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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm routine job specifications
   • Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system
   • Set up is carried out correctly in minimum time with minimum wastage
   • Prior inspections are completed and signed off
2. Prepare flexographic plates
   • Plate height and relief are measured
   • 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
3. Prepare plate cylinders
   • Plate cylinders/seamless sleeves are selected, cleaned and prepared
   • Sleeves and correct gears on mandrels are selected, cleaned, prepared and mounted to meet routine job specifications
   • Total indicated run-out (TIR) is checked as within specified tolerances on plate cylinders
   • Selected mounting adhesive is applied to plate cylinders
4. Mount and proof flexographic plates on mounting/proofing machine
   • Plates are prepared and mounted on cylinders using pin mount or microdot systems or sleeves according to chart number/print direction
   • Plate mounting sheet is prepared to meet routine job specifications
   • Plates are mounted to position on plate mounting sheet or camera targets
   • Plate mounting sheet is installed and tensioned onto plate cylinder to specified chart number/print direction
   • Plates are proofed and each plate cylinder is checked for register
   • Flexographic plates are trimmed and taped down according to printing press requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare flexographic plates and plate cylinders on TWO occasions for basic jobs and mount these according to the selected mounting system (as specified on job documentation or production control system) according to enterprise procedures (mounting can be on either proofing machine or printing press)

proof plates and check plate cylinder registration of the flexographic plates mounted on the proofing machine for this purpose on TWO occasions for basic jobs

find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources

safely operate tools and machinery (such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started and using of any cleaning chemicals safely).

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

determine job requirements

identify vital information on the job ticket

list checks to be done prior to set up (availability of materials etc.)

identify flexographic printing plates and mounting systems

identify health and safety concerns for safely mounting and proofing plates

identify how to ensure the correct plates for the job is chosen

describe when cushion type mounting material is used

identify how to handle plates when mounting to avoid damage to plates

list options to seal edges of plates when mounting

explain importance of measuring plate height

identify TIR (total indicated run-out) effect on press performance

define and describe procedure for V-block mounting

proofing and adjustment

identify quality control measurements to apply to the proof to test against known standards

identify checks to be made on initial print prior to running

identify how to minimise registration errors

Information sources

identify relevant information sources (including machine manuals, safety documentation and other information) relevant to this task and their location and the information included in them.

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