Assessor Resource

ICPSCP333
Automatically prepare direct emulsion stencil

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select, prepare, coat and store direct emulsion stencils using automatic coating equipment.

It applies to individuals working in the printing and graphic arts industry who may have to set up and operate power-driven or hand-operated screen printing machines. They may have to provide leadership and guidance to others and have 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 Prepare work area and equipment

1.1 Work area is made clean and functional prior to commencement of work

1.2 Equipment is inspected to ensure it is functional and, where necessary, appropriate remedial action is taken prior to commencement of work

1.3 Appropriate coating troughs for automatic coaters are selected, ensuring they are free of nicks and burrs

1.4 Automatic coating equipment is inspected and routine user maintenance is carried out according to manufacturer instructions and enterprise procedures

1.5 Automatic coating equipment is adjusted to suit screen frame and mesh and emulsion

2 Prepare screen

2.1 Screen is selected according to job specifications

2.2 Chemicals are applied and removed according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

2.3 Tension of screen mesh is checked for suitability according to job specifications

3 Select emulsion

3.1 Emulsion is selected according to requirements for ink type, print resolution, substrate, mesh type and machine type

3.2 Emulsion is checked for expiry date and appropriate action taken

3.3 Emulsion is prepared according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

3.4 Emulsion is used and dried according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4 Process coated screen

4.1 Coated screen frame is placed in vacuum frame and adequately vacuumed with positive positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.2 Light source is positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.3 Exposure is calculated and stencil exposed according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.4 Exposed screen is removed from vacuum frame

Exposed screen is washed after positive removal according to 4.5 WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.6 Processed stencil or screen is inspected for flaws

5 Store screen

5.1 Prepared screen is labelled according to enterprise specifications

5.2 Prepared screen is stored in clean, dry environment according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

Evidence of the ability to:

correctly prepare TWO different direct emulsion stencils using automatic coating equipment

expose, wash and dry the screen according to manufacturer and job specifications, enterprise procedures and occupational health and safety requirements.

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:

describe the influence that the mesh count has on the final printed product

outline the importance of correct screen tension

explain the different tensions required for screens of various mesh counts and grades

outline the degreasing or cleaning techniques that are employed prior to coating the screen

describe information that is contained in material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the emulsion being used

identify the work health and safety (WHS) requirements that need to be considered for exposure to UV light sources

identify the pollution and environmental issues that need to be considered when working with emulsions

outline the maintenance that is required for the automatic coating machine

describe two different emulsions used in screen printing and outline their characteristics, their shelf life and areas of use

discuss the preparation formula for one emulsion and its storage requirements

describe the need to have the correct illumination in the work area

discuss the influence that the length of run and ink or dye being used have on the coating technique, the number of coats of emulsion and the best method of coating the screen

outline the factors that are taken into consideration to determine the angle at which the coaters coat the screen

describe the appropriate position (horizontal or vertical) for drying the screen and the effect that each of these positions has on the way the emulsion dries

describe the effect of heat on the emulsion during the drying process and the function and use of a light integrator

describe the procedure for exposing the stencil and the effect that the position, angle and distance of the light source have on the exposure process

describe the importance of perfect contact between positive and screen during exposure

identify the effect that temperature, pressure and time taken have on the washing out process and wash-out completion

identify the ideal position of the screen for drying to prevent scum and streaking and the impact of post-curing on the stencil

describe information obtained from the MSDS for this particular blockout

identify the bearing of ink to be used on a particular stencil and the type of stencil on the type of blockout

name the preventive measures that can be taken to minimise pinholes

explain the importance of taping the edge of the frame and the squeegee edge, and the means used to identify the screen at a later date

identify required manuals, safety and other documentation and briefly outline the relevant information in each source

explain where you might find other relevant sources of 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 screen printing field of work and include access to chemicals and relevant equipment.

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 Prepare work area and equipment

1.1 Work area is made clean and functional prior to commencement of work

1.2 Equipment is inspected to ensure it is functional and, where necessary, appropriate remedial action is taken prior to commencement of work

1.3 Appropriate coating troughs for automatic coaters are selected, ensuring they are free of nicks and burrs

1.4 Automatic coating equipment is inspected and routine user maintenance is carried out according to manufacturer instructions and enterprise procedures

1.5 Automatic coating equipment is adjusted to suit screen frame and mesh and emulsion

2 Prepare screen

2.1 Screen is selected according to job specifications

2.2 Chemicals are applied and removed according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

2.3 Tension of screen mesh is checked for suitability according to job specifications

3 Select emulsion

3.1 Emulsion is selected according to requirements for ink type, print resolution, substrate, mesh type and machine type

3.2 Emulsion is checked for expiry date and appropriate action taken

3.3 Emulsion is prepared according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

3.4 Emulsion is used and dried according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4 Process coated screen

4.1 Coated screen frame is placed in vacuum frame and adequately vacuumed with positive positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.2 Light source is positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.3 Exposure is calculated and stencil exposed according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.4 Exposed screen is removed from vacuum frame

Exposed screen is washed after positive removal according to 4.5 WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.6 Processed stencil or screen is inspected for flaws

5 Store screen

5.1 Prepared screen is labelled according to enterprise specifications

5.2 Prepared screen is stored in clean, dry environment according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

Evidence of the ability to:

correctly prepare TWO different direct emulsion stencils using automatic coating equipment

expose, wash and dry the screen according to manufacturer and job specifications, enterprise procedures and occupational health and safety requirements.

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:

describe the influence that the mesh count has on the final printed product

outline the importance of correct screen tension

explain the different tensions required for screens of various mesh counts and grades

outline the degreasing or cleaning techniques that are employed prior to coating the screen

describe information that is contained in material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the emulsion being used

identify the work health and safety (WHS) requirements that need to be considered for exposure to UV light sources

identify the pollution and environmental issues that need to be considered when working with emulsions

outline the maintenance that is required for the automatic coating machine

describe two different emulsions used in screen printing and outline their characteristics, their shelf life and areas of use

discuss the preparation formula for one emulsion and its storage requirements

describe the need to have the correct illumination in the work area

discuss the influence that the length of run and ink or dye being used have on the coating technique, the number of coats of emulsion and the best method of coating the screen

outline the factors that are taken into consideration to determine the angle at which the coaters coat the screen

describe the appropriate position (horizontal or vertical) for drying the screen and the effect that each of these positions has on the way the emulsion dries

describe the effect of heat on the emulsion during the drying process and the function and use of a light integrator

describe the procedure for exposing the stencil and the effect that the position, angle and distance of the light source have on the exposure process

describe the importance of perfect contact between positive and screen during exposure

identify the effect that temperature, pressure and time taken have on the washing out process and wash-out completion

identify the ideal position of the screen for drying to prevent scum and streaking and the impact of post-curing on the stencil

describe information obtained from the MSDS for this particular blockout

identify the bearing of ink to be used on a particular stencil and the type of stencil on the type of blockout

name the preventive measures that can be taken to minimise pinholes

explain the importance of taping the edge of the frame and the squeegee edge, and the means used to identify the screen at a later date

identify required manuals, safety and other documentation and briefly outline the relevant information in each source

explain where you might find other relevant sources of 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 screen printing field of work and include access to chemicals and relevant equipment.

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
Work area is made clean and functional prior to commencement of work 
Equipment is inspected to ensure it is functional and, where necessary, appropriate remedial action is taken prior to commencement of work 
Appropriate coating troughs for automatic coaters are selected, ensuring they are free of nicks and burrs 
Automatic coating equipment is inspected and routine user maintenance is carried out according to manufacturer instructions and enterprise procedures 
Automatic coating equipment is adjusted to suit screen frame and mesh and emulsion 
Screen is selected according to job specifications 
Chemicals are applied and removed according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications 
Tension of screen mesh is checked for suitability according to job specifications 
Emulsion is selected according to requirements for ink type, print resolution, substrate, mesh type and machine type 
Emulsion is checked for expiry date and appropriate action taken 
Emulsion is prepared according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications 
Emulsion is used and dried according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 
Coated screen frame is placed in vacuum frame and adequately vacuumed with positive positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 
Light source is positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 
Exposure is calculated and stencil exposed according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 
Exposed screen is removed from vacuum frame 
Processed stencil or screen is inspected for flaws 
Prepared screen is labelled according to enterprise specifications 
Prepared screen is stored in clean, dry environment according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICPSCP333 - Automatically prepare direct emulsion stencil
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Assessment Record Sheet

ICPSCP333 - Automatically prepare direct emulsion stencil

Student name:

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

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