Application
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to produce finished signs from print ready digital files, using printers and their associated software. Signs can be printed on to a range of substrates, including paper, vinyl, glass, fabric and aluminium composite, using a range of printing technology and equipment. They may also be laminated for protection.
The unit supports sign manufacturers using industry-recognised software and printing equipment to produce signs that are displayed for commercial, advertising, informative and promotional purposes.
Digitally printed signs can be used to produce banners, illuminated signs, billboards, panels and vehicle graphics.
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 work. | 1.1 | Job requirements are identified from client briefs, existing file specifications and workplace instructions, confirmed, and applied to planning and preparation. |
1.2 | Output devices suited to the task are identified and printing format is selected and confirmed with client. | ||
1.3 | Workflow roles and responsibilities, sequence of tasks and time requirements are confirmed and applied to planning. | ||
1.4 | Printing software appropriate to the task is selected and set up according to job requirements. | ||
1.5 | Health and safety requirements are identified and applied to planning. |
2 | Set up printer. | 2.1 | Print heads are checked for serviceability, monitored, and adjusted or serviced when required. |
2.2 | Print media is selected appropriate to type of digital printing required and loaded into printer according to manufacturer specifications. | ||
2.3 | Correct profile for the media is selected to meet job requirements. | ||
2.4 | Feed and bi-directional calibration are adjusted to suit given media. |
3 | Produce printed sign. | 3.1 | Print ready digital file is checked for correct output profiles and adjustments are made as required to suit output device and media. |
3.2 | Correct colour profiles are applied to file to accurately reproduce colours. | ||
3.3 | Image resolution is checked and confirmed as appropriate to output specifications. | ||
3.4 | Bleeds, printer marks and contour cuts are applied. | ||
3.5 | Digital file is sent to be ripped as required. | ||
3.6 | Test prints are printed, quality checked against job requirements, and modifications are made to files and output devices as required to improve print quality. | ||
3.7 | Printed sign is checked for quality and client requirements and printed in quantities and according to specifications. |
4 | Laminate printed sign. | 4.1 | Laminator and laminate are selected according to type of printed media and job requirements and are prepared for use. |
4.2 | Laminate is loaded into laminator, machine controls are adjusted, and laminate is applied to printed media to manufacturer specifications. | ||
4.3 | Laminated sign is checked for quality and client requirements, defects are identified and rectified or sign is reprinted and laminated until client requirements are met. | ||
4.4 | Laminated sign is stored safely. |
5 | Clean up. | 5.1 | Work area is cleaned and waste materials sorted and removed according to regulatory authority requirements. |
5.2 | Equipment and printer components are checked and routine maintenance is undertaken, or arranged with external provider as required. |
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 print three different signs from digital files on each of the following media:
aluminium composite
paper
vinyl.
At least one sign must be produced using a flatbed printer and one sign using a roll to roll digital printer.
Laminate one of the finished signs, selecting laminate for the printed substrate according to type of printed media and job requirements and safely and effectively undertaking laminating processes.
In doing the above work, the person must:
handle and use uncompressed file formats correctly in the digital printing process
apply digital colour management principles when using software and output media
correctly handle media used in the digital printing process
select and set up appropriate printers for the task and conduct routine maintenance appropriate to the printer
identify printing and laminating defects and rectify faults to ensure job requirements are met
operate raster image processor (RIP) software in the printing process.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
characteristics of different types of digital printing output devices, including:
flatbed printers
roll to roll printers
ultraviolet (UV) printers
types and characteristics of various digital printing products
principles of colour theory and their application in printing digital signs
range and application of different laminates
techniques and process for laminating signs
safety data sheets (SDS) relevant to the use of printing tools and equipment
procedures for routine maintenance and cleaning of printers
statutory and regulatory authority requirements, particularly those relating to:
removal of waste products
storage of chemicals
terminology and use of abbreviations in the signs and graphics industry
use and application of uncompressed file formats, including:
encapsulated post script (EPS)
portable document format (PDF)
RAW file
tagged image file format (TIFF).
Assessment Conditions
Suitable assessment of performance requires:
equipment:
laminating equipment appropriate to the task
printing equipment appropriate to the task
materials:
electronic files prepared for printing
laminating film
printing media specified in performance evidence
specifications:
job requirements
manufacturer specifications
relationships with team members:
work may be conducted alone and in teams
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 |
Numeracy skills to: | set specifications to printing profiles and settings. |
Oral communication skills to: | confirm job requirements with clients and other relevant personnel. |
Reading skills to: | interpret a range of manufacturer specifications when working with printers and printing media. |
Writing skills to: | report faults in printing equipment to manufacturers and other relevant personnel using industry terminology. |
Problem-solving skills to: | assess the nature and scope of printing requirements for new and challenging printing tasks. |
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 personal protective equipment (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: use of machines use of tools and equipment workplace environmental requirements. |
Sectors
Construction
Competency Field
Signs and graphics