To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain why it is necessary to ensure the job specifications are read and properly understood
describe production problems that can eventuate from not reading and understanding the job specifications
identify who to discuss any production problems with
describe problems that can result from the plate cylinder not being cleaned prior to plate fitting
explain what can happen if the plate is over-tensioned during fitting
explain faults that can result from a plate being under-tensioned
describe why accurate plate bending is necessary on a web-fed machine
outline considerations for deciding the colour sequence
describe the visual aid on the plate that identifies colour of ink to be used
For reel systems only
list work health and safety (WHS) precautions for webbing up the machine
explain how to determine position of the reel
describe what can happen if the brake tension is not set correctly
outline the function of the ‘Dancer’ roller on a web machine
demonstrate knowledge of how to determine the position of bustle wheels
explain what can happen if the web is not spliced correctly
demonstrate knowledge of how the particular web viewing device works
explain how to control the web in the rewind unit
describe the function of a slitter on a web machine
list possible causes of the web to jam up in the folder
explain the need to disengage folder if sheeting
describe problems that can be attributed to a blunt knife when sheeting
name a safety feature in the delivery system for when the web jams up
describe which fold is always made with the grain of the web
identify the type of folder that folds the web in half in the direction of the web grain
list remedial steps if there is a possibility of the ink marking in the folder
outline main reasons for having a silicone applicator on a web machine
list main reasons for blistering on a heat-set machine
identify substances that evaporate after ink is placed in the oven
describe the function of chill rollers on a web machine
For sheet systems only
list WHS factors to consider when setting up sheet transportation and delivery systems
explain what can cause more than one sheet to be picked up in the feeder
outline the need for accurate feeder set up
identify what determines position of the sheet prior to being transferred to the printing unit
explain how to decide which front lays to use
describe the type of substrate that requires additional front lays to be engaged
explain the need for additional front lays when printing this type of substrate
list WHS precautions for setting up the delivery
list WHS precautions for removing sheets from the delivery
explain the cause of sheets being delivered incorrectly
describe necessary adjustments if changing from lightweight to heavyweight stocks
explain what determines sheet release into the delivery
outline problems from excessive use of anti-set off spray powder
list possible causes of printed sheets to set off in the delivery
explain how to reduce possibility of set off in the delivery
identify faults that may be created by excess vacuum on the slow-down wheels
outline the procedure to lengthen print length on this type of press
outline the procedure to shorten print length on this type of press
list WHS concerns for preparation of inks and additives
identify details to check an ink’s suitability for the printing process
outline special end-use requirements that may be necessary
explain why it may be necessary to mix an additive into the ink
explain how a spectrophotometer can be used to assess colour of an ink
describe the formula for calculating correct quantity of lithographic ink
name a print fault likely if excessive driers are mixed into ink
describe precautions to minimise waste when preparing ink
describe how to determine shelf life of most inks
outline conditions relevant to storage of inks and additives
list conventions to follow when labelling mixed inks
list WHS factors to consider when setting up the machine
describe checks to be made on the plate prior to fitting
outline how much plate packing is required
explain normal printing pressure required between plate and blanket
explain how to determine correct printing pressure between blanket and stock
outline ideal blanket surface condition
explain how to achieve correct blanket tension when fitting a new blanket
identify print faults likely if the impression cylinder is not maintained
describe the order eccentric or concentric roller adjustments should be made in
list the contact stripe width required between two rollers when setting the rollers
demonstrate how to determine ink duct setting
explain the ideal ink duct sweep setting
describe recommended degrees of shore hardness for bare back and conventional dampeners
describe the best conductivity of fountain solution
explain why it is necessary to constantly check conductivity of fountain solution
demonstrate knowledge of how to change the amount of fountain solution across the plate surface
explain why it may be necessary to adjust fountain solution laterally
explain the effect of engaging the perfecting unit on the run
list WHS precautions for slitting on the machine
describe operations performed with in-line units
demonstrate knowledge of machine position used to engage in-line processing units
identify precautions for setting up in-line processing units
list reasons for a printed product to be punched
outline what to consider when setting hole punching in relation to repeat length
describe the result of excessive pressure on the slitters
describe the operation of the true inch function fitted to some machines
describe problems that may cause the machine to keep stopping
list necessary checks prior to engaging the impression
list checks performed when running the machine
explain the effect the position of certain guards have on machine operation
outline how steps involved in operating the machine are communicated to other team members
name various aids available for testing the machine proof
identify where testing should take place
explain the function of a polarisation filter in a densitometer
describe the ideal conditions for inspecting the proof
outline the need to use visual aids on the printed sheets
identify the acceptable wet trap value range for lithographic inks
explain what indicates optimum solid ink density, in the absence of a proof
describe the result of low solid ink density and excessive dot gain
list methods to check and adjust ink colour and consistency
explain adjustments that may cause mis-register
explain adjustments required to position the image laterally
list adjustments made to position the image circumferentially
list adjustments made to position the image diagonally
describe the effect of changing colour sequence on the wet trap value
explain the difference between mechanical and optical dot gain
describe factors that can cause excessive mechanical dot gain
identify who has responsibility for the final approval of the job
locate machine manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task and outline the information included in these documents.