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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. Prepare work area
  2. Prepare screen
  3. Select emulsion
  4. Process material
  5. Dry stencil
  6. Block out screen
  7. Store screen

Knowledge Evidence

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

identify the influence that mesh count has on final printed product

explain the importance of correctly tensioned screen and describe the tension that is required on screens of various mesh count or grades

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

summarise the information contained in the material safety data sheet (MSDS) about emulsion

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

identify the maintenance that is required on the direct projection camera

outline the importance of working in a safelight area when using the direct projection method

describe the kinds of high sensitivity emulsions that are available and explain their characteristics, lifespans and areas of use, including the preparation method for the emulsion being used

identify the influence that length of run and ink being used have on the coating technique

identify the number of coats of emulsion and the best method of coating the screen, as well as the best position (horizontal or vertical) for drying the screen to prevent scum and streaking

identify the effect of heat on the emulsion during the drying process

outline health and safety concerns when exposing the screen

describe the operating features of the direct projection camera

explain how to set the enlargement factor and take into account registration on the frame for the appropriate printing machine

describe the exposure techniques and procedures that are used and how to calculate exposure time

identify the effect of temperature, pressure and period of washing on the emulsion, including how to determine when washing out is complete

outline the post-curing effect on the stencil

summarise the information that is obtained from the MSDSs for a particular blockout

explain how ink and stencil type influence the choice of blockout

outline the preventive measures that can be taken to minimise pinholes and the importance of taping the edge of the frame

describe how a screen can be identified at a later date

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