
Where core materials are required identify defects applicable to one of the following:
- solid timber
- end grain balsa
- rigid foam
- expanding foam
- coremat
- honeycomb
- fibrous honeycomb
- aluminium honeycomb
- syntactic core
- expanding core
- thermoplastic core
- other (to be specified)
Identify seven of the following types of defect in composite mouldings:
- dimensional
- tolerances
- surface finish
- colour separation
- distortion
- blisters
- dents or 'dings'
- surface cracks
- incorrect material
- contamination
- bridging
- broken fibres
- stray fibres
- ply orientation
- wrong join type
- gaps at joins
- incorrect overlap
- wrinkles
- splintering
- voids
- resin rich areas
- fibre deviation
- damaged cores
- dis-bonds
- excessive adhesive
- wrong inserts
- insert positions
- porosity
- local exotherm
- fayed/burned area
- incomplete curing
- de-lamination
- impact damage
- puncture
gouges
holes
- abrasion/erosion
- fluid ingress
- fractures
- other (to be specified)
Ensure actions recommended to rectify the defect comply with one of the following standards:
- BS, ISO or BSEN standards and procedures
- customer standards and requirements
- company standards and procedures
- recognised compliance agency/body standards
Complete the relevant documentation, to include one of the following:
- production documentation
- quality control documentation
- job cards
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
- responsibility
- honesty
- integrity
- motivation
- commitment