Evidence of the ability to:
set up reel- or sheet-fed platen, cylinder or rotary printing machines for routine print jobs
conduct proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained
use computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate
find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
demonstrate all safety devices on the machine
manipulate embellishment tools and operations
set up for TWO basic relief printing jobs (if possible including at least one in-line process) according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise procedures.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
Job specifications
explain what to do if vital information is missing from the job ticket
outline checks to do prior to set-up
Relief plates
explain effect of plates with poor relief
explain importance of calliper of mounting material
explain how to position plate on the mount ensuring plate edges do not lift
Reel in-feed
outline major work health and safety (WHS) concerns when setting up the reel in-feed
explain how to determine printing side of the material
outline effects of low web tension on the print
explain other types of web splices that can be used appropriately for the job
Sheet in-feed
outline major WHS concerns of setting up the sheet in-feed
explain how sheet position is determined for the job
outline effects that side lay selection has on the job
explain how to appropriately select front lays
list procedures for a register check
explain why a two-sheet cut is used on most feeders
explain how the machine knows if the sheet is missing or late
Reel only delivery system
explain effects of excessive web tension at rewind of the machine
outline major risks associated with rewind of the machine
Sheet only delivery system
explain why application of spray powder is sometimes advisable
list effects of too much spray powder
explain the use of slowdown devices in the delivery
outline effects of excessive jogging on the stack
Preparation of inks and additives
outline main environmental and WHS concerns about inks and additives
explain how to match ink to a particular job
outline results of ink being too tacky
explain the process for changing ink that is too light
outline methods available to check ink for correct colour
explain responsibility for passing the colour prior to running the job
Machine set-up
outline WHS concerns of setting up the machine
explain how to determine specifications relating to the specific job
explain effects incorrectly set inking rollers have on the print
outline ways the ink profile may vary across the machine
explain what ‘optimum ink duct sweep’ refers to
Basic in-line processes
outline precautions to take if UV drying is to be utilised to dry the ink film
list steps to incorporate in-line processes into the make ready
explain how equipment used in in-line processing can be protected against damage during set-up
Proofing and adjustment
outline methods to minimise waste during make ready
list procedures to be adopted to have the print approved
list quality control measurements applied to the print to test against known standards
outline checks on the initial print prior to running
explain how settings to be adjusted are determined
summarise the process to plot success of the machine adjustment
summarise how to record final results for future reference
Source information
outline a range of information sources relevant to basic relief printing.