This unit requires the individual to correctly select, prepare, process and finish photopolymer plates. The plate is finished to meet job specifications.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select the plate

1.1. Job specifications are interpreted to ensure appropriate plate selection

1.2. The correct plate is selected according to the printing requirements and job specifications

2. Pre-plan the process

2.1. Film negatives are checked for conformance with job specifications

2.2. Extra exposure masking is planned by examining the film

2.3. Appropriate exposure masks are cut

2.4. The appropriate amount of plate material is calculated to ensure economical use

3. Expose the plate

3.1. Exposure is determined by using step wedges and depth gauge to establish the correct front and back exposure time

3.2. The plate is exposed according to job specifications

3.3. The exposure unit and vacuum frame are maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

4. Develop the plate

4.1. The chemistry balance is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

4.2. The washout unit is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

4.3. The plate is washed out to pre-determined depth that has been pre-set by front and back exposures

5. Finish the plate

5.1. The plate is dried in a drying oven at a temperature and time according to manufacturer's specifications

5.2. The back of the plate is cleaned

5.3. The plate is post-exposed according to manufacturer's specifications

5.4. The plate is light finished according to manufacturer's specifications

5.5. OHS procedures are observed to ensure a safe working environment when making plates

6. Establish and maintain a chemical register

6.1. A chemical register is established to identify and describe the purpose of each chemical and to ensure finished plates meet set specifications

6.2. All chemicals used in the workplace are identified and registered correctly according to safe working practices

Required skills

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

communication skills required to convey ideas and information by interpreting the job brief

skills needed to collect, analyse and organise information by matching the job brief with production requirements

planning and organising skills

teamwork skills required for maintaining the production process in association with others

numeracy skills required to calculate exposures and positioning of film

problem-solving skills by needed to recognise and correct faults in plates

skills required to use technology and equipment correctly to ensure ease of subsequent processing

Required knowledge

effect flexographic ink has on your selection of plate material

effect the "shoulder" has on the printing process

overcoming "orange peel effect"

effects of chemicals used in detaching

methods that can be used to counteract image elongation

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 has been correctly finished to meet the job brief and according to manufacturer's specifications

the underlying skills of plate making should be transferable across the design and pre-press sectors. It is important that the substrate for reproduction is identified and that the quality of the plate be suitable for the identified printing processes

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

produce TWO flexographic plates, with different characteristics, according to the listed Performance Criteria.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

that conditions are typical ambient conditions found in the workplace

access to relevant facilities, equipment and materials

special purpose tools and equipment are 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.

Types of plates may include:

flexographic plates: includes plates using water washout.

Quality standards may include:

should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Unit sector

Pre-press

This unit contains employability skills.