CPCCSG3002
Produce and apply vinyl signs


Application

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce simple and complex vinyl signs using relevant software, vinyl plotters and weeding tools.

The unit supports sign manufacturers who produce vinyl signs according to client requirements, for attachment to a range of surfaces, including vehicles, metals and glass.

Vinyl signs can be used for advertising, promotional, branding or directional purposes.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1

Plan and prepare to produce vinyl sign.

1.1

Job requirements are identified from drawings, specifications and client brief, confirmed, and applied to planning and preparation.

1.2

Health and safety requirements are identified and applied to planning.

1.3

Tools, equipment and materials are selected and prepared to carry out tasks consistent with job requirements, and faults are identified and reported.

1.4

Correct vinyl type is selected according to planned application and durability requirements.

1.5

Sign is set out to scale using industry-recognised software and prepared for production using vinyl plotter.

2

Operate software and vinyl plotter.

2.1

File is checked for correct layout according to job requirements, and modifications are made before sending file to plotter.

2.2

Media is accurately loaded on to plotter and tracking is checked for accuracy.

2.3

Vinyl plotter cutting pressure and speed settings are adjusted to suit media.

2.4

Cut area dimensions are determined and set to suit media.

2.5

File is configured and sent to plotter and finished output is carefully removed from plotter.

2.6

Vinyl sign elements are carefully removed using weeding tools and sign is checked to be free of defects.

2.7

Finished vinyl sign is cut, ensuring minimum waste and no damage to vinyl.

3

Apply vinyl sign to surface.

3.1

Surface is cleared of previously applied adhesives minimising risk of damage to surface, cleaned and dried ready for vinyl application.

3.2

Application tape is applied to vinyl sign, squeegeed evenly and firmly to sign, and excess tape is trimmed off.

3.3

Required heights and levels are identified from job requirements and applied to surface and vinyl sign using levelling tools.

3.4

Vinyl sign is positioned and applied to prepared surface using tools and techniques and according to job requirements.

3.5

Application tape is removed, sign is checked, and any defects in application are rectified.

4

Clean up.

4.1

Sign and surrounding surface area are cleaned and waste materials removed according to statutory and regulatory authority requirements.

4.2

Tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), are cleaned, maintained and stored according to workplace requirements.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must produce three vinyl signs using a vinyl plotter according to the following specifications:

one sign containing only lettering in a single colour

one sign containing lettering and a simple graphic, consisting of at least three different colours.

Each sign must be applied to a different surface selected from the following:

glass

metal

plastic

vehicle body.

In producing each sign, the person must ensure no damage to the vinyl during the weeding or cutting processes. In the event of damage caused, the person must demonstrate correct procedures to rectify or reproduce the vinyl sign.

In applying the sign to each surface, the person must:

correctly use materials to prepare the surface

apply the signs at the specified heights and levels

check for damage to the vinyl or surface that could have occurred during the application process and rectify damage.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:

attributes, characteristics and composition of different vinyl types used to produce signs

functionality and operation of vinyl plotters used to produce vinyl signs, including:

blade offset setting

blade types

cleaning and maintenance requirements

cutting pressure and speeds appropriate to the task

test cut requirements

vinyl tracking characteristics

functions and limitations of relevant graphic design software used in producing vinyl signs

impact of different temperatures on vinyl application

legislation, codes and standards relevant to the specific production work in performance evidence

principles of vinyl cutting

terminology used in signs.


Assessment Conditions

Suitable assessment of performance requires:

equipment:

computer with proprietary software appropriate to producing vinyl signs

selection, correct fitting, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) relevant to preparing surface

tools and equipment as listed in the range of conditions

materials:

as listed in the range of conditions

specifications:

client briefs, drawings and instructions

relationship with client:

check and confirm requirements

relationships with team members:

work may be conducted alone or with others

timeframe:

according to job requirements.

Assessor requirements

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.


Foundation Skills

This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill

Performance feature

Learning skills to:

apply key principles and techniques of sign manufacture when producing and applying vinyl signs.

Numeracy skills to:

calculate material quantities and sign dimensions appropriate to the production and application of vinyl signs.

Oral communication skills to:

clarify job requirements and client expectations with client and colleagues.

Reading skills to:

identify and interpret manufacturer specifications for tools, equipment and materials used when producing vinyl signs.

Writing skills to:

report faults in tools and equipment to manufacturers and other relevant personnel.

Technology skills to:

set up and manage files and software used to produce vinyl signs.


Range Statement

This section specifies 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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Health and safety requirements must include:

selection, correct fitting, and use of PPE prescribed under legislation, regulations, and workplace policies and practices

emergency procedures, including:

evacuation

first aid

location and use of firefighting equipment

hazard identification and risk control procedures

safe operating procedures, including the conduct of operational risk assessment and treatments associated with:

lighting

use of tools and equipment

workplace environmental requirements.

Tools and equipment must include:

levelling tools

metal rules

scissors

squeegees

vinyl plotter

weeding tools.

Materials must include:

application fluid

application tape

marking pencils

surface cleaning and preparation chemicals

vinyl.

Vinyl typesmust include:

calendered:

monomeric

polymeric

cast

air egress material for vehicle wraps.


Sectors

Construction


Competency Field

Signs and graphics