Assembling and preparing investment shells for casting
URN: SEMMPF212
Business Sectors (Suites): Materials Processing and Finishing Suite 2
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on:
30 Mar 2020
Overview
| This standard identifies the competences you need to assemble and prepare investment shells for casting, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to select the appropriate equipment to use, based on the type, size and number of the shells to be assembled, which may have been produced as one-offs or in batches. You will be required to check the condition of the shells you receive and to reject any considered as sub-standard, in accordance with the company control procedures. You will need to protect the investment shell runner systems to prevent mould contamination. In preparing the shells for casting, you will be expected to carry out final checks to ensure that the quality of the shell meets company standards. Shell positioning, sealing and supporting will take place using approved location devices, sealing materials, support packing and equipment, as appropriate. Shells will, where appropriate, be pre-heated using approved procedures and will be secured or passed to the clamping area prior to being cast. Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the assembly and closing of the investment shells and to report any problems with the shells or equipment in use that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to instructions, with minimal supervision, taking personal responsibility for your actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out. Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work and will enable you to adopt an informed approach to the assembly and securing of the various types of shells. You will have an understanding of the different types of materials used to make the shells and the process of wax pattern removal. You will be familiar with the machinery that is used to handle the different types and size of mould/shell. You will also understand the different methods of locating shells and why it is sometimes necessary to carry out pre-heating of shells before casting takes place. You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the mould/shell assembling and closing activities and when using the associated tools and equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout. You will also understand your responsibilities for safety and the importance of taking the necessary safeguards to protect yourself and others in the workplace. |
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
| 1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, directives and other relevant guidelines 2. follow the relevant instructions, assembly drawings and any other specifications for assembling ad preparing shells for casting 3. ensure that the specified components are available and that they are in a usable condition 4. assemble the components in their correct positions using appropriate methods and techniques 5. secure the components using the specified connectors and securing devices 6. check the completed assembly to ensure that all operations have been completed and the finished assembly meets the required specification 7. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved 8. ensure that work records are completed, stored securely and available to others, as per organisational requirements 9. leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the activities, as per organisational and legal requirements |
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
| 1. the specific safety precautions to be taken whilst carrying out the activities (including any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials) 2. the health and safety requirements of the work area and the activities, and the responsibility these requirements place on you 3. the hazards associated with the activities, and how to minimise them and reduce risks 4. the personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) to be worn during the activities 5. how to obtain the job instructions and interpret their information 6. the procedure to be followed in the event of equipment or machine malfunction 7. why it is necessary to check shells prior to their assembly 8. the defects that can occur in investment shells (cracks, friable surfaces, incomplete shell, damaged or broken cores, mould location devices missing or distorted, incomplete de-waxing of shells, damage to runner/feeder systems) 9. the actions needed when shells are found to be sub-standard 10. the different processes and machines used to make shells (manual, semi and fully automatic) 11. the methods used to remove wax from shells 12. how internal cavities are formed within shells 13. why shell pre-heating is carried out and the effects on the casting quality of using incorrect pre-heat temperature 14. the reasons for carrying out shell backing/packing 15. the importance of protecting the runner system 16. the importance of protecting shells during transit 17. the importance of keeping the equipment clean and free from damage, good housekeeping of tools and equipment and maintaining a clean working area the casting defects that can be directly related to the incorrect assembly and preparation of the shells 18. the extent of your own authority and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot solve when assembling and preparing the investment shells 19. how to access, use and maintain information to comply with organisational requirements and legislation |
Scope/range
Scope Performance
| 1. Assemble and close shells, carrying out all of the following activities: 1. confirm that all the required materials and equipment are available and are in a safe and usable condition 2. adhere to health and safety regulations, systems and procedures to realise a safe system of work 3. comply with job instructions and mould/shell assembly specifications 4. use the correct tools and equipment for the shell assembly and preparation activities 5. follow the defined assembly and preparation procedures 6. ensure that the completed shell assembly meets the required specification for quality and accuracy 7. leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the moulding activities 2. Assemble and prepare investment shells for one of the following casting methods: 1. single 2. multiple 3. Prepare the shells for casting, to include all of the following: 1. checking that received shells are free from defects (such as cracks, foreign bodies/impurities) 2. correctly positioning the shells 3. covering and preventing ingress of material into downsprue/runner system 4. carrying out pre-heating of the shells (as appropriate) 5. carrying out backing/packing of shells 6. ensuring protection from damage during transit 4. Check shells meet all of the following completion and quality standards: 1. shells are undamaged 2. all operations have been carried out 3. meet the required specification (shape, dimensional accuracy) 4. packing is in place 5. protection is intact 5. Sort the finished shells, placing them into the appropriate designated areas for either: 1. placing acceptable shell assemblies 2. disposal of sub-standard shell assemblies |
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
Version Number
2
Indicative Review Date
31 Mar 2023
Validity
Current
Status
Original
Originating Organisation
Semta
Original URN
MPF2.12
Relevant Occupations
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Manufacturing Technologies, Process Operatives, Process, Plant and Machine Operatives
SOC Code
8115
Keywords
Engineering; manufacturing; processing; assembling; preparing; investment shells; casting; methods; equipment