This unit requires the individual to correctly prepare and evaluate film, and expose and process a relief plate suitable for letterpress and label printing.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Produce plates

1.1. The plate processor is prepared and maintained according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise standards

1.2. Exposure control is established and maintained utilising vacuum frames and plate processors according to job specifications

1.3. Plates are produced that conform to job specifications

2. Proof relief plates

2.1. Relief plates are proofed according to job specifications

2.2. Relief plates are proofed according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise standards

Required knowledge

main factors to be considered when preparing to lay a plate.

aids that can be used to ensure accuracy and repeatability

quality control or problem-solving devices that can be included

essential criteria for evaluating a film to be used in plate production

testing exposure for plate making

main considerations with a plate exposure system

means that can be used to ensure continuity and control with plate exposure

plate processing operation

poor processing operation

main criteria for evaluating a correctly prepared plate

OHS concerns that are there when processing and proofing printing plates

main advantages of plate proofing

criteria for plate proof evaluation

different requirements for plates for litho printing and relief printing

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

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:

the plate(s) meet job specifications and have been accurately proofed

the underlying skills of plate production should be transferable across the pre-press sector. It is important that the substrate for reproduction is identified and that the competencies be demonstrated with a clear identification of printing processes

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

use the plate making facilities to produce TWO printing plates according to job specifications and the listed Performance Criteria.

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

it is expected that special purpose tools and equipment will be used where appropriate.

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.

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.

Input may include:

assembled film and plates to suit various press sizes.

Capture may include:

plate exposing facility.

Manipulation/edit may include:

masking and/or multiple exposure techniques.

Output may include:

plate(s) to suit relevant printing process.

Quality standards may include:

should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Unit sector

Pre-press

This unit contains employability skills.