Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICPPR513C Mapping and Delivery Guide
Set up for specialised flexographic printing

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICPPR513C - Set up for specialised flexographic printing
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to set up machines for specialised flexographic printing that requires a certain amount of problem solving and experimentation with the substrate and press settings.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit requires the individual to set up flexographic printing machines for specialised colour print jobs. The individual will work outside standard job routines to conduct a proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Printing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Confirm non-routine job specifications
  • Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system
  • Set up is planned and carried out correctly in minimum time and with minimum wastage
  • Availability of all job related components is checked
  • Proofed job is checked for conformance with job specifications
       
Element: Select and prepare inks and solvents for non-routine job
  • Inks and solvents are selected according to 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 the press requirements and non-routine job specifications
  • Ink formula and approved colour draw downs are 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
       
Element: Set up machine for specialised 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
  • Anilox rollers are selected to suit individual colour and plate reproduction requirements for each unit
  • Appropriate ink metering system is selected for each unit
  • Inking system is set up and roller nips/blades are set correctly
  • Ink circulation is maintained at correct level
  • Viscosities are adjusted according to job specifications
  • Air volume and drier temperatures 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
       
Element: 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
       
Element: Organise proof inspection and/or testing
  • Proof is visually inspected and/or tested or laboratory testing is organised according to enterprise procedures
  • Production does not commence without client approval or authority where appropriate
       
Element: Troubleshoot machinery and material problems
  • Corrective or preventive action is recommended and implemented where appropriate
  • Changes are communicated to relevant personnel in a logical and easily understood manner
  • Changes are monitored to confirm improvement to production efficiency
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

set up flexographic printing machines for specialised print jobs that require a certain amount of problem solving and experimentation with the substrate and press settings. The individual will conduct a proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained

demonstrate use of computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate

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

set up a flexographic printing machine for a specialised job on TWO occasions (if possible using different substrates and if possible including at least TWO in-line processes) according to the manufacturer's and job specifications, enterprise procedures and the Performance Criteria

evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment

flexographic press.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPPR413C Set up for complex flexographic printing

ICPPR314C Produce complex flexographic printed product.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started

communication of ideas and information by interpreting the job brief and advising the client (internal or external) about options and limitations

collecting, analysing and organising information by collecting and analysing data about printing process, machine specifications and performance to calculate appropriate adjustments for the job

planning and organising activities by evaluating the special job specifications when determining production scheduling

teamwork when cooperating with other workers to ensure efficient operation

mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating substrate requirements, plate position and pressures

problem-solving skills by evaluating special job specifications and adjusting machinery to produce specialised print job

use of technology by evaluating the capacity of individual machines to produce the specialised job specifications

Required knowledge

job specifications

production problems that could eventuate by not reading and understanding the job specifications

responsible person todiscuss any production problems

OHS factors that need to be considered when mounting and proofing flexographic plates

most common cause of photopolymer plates crazing on the image side

importance of resiliency of the printing plate

main advantage of using thin photopolymer plates in process printing

faults that may be detected on new plates

type of solvents that should be used on photopolymer plates

meaning of the term V-block mounting

V-block mounting

benefits of optical mounting

purpose of binding plates after mounting

possible print faults that could be eliminated by using cushion mount

OHS factors that need to be considered when installing printing cylinders or sleeves

precautions that should be taken to ensure that the plates and cylinders or sleeves are not damaged during installation

checks to be made to ensure plates and cylinders or sleeves have been installed correctly

OHS precautions that must be observed when webbing up the machine

positioning of the reel

pulling the substrate into the machine

result of insufficient unwind tension

result of excessive unwind tension

function of the "Dancer" roller on a web machine

function of the PIV unit

result of adjustments to the PIV

function of the lay-on roller

effect of excessive lay-on roller pressure

effect of the web not being spliced correctly

workings of the particular web viewing device

OHS precautions that must be observed when setting up the delivery

control of the web in the rewind unit

result of incorrect rewind tension

remedial steps that can be taken if there is a possibility of the ink marking in the rewind

use of air blast play in the delivery of sheets

OHS precautions that must be observed when preparing inks and additives

details that are necessary to check an ink's suitability for the printing process

special end-use requirements that may be necessary

main function of a pigmented extender used in flexographic printing

effect of adding plasticisers to flexographic inks

other additives use in flexographic inks

range in seconds for zahn cup measurements

effect foaming has in a zahn cup when measuring the ink viscosity

recommended pH range when printing with aqueous inks

precautions that you observe to minimise waste when preparing the ink

shelf life of most inks

conditions that are relevant to the storage of inks and additives

conventions that should be adhered to when labelling mixed inks

OHS factors that need to be considered when setting up the machine

advantage of centring all machine controls

checks that should be made on cylinders and gears

checks that should be performed prior to cylinder or sleeve installation

angle that the chamber blades should be set

main advantage of gauging up and dry register prior to printing a job

cell count of the anilox roller that is used when printing solids

use of water treatment additives in a central impression drum and chill roller coolant system

advantages of laser engraved ceramic anilox rollers

things relating to the anilox roller that a roller scope will measure

reasons for anilox wear

type of job that would be printed using a hexagonal cell configuration

recommended web temperature when printing polypropylene film

method of drying that is used when printing on polythene by the flexographic process

drying rate of liquid inks

drying of aqueous inks

operating range of UV lamps

need to graduate the drying speeds of each progressive colour, so that first-down colours dry faster the subsequent colours

in flexographic printing,the reasonthe colour strength increases as the press speed increases

cause of a decrease in web tension

result of increasing rewind tension after the roll has been partially rewound

major cause of a telescopic roll

print characteristics that are related to excessive printing pressure

causes of picking when printing multicoloured work

print faults that result from using an over-reduced ink

problems that can cause lateral streaks showing up in uneven printing

causes of moire patterns when printing by the flexographic process

result of air being trapped under mounted plates

instrument used to identify retained solvent trapped in the print

purpose of taking Dyne readings

purpose of the crinkle test when testing an ink

result if an excessive final drying temperature was used when printing polypropylene film

property of ink that can be adjusted to reduce dot gain

effect of using the ink returning from the ink fountain when checking the viscosity for ink whilst using ink pumps

problems that result from the excessive use of slow solvents

effect of the "yield value" of ink on the ink transfer of halftone dots

reason why laminating inks once printed appear dull and easy to scratch

result of excessive print area tension

problems which the printer may associate with cold seals

machine manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task, where they are kept and information that is included in these documents

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Inks/coatings may include:

range of inks commonly used in 4 or more colour printing, including standard and special colours.

Substrate types may include:

range of substrates within the major categories of paper, pressure sensitive material, board, corrugated board, plastics and related films, or metal.

Colour matching systems may include:

use of viscosity controls, densitometers and spectrophotometry.

Machines may include:

range of stack, in-line and central impression flexographic printing machines with manual, semi-automated, fully automated or computerised process control.

Design may include:

4 or more colours, complex graphics and text. Critical "tight" registration, fit and position, registration should be at least that required for four-colour process work.

Substrate handling may include:

wide and narrow reel delivery systems.

Specialised may include:

specialised within this context relates to the set up and production of print runs that involve new products, or a new mix of substrates and inks that requires a certain amount of problem solving and experimentation with the substrate and press settings. The set up of equipment and production involves the development of new set up and production approaches based on solving technical problems arising from new product or equipment combinations.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system 
Set up is planned and carried out correctly in minimum time and with minimum wastage 
Availability of all job related components is checked 
Proofed job is checked for conformance with job specifications 
Inks and solvents are selected according to 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 the press requirements and non-routine job specifications 
Ink formula and approved colour draw downs are 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 
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 
Anilox rollers are selected to suit individual colour and plate reproduction requirements for each unit 
Appropriate ink metering system is selected for each unit 
Inking system is set up and roller nips/blades are set correctly 
Ink circulation is maintained at correct level 
Viscosities are adjusted according to job specifications 
Air volume and drier temperatures 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 
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 
Proof is visually inspected and/or tested or laboratory testing is organised according to enterprise procedures 
Production does not commence without client approval or authority where appropriate 
Corrective or preventive action is recommended and implemented where appropriate 
Changes are communicated to relevant personnel in a logical and easily understood manner 
Changes are monitored to confirm improvement to production efficiency 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICPPR513C - Set up for specialised flexographic printing
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ICPPR513C - Set up for specialised flexographic printing

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: