Basic Chemical and Physical Science Competencies (refs. 5.0, 6.0) Explain basic physical and chemical principles in the process of manufacturing and testing is essential for all technicians. Technicians should be able to: · Apply safe use of chemicals in all environments · Read and comprehend basic chemical abbreviations for compounds · Use and interchange systems of units as needed · Apply the scientific method in the lab and in related technical situations · Demonstrate knowledge of chemical concentrations Industry subject matter experts identified that technicians must be able to understand and interpret Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the correct application of MSDS information. Fundamentals (refs. 7.0 – 15.0) Understanding basic fundamentals of materials behavior and methods of testing are essential for any technician involved in materials manufacture or engineering. Technicians should be able to: · Describe the fundamental nature of materials · Distinguish the property differences between metals, ceramics, polymers and composite materials · Explain methods for analysis of materials structure · Define and use the concepts of stress and strain, strength and deformation Technicians should also be able to: · Demonstrate an understanding of experimental design · Identify methods used to test materials properties · State the properties of a material found from a tensile test · Relate to standards (ASTM and ISO) Industry subject matter experts identified that technicians must understand that different materials have different properties and behave differently during testing, processing and manufacture.

About the Core Competencies Materials Core Competencies are the fundamental set of abilities and understanding of materials processing and behavior needed by technicians who work in manufacturing and materials technologies. This booklet focuses on key competencies that technicians need to process materials by machining, joining, casting, bonding, molding, extrusion, etc. In addition, all technicians need “basic skills” including the following: Basic competencies (ref* 0.0) · Basic communication skills · Testing and data analysis · Workplace performance · Technical competence Measurement (ref 1.0) · Dimensions and physical phenomena · Working with technical drawings · Laboratory skills Mathematics (ref. 2.0) · Basic fundamentals and calculations · Units and conversions · Algebra and functions · Statistics Computer Skills (ref. 3.0) · Proper computer usage · Applications in the lab and office · Technical software applications Teamwork and professionalism (ref 4.0) · Working in teams · Understanding instructions · Personal professionalism *To find details of these competencies, use the reference number given and refer to the full report on the internet at www.materialseducation.org CAM Competencies in Manufacturing Quality and Operations (ref. 19.0) Technicians in materials manufacturing must understand the concepts of quality, quality control and the application of statistical methods for the improvement of manufacturing processes. Technicians should be able to: · Differentiate between critical and non-critical defects · Describe the cost of poor quality parts · Apply statistics in process control (SPC) · Focus on safety in manufacturing Industry subject matter experts identified that technicians must be able to recognize and address issues of quality and safety in the manufacturing process. To find details of these competencies, use the reference number given and refer to the full report on the internet at www.materialseducation.org

Core Competencies for Technicians Working with Materials Developed by MatEd The National Resource Center for Materials Technology Education www.materialseducation.org Lynnwood, WA December 2007 Competencies in Processing and Fabrication (refs. 16.0 – 18.0) Technicians working in processing and fabrication of materials must understand the basic relationship between the materials they are using, processing methods and potential problems related to the manufacturing process itself. Technicians should be able to: · Explain how changes in manufacturing processes affect materials properties (and therefore the product) · Describe the effects on product properties and quality due to operator, machine or material variations · Relate processing techniques (welding, machining, fastening, forging finishing) to potential defects that could occur due to processing · Identify typical tooling, dies, jigs and fixtures for processing various materials types · Depict the primary methods for machining, grinding and extruding metals · Explain methods for plastics and composites processing Industry subject matter experts identified that technicians must understand that ANY change in manufacturing processes can and will affect the product’s properties and performance