4170 version 6

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Set up a mule spinning machine to spin yarn

Level / 4
Credits / 8

PurposePeople credited with this unit standard are able to: demonstrate knowledge of mule spinning machine set-up; set up a mule spinning machine for operation; maintain a mule spinning machine; and keep records.

Subfield / Textiles Manufacture
Domain / Woollen Yarn Processing
Status / Registered
Status date / 23 April 2008
Date version published / 23 April 2008
Planned review date / 31 December 2013
Entry information / Prerequisite: Unit 4169, Spin yarn on a mule spinning machine, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Accreditation / Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and industry.
Standard setting body (SSB) / Competenz
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference / 0030

This AMAP can be accessed at

Special notes

1Competence will be demonstrated on a spinning machine used in the candidate’s workplace.

2Competence will be demonstrated for a range of products used in the candidate’s workplace.

3Workplace productivity and quality requirements must be met.

4Performance of the elements must comply with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

5Workplace procedures refer to the verbal or documented procedures for performing work activities and include health and safety, operational, environmental, and quality management requirements. They may refer to manuals, manufacturer's specifications, codes of practice, or policy statements.

Elements and performance criteria

Element 1

Demonstrate knowledge of mule spinning machine set-up.

Performance criteria

1.1Machine variables that can be changed during set-up are identified and described in terms of the way they affect processing and product quality.

Rangedraft, package build, twist level, twist direction, backing off, outward speed, spindle speed, weights, quadrant.

1.2Yarn tests are described and results analysed to confirm processing and product specification.

Rangecount, twist, tensile strength.

Element 2

Set up a mule spinning machine for operation.

Performance criteria

2.1Adjustments are made in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.2Spinning machine components are checked for operating condition.

Rangespindle bands, wires, carriage function.

2.3Input creel is loaded in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.4Machine settings produce yarn to specification.

Rangedraft, package build, twist level, twist direction, backing off, outward speed, spindle speed, weights, quadrant.

2.5Production meets plant quality and efficiency standards.

2.7Test samples are taken and processed in accordance with workplace procedures.

Element 3

Maintain a mule spinning machine.

Performance criteria

3.1Maintenance procedures are carried out in accordance with workplace procedures.

Rangelubrication, spindle bands, spindle speed with stroboscope, clutch function.

Element 5

Keep records.

Performance criteria

4.1Records are maintained in accordance with workplace procedures.

Rangemachine batch settings, production records, maintenance records, machine operating records, quality records.

Please note

Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.

Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.

Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.

Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.

Comments on this unit standard

Please contact Competenz if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.

 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018