To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain why it is important that job specifications are read and properly understood
discuss production problems that could eventuate if job specifications are not read and properly understood
identify who to discuss any production problems with
list work health and safety (WHS) precautions for installing printing cylinders on the machine
explain how to determine the optimum print sequence
identify the visual aid on the cylinder that shows the colour of ink to be used
list precautions to ensure cylinders are not damaged during installation
discuss WHS precautions for webbing up the machine
describe how to determine the position of the reel
explain what happens if brake tension is not set correctly
outline the function of the ‘dancer’ roller on a web machine
explain what happens if the web is not spliced correctly
describe how the particular web viewing device works
explain the principle of electrostatic assist (ESA) roller operation on the gravure printing machine
identify the type of substrate to use on the ESA roller
list WHS precautions for setting up delivery
explain how the web is controlled in the rewind unit
describe the outcome of incorrect rewind tension
describe remedial steps to take if there is a possibility of ink marking in the rewind
list problems attributable to a blunt knife when sheeting
explain the function of air blast play in the delivery of sheets
list WHS precautions for preparing inks and additives
outline details to check for an ink’s suitability for the printing process
explain why additives are used in gravure inks
discuss the range, in seconds, for zahn cup measurements
describe the effect foaming has in a zahn cup when measuring ink viscosity
explain why pigmented ink is brought to operating temperature before correcting viscosity
list advantages of using automatic viscosity controllers
explain precautions to minimise waste when preparing ink
discuss shelf life of most inks
describe conditions relevant to storage of inks and additives
explain conventions for labelling mixed inks
list WHS factors for setting up the machine
describe the function of chill rollers on a machine
explain the main advantage of gauging up and dry register prior to printing a job
discuss the result of excess printing pressure
explain how to determine pressure to be applied to the doctor blade
outline possible print faults that caused by excessive overspill of air from the inter-colour drier
discuss the recommended air ratio for efficient inter-colour drying
list advantages of using high-velocity air in the drying system
explain the cause of doctor blade wear on a gravure printing unit
outline possible options for reducing doctor blade wear
describe how to determine optimum make ready speed for the job
explain how to communicate steps involved in make ready to other team members
discuss the need to grade drying speeds of each progressive colour, so that first-down colours dry faster than subsequent colours
explain the cause of a decrease in web tension
outline results of increasing rewind tension after the roll has been partially rewound
discuss the major cause of a telescopic roll
explain how to test metallised film to find out the correct side to print on
describe how to measure the metallised surface for coating thickness
explain the effect of annealing on aluminium foil
discuss the purpose of using thermal imaging face stocks
explain how substrates are metallised
list client requirements for bar codes
describe print characteristics related to excessive printing pressure
explain what causes picking when printing multi-coloured work
describe possible print faults that result from using an over-reduced ink
list causes of moire patterns when printing by the gravure process
describe the instrument to be used to identify retained solvent trapped in the print
explain the purpose of taking dyne readings
explain the purpose of the crinkle test when testing an ink
describe print faults that result from a worn doctor blade
discuss the effect of using ink returning from the ink fountain when checking viscosity for ink while using ink pumps
outline problems that result from excessive use of slow solvents
discuss why laminating inks, once printed, appear dull and easy to scratch
describe the result of excessive print area tension
identify problems the printer may associate with cold seals
identify who has responsibility for the final say in the OK of the job
identify machine manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task, and where they are kept and discuss the information in them.