ICPPP269C
Produce photopolymer plates for pad printing

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make plates (cliches) from film inputs for pad printing.

Application

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

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 positives are flattened to prevent air entrapment

2.2. Any Exposure unit is energised for one cycle to warm up the UV elements where necessary

2.3. The appropriate screen film positive is selected and checked according to the printing requirements

3. Expose the plate

3.1. Exposure is determined by using a quality control step wedge to establish the correct exposure time

3.2. The plate is exposed to standard/established exposure time

3.3. The plate is exposed with screen film positive according to job specifications

3.4. 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 tools are maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

4.3. The plate is washed out for pre-determined time that has been established by manufacturer and in-house tests

5. Finish the plate

5.1. The plate is blown dry by compressed air

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

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

5.4. 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 work place are identified and registered correctly according to safe working practices

Required Skills

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

collecting, analysing and organising information by matching the job brief with production requirements

planning and organising activities by interpreting the job specifications when preparing for the job

teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others

mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating exposures and positioning of film

problem-solving skills by recognising faults in plates and correcting

use of technology by using equipment correctly to ensure ease of subsequent processing

Required knowledge

effect of print life requirement on your selection of plate material

effect the screen dot has on the printing process

OHS requirements that are there for photopolymer plate chemicals

overcoming undercutting of screens

methods that can be used to counteract air entrapments between film and plate

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

Evidence Required

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 prepared 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 photopolymer plates with different characteristics according to 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.


Range Statement

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:

may include plates using both water and chemical washout.

Quality standards may include:

should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Pre-press


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.