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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. Load substrate
   • Substrate is checked against job specifications with any irregularities reported and rectified where possible
   • Substrate position and stencil registration are adjusted according to job specifications
2. Apply ink to screen
   • Ink is applied to screen in quantity required for screen size
   • Equipment is kept clean and spills are minimised
   • Colour is mixed and ink is checked against job specifications
3. Produce proof print
   • Proof print is run off and checked for colour, strength, registration, adhesion, clarity, gloss level, drying or curing, artwork detail and other technical aspects according to job specifications
   • Adjustments are made as required
   • Appropriate approval to commence production is sought prior to commencement
   • Belt speed and energy required are set to achieve desired properties
4. Run job and monitor print quality
   • Printing speed production is adjusted to maximise quality and output
   • Print quality is continuously evaluated and adjusted as required
   • Effects of ink alterations during run are monitored and appropriate action taken according to manufacturer or supplier and job specifications
   • Workplace documentation is completed as required
   • Curing and drying are constantly monitored and adjusted according to manufacturer or supplier and job specifications
5. Carry out routine user maintenance
   • Equipment is lubricated, cleaned and adjusted according to manufacturer or supplier specifications
   • Fault conditions are identified and reported according to enterprise procedures
6. Stack production output
   • Output is checked for thorough drying or curing before stacking
   • Job status and progress are checked against job specifications and any necessary action is taken
7. Shut down machine
   • Excess ink, screens, squeegees and flood coaters are removed and cleaned according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications
   • Waste materials are disposed of according to manufacturer or supplier specifications, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures
   • Equipment and surrounding areas are cleaned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications and enterprise procedures

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

safely produce TWO complex prints of two or more colours containing line and tone using a semi-automatic machine according to job, manufacturer, enterprise and health and safety requirements.

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:

describe the criteria for selecting the correct substrate for the job

discuss the selection of ink and solvents and substrate compatibility

describe necessary machine adjustments prior to setting up and the maintenance required prior to the commencement of printing

outline the procedure for checking the screen sequence of colours, ink, substrate and squeegee or flood coater prior to printing

describe the function of the printing base and maintenance that is required

summarise how to determine the lay edge and gripper or take-off edge of the substrate

discuss the correct positioning, registering and process for locking the screen in position

describe the selection of the squeegee or shore hardness and flood coater to be used

explain the need to adjust the off contact or peel-off requirements of the screen

outline the choice of belt speed and the impact of environmental conditions on the unit and the output capacity

discuss health and safety concerns when using a semi-automatic machine, chemicals and infra-red or UV curing units

outline the process for monitoring and rectifying ink viscosity during a production run

describe the process of evaluation and maintenance of the print quality during the run

discuss the ideal printing rate for this substrate on this machine

describe the stacking and handling of production output

discuss the importance of determining the exact print count and recording production details on the job sheet

describe the health hazards associated with inks and solvents

outline the correct method of cleaning squeegees or flood coater machine and surrounding area and removing ink without damaging the screen

describe the maintenance that is required on the machine after printing

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

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