Elements and Performance Criteria
- Confirm routine job specifications
- Set up routine reel system (OR Element 3)
- Reels are checked for treatment levels, coatings, printing side and age of product
- Unwind reels are secured on reel shaft according to job specifications
- Reels are correctly positioned on unwind stand according to job specifications
- Correctly cut cores are positioned and mounted securely on rewind shafts
- Press is webbed for single-sided surface print according to job specifications
- Edge guide is centred and set according to job specifications
- Unwind tension is set to suit substrate according to job specifications
- Rewind tension is set to suit substrate according to job specifications
- Nip rollers are set according to job specifications
- PIV (Positively Infinitely Variable) drive is set for appropriate tensioning of substrate
- Set up routine sheet system (OR Element 2)
- Feeder is set up and adjusted according to job specifications
- Sheet pick-up and transportation system is set up and adjusted according to job specifications
- Transfer systems are set up and adjusted according to job specifications
- Delivery is set up and adjusted according to job specifications
- Substrate is removed from stacker according to job specifications
- Sheet transfer and control system is set up and adjusted according to job specifications
- Set off/marking prevention devices are set up and adjusted according to job specifications
- Select and prepare inks and solvents
- Inks and solvents are selected according to routine job specifications and end-user requirements
- Quality and suitability of inks and solvents are checked and appropriate action is taken
- Inks and solvents are prepared according to OHS requirements, and manufacturer's/supplier's instructions with suitable precautions to minimise waste
- Correct colour and weight/volume of ink are mixed and viscosities checked and modified according to press requirements and routine job specifications
- Ink formula and approved colour draw downs appropriately recorded
- Inks and solvents are appropriately labelled, handled and stored according to manufacturer's/supplier's instructions and the relevant hazardous liquids storage regulations
- Set up machine for basic flexographic printing
- Flexographic plate cylinders are installed and register adjustments centred OR
- Sleeves are installed in press and register adjustments made OR
- Plate mounting sheets are mounted on cylinders in press and register adjustments made
- Plate cylinders are gauged up or pre-set to impression
- Inking system is set up and roller nips/blades are set correctly
- Ink circulation is maintained at correct level and flow for machine requirements
- Viscosities are adjusted according to job specifications
- Air volume and drier temperatures or curing systems are selected to suit inks, substrate, solvents and according to job specifications
- Air volume is adjusted between colours to maximise drying and minimise air overspill
- Set up in-line units for basic process(es)
- Minor in-line printing/converting/binding units are set up for basic process(es) and adjusted to suit machine requirements and job specifications
- Assistance is given in the set up of major in-line printing/converting/binding units. (Note: if entire set up is done refer to appropriate Set up competency standards.)
- Conduct proof run
- Material to be used for proof is organised correctly
- Press is set up and operated according to OHS guidelines
- Print impressions are set to minimum kiss impression
- Web tensions are correctly set at unwind, between stations and rewind
- The print is checked for register
- Drying is checked as sufficient to key ink to the substrate
- The viscosities are adjusted to obtain the correct colour at proof speed and checked against colour matching system
- The substrate is checked against job specifications
- Organise proof inspection and/or testing
- Readjust settings to production speed
- Production speed print results are interpreted and appropriate adjustments are made to press, ink and substrate settings
- Adjustments are made according to product specifications and press performance
- Web is spliced at production speed and further samples are obtained for quality inspections at appropriate intervals
- Press setting is documented and samples are retained