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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 complex job specifications
  2. Set up delivery systems
  3. Select and prepare inks and additives
  4. Set up machine for complex lithographic printing
  5. Conduct proof run

Range Statement

This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Delivery systems MUST include EITHER:

reel

OR

sheet

Setting and adjusting MUST include EITHER:

set up options for unwind and rewind reels

webbing procedures and web control system

splicing/joining reels

printed web viewing devices

folder and sheeter

set off / marking prevention devices

OR

feeder and delivery sections

sheet pick-up, transportation and control and transfer systems

set off / marking prevention devices


Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

set up a lithographic printing machine for a complex job on TWO occasions (if possible using different substrates and sheet sizes if sheet-fed and, if possible, including at least two in-line processes) according to job and manufacturer’s specifications, and enterprise procedures

set up either wide or narrow reel or sheet-fed lithographic printing machines for non-routine print jobs

conduct proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained in minimum time with minimum wastage

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


Knowledge Evidence

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.