Applying finishes to composite mouldings
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to apply finishes to composite mouldings,in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to use appropriate drawings, specifications and documentation to apply finishes, using the correct techniques.
You will apply finishes to composite mouldings using a range of techniques and processes. A variety of finishes will be applied to a range of resin and fibre materials.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the finishing activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the finishing activities, equipment or materials that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you produce.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work, and will provide an informed approach to applying finishing techniques and procedures to composite mouldings. You will understand the finishing techniques used, and their application, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring the work output is to the required specification.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the finishing operations and when using the 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 and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- ensure the material surfaces to be treated are suitably prepared for the finishing operations to be carried out
- check that the finishing equipment and treatment solutions are set up and maintained at satisfactory operating conditions and levels
- carry out the finish applying process in accordance with operating procedures and the specification requirements
- ensure that the treated workpiece achieves the required characteristics and meets the finishing specification
- deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
- dispose of waste and excess materials in line with agreed organisational procedures
- complete the required production documentation
- leave the finishing equipment in a safe condition on completion of the processing activities
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- how to work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- the hazards associated with carrying out composite finishing activities, and with the composite materials, consumables, tools and equipment used, and how to minimise these and reduce any risks
- personal protective equipment (PPE) that is needed for personal protection and, where required, the protection of others
- the application of regulations in relation to the storage, use and disposal of composite materials and consumables
- the specific environmental conditions the must be observed when applying finishes to composite mouldings
- how to extract and use information from engineering drawings and related specifications (to include symbols and conventions to appropriate standards) in relation to work undertaken
- quality procedures used in the workplace to ensure production control (in relation to currency, issue, meeting specification) and the completion of such documents
- conventions and terminology used for applying finishes
- different types of composite resin systems, fibres, reinforcements, and their merits
- different finishes applied to composites, and their applications
- correct methods of storage, handling and disposal of finishing materials
- methods of preparation for applying different finishes
- mixing ratios for two-part finishes, and the associated working times
- methods of application for different finishes
- problems that can occur during the finishing process, including defects such as contamination
- how defects can be overcome during the finishing activity
- tools and equipment used in finishing activities, and their care, preparation and control procedures
- the extent of your own responsibility and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
1. Carry out all of the following during the finishing activities:
- obtain and use the appropriate documentation
- adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations and procedures to realise a safe system of work
- provide and maintain a safe working environment for the composite finishing activities
- check that all tools and equipment to be used are in a safe and usable condition
- follow safe practice/approved composite finishing techniques and procedures at all times
- segregate and dispose of waste materials using the correct procedure
- return all tools and equipment to the correct location on completion of the composite finishing activities
- leave the work area in a safe and appropriate condition on completion of the activities
2. Carry out all of the following activities when preparing for the finishing activity:
- check that mouldings are correct and complete
- check for any defects in the mouldings
- check availability of ancillary materials required
- select the correct equipment for the activity
- check that the equipment is suitable for use
- identify and protect the moulding in the work area
3. Apply finishes to composite mouldings using two of the following techniques:
- cloth application
- brush
- spray
- films
- roller
- other specific technique
4. Prepare surfaces of composite mouldings using two of the following methods:
- surface masks
- peel ply
- abrading
- abrasive blasting
- etching
- water cleaning
- solvent cleaning
- priming
- other specific method
5. Apply two types of finish to composite mouldings from:
- surface sealers
- primers
- top coats
- adhesive films
- UV coatings
- heatproof coatings
- flexible coatings
- speciality coatings
- other specific finish
6. Apply finishes to composite mouldings using three of the following:
- one-part finishes
- two-part finishes
- single coatings
- multiple coatings
- combination coats
- solvent based
- water based
- adhesive based
- other specific finish
7. Apply finishes to composite mouldings using four of the following consumable materials:
- masking tapes
- masking films
- stoppers
- fillers
- sealers
- primers
- abrasives
- cutting compounds
- polishes
- thinners
- solvents
- cleaning agents
- other specific consumable
8. Apply finishes to composite mouldings suitable for two of the following resin types:
- bio resin
- thermoplastic
- polyester
- vinyl ester
- epoxy
- phenolic
- bismaleimide
- cyanate ester
- other specific resin
9. Apply finishes to composite mouldings suitable for two of the following fibre types:
- natural fibre
- thermo plastic
- glass
- aramid
- carbon
- hybrid
- other specific fibre
10. Apply finishes to a range of mouldings in compliance 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