Assessor Resource

ICPPRN411
Mount and demount flexographic plates for complex printing

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mount and demount flexographic plates for non-routine printing.

It applies to individuals working in the printing and graphic pre-press sector of the printing and graphic arts industry. They design layouts and assemble text and graphics into page formats for printing, and set up, monitor and operate equipment and machinery as well as apply solutions to a defined range of problems associated with the print medium, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may also provide leadership and guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Confirm non-routine job specifications

1.1 Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system

1.2 Set up is planned and carried out correctly in minimum time with minimum wastage

1.3 Prior inspections are completed and signed off

2. Prepare flexographic plates

2.1 Plate height is measured according to non-routine job specifications

2.2 Plates are trimmed and prepared according to mounting system requirements

2.3 Mounting adhesive is selected to achieve correct Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) of specified plate cylinders and gears

3. Prepare plate cylinder

3.1 Plate cylinders/seamless sleeves are selected, cleaned and prepared and correct gears are mounted

OR

3.2 Sleeves and correct gears on mandrels are selected, cleaned, prepared and mounted to meet non-routine job specifications

3.3 Total Indicated Runout (TIR) is checked to be within specified tolerances on plate cylinders

3.4 Selected mounting adhesive is applied to plate cylinders

4. Mount and demount flexographic plates on mounting/proofing machine

4.1 Plates are prepared and mounted on cylinders using pin mounts or microdot systems or sleeves according to chart number/print direction

OR

4.2 Plate mounting sheet is prepared to meet non-routine job specifications

4.3 Plates are mounted to position on plate mounting sheet or camera targets

4.4 Plate mounting sheet is installed and tensioned onto plate cylinder to specified chart number/print direction

4.5 Correct cleaning solution and brush is used to clean plate

4.6 Correct tools are used to demount plate without damaging plate

4.7 Plate is visually checked for damage

4.8 Plate is prepared for storage and then stored correctly according to enterprise procedures

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare and mount flexographic plates and plate cylinders for complex printing to meet job specifications, including checking registration if necessary

mount and demount plates and install in a flexographic printing machine for a variety of different complex print jobs on TWO occasions according to job specifications.

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:

explain the need to ensure job specifications are read and properly understood

describe production problems that could be created by not reading or understanding the job specifications

identify who to discuss any production problems with

list work health and safety (WHS) concerns of mounting and demounting plates

describe the most common cause of photopolymer plates crazing on the image side

explain the importance of printing plate resiliency

list the main advantage of using thin photopolymer plates in process printing

outline faults that may be detected on new plates

identify type of solvents used on photopolymer plates

describe benefits of optical mounting

explain the purpose of binding plates after mounting

outline possible print faults that could be eliminated by using cushion mount

describe the result of air being trapped under plates

explain how to select the correct cushion mount for a particular job

explain how to eliminate low spots

explain how to minimise press bounce in jobs that are mounted more than one across

list some possible causes of print slur

explain how to prevent or minimise plate lifting

explain the method used to make registering the job easier on the press

locate machine manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task, and explain the information contained in them

identify other sources of available information.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the printing field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and materials.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Confirm non-routine job specifications

1.1 Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system

1.2 Set up is planned and carried out correctly in minimum time with minimum wastage

1.3 Prior inspections are completed and signed off

2. Prepare flexographic plates

2.1 Plate height is measured according to non-routine job specifications

2.2 Plates are trimmed and prepared according to mounting system requirements

2.3 Mounting adhesive is selected to achieve correct Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) of specified plate cylinders and gears

3. Prepare plate cylinder

3.1 Plate cylinders/seamless sleeves are selected, cleaned and prepared and correct gears are mounted

OR

3.2 Sleeves and correct gears on mandrels are selected, cleaned, prepared and mounted to meet non-routine job specifications

3.3 Total Indicated Runout (TIR) is checked to be within specified tolerances on plate cylinders

3.4 Selected mounting adhesive is applied to plate cylinders

4. Mount and demount flexographic plates on mounting/proofing machine

4.1 Plates are prepared and mounted on cylinders using pin mounts or microdot systems or sleeves according to chart number/print direction

OR

4.2 Plate mounting sheet is prepared to meet non-routine job specifications

4.3 Plates are mounted to position on plate mounting sheet or camera targets

4.4 Plate mounting sheet is installed and tensioned onto plate cylinder to specified chart number/print direction

4.5 Correct cleaning solution and brush is used to clean plate

4.6 Correct tools are used to demount plate without damaging plate

4.7 Plate is visually checked for damage

4.8 Plate is prepared for storage and then stored correctly according to enterprise procedures

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare and mount flexographic plates and plate cylinders for complex printing to meet job specifications, including checking registration if necessary

mount and demount plates and install in a flexographic printing machine for a variety of different complex print jobs on TWO occasions according to job specifications.

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:

explain the need to ensure job specifications are read and properly understood

describe production problems that could be created by not reading or understanding the job specifications

identify who to discuss any production problems with

list work health and safety (WHS) concerns of mounting and demounting plates

describe the most common cause of photopolymer plates crazing on the image side

explain the importance of printing plate resiliency

list the main advantage of using thin photopolymer plates in process printing

outline faults that may be detected on new plates

identify type of solvents used on photopolymer plates

describe benefits of optical mounting

explain the purpose of binding plates after mounting

outline possible print faults that could be eliminated by using cushion mount

describe the result of air being trapped under plates

explain how to select the correct cushion mount for a particular job

explain how to eliminate low spots

explain how to minimise press bounce in jobs that are mounted more than one across

list some possible causes of print slur

explain how to prevent or minimise plate lifting

explain the method used to make registering the job easier on the press

locate machine manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task, and explain the information contained in them

identify other sources of available information.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the printing field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and materials.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system 
Set up is planned and carried out correctly in minimum time with minimum wastage 
Prior inspections are completed and signed off 
Plate height is measured according to non-routine job specifications 
Plates are trimmed and prepared according to mounting system requirements 
Mounting adhesive is selected to achieve correct Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) of specified plate cylinders and gears 
Plate cylinders/seamless sleeves are selected, cleaned and prepared and correct gears are mounted 
Sleeves and correct gears on mandrels are selected, cleaned, prepared and mounted to meet non-routine job specifications 
Total Indicated Runout (TIR) is checked to be within specified tolerances on plate cylinders 
Selected mounting adhesive is applied to plate cylinders 
Plates are prepared and mounted on cylinders using pin mounts or microdot systems or sleeves according to chart number/print direction 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICPPRN411 - Mount and demount flexographic plates for complex printing
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ICPPRN411 - Mount and demount flexographic plates for complex printing

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: