Application
This unit requires the individual to prepare and mount flexographic plates and plate cylinders. Plates are proofed and cylinders are checked for registration. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Confirm routine job specifications | 1.1. Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system 1.2. Set up is carried out correctly in minimum time with minimum wastage 1.3. Prior inspections are completed and signed off |
2. Prepare flexographic plates | 2.1. Plate height and relief are measured 2.2. Plates are trimmed and prepared according to mounting system requirements 2.3. Mounting adhesive is selected to achieve correct PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) of specified plate cylinders and gears |
3. Prepare plate cylinders | 3.1. Plate cylinders/seamless sleeves are selected, cleaned and prepared and correct gears are mounted 3.2. Sleeves and correct gears on mandrels are selected, cleaned, prepared and mounted to meet routine job specifications 3.3. TIR (Total Indicated Runout) is checked to be within specified tolerances on plate cylinders 3.4. Selected mounting adhesive is applied to plate cylinders |
4. Mount and/or proof flexographic plates on mounting/proofing machine | 4.1. Plates are prepared and mounted on cylinders using pin mount or microdot systems or sleeves according to chart number/print direction OR 4.2. Plate mounting sheet is prepared to meet routine job specifications AND 4.3. Plates are mounted to position on plate mounting sheet or camera targets AND 4.4. Plate mounting sheet is installed and tensioned onto plate cylinder to specified chart number/print direction 4.5. Plates are proofed and each plate cylinder is checked for register 4.6. Flexographic plates are trimmed and taped down according to printing press requirements |
Required Skills
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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 job tickets and requirements collecting, analysing and organising information by collecting and assessing data about printing process and machine specifications and characteristics and how these interact planning and organising activities by providing input into production scheduling about time requirements for set up to ensure efficient operation teamwork when working with other workers to coordinate set up to ensure efficient operation mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating plate position problem-solving skills by recognising proofing faults and determining adjustments to correct them use of technology by using monitoring equipment and interpreting readouts |
Required knowledge |
job requirements vital information on the job ticket checks that were undertaken prior to set up (availability of materials etc.) flexographic printing plates and mounting systems OHS concerns that are there when mounting and proofing plates choosing the correct plates for the job the use of cushion type mounting material avoiding damage to the plate when mounting plates options that are available to seal the edges of plates when mounting plate height TIR affect on press performance the term V-block mounting V-block mounting proofing and adjustment procedures that are followed to have the print approved quality control measurements that should be applied to the proof to test against known standards checks to be made on the initial print prior to running recording the final results for future reference minimising registration errors information sources machine manuals and safety documentation that are relevant to this task and where they are kept information that is included in these documents other sources of information that are available |
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: prepare and mount flexographic plates and plate cylinders. Produce print direction chart and check registration, if necessary demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources mount and proof flexographic plates on TWO occasions for basic jobs, according to enterprise procedures and the Performance Criteria evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity. |
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 flexographic printing machines, pin mounted or microdot mounting systems, print direction chart. |
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, for example: ICPPR313C Set up for basic flexographic printing ICPPR314C Produce basic flexographic printed product. |
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. | |
Jobs may include: | surface prints. |
Types of plates may include: | range of plate thicknesses used in flexography range of mounting adhesives. |
Routine may include: | routine within this context relates to the set up and production of print runs that involve routine set up and routine production. The set up of equipment and production is straightforward and does not involve a significant amount of deviation from using standard equipment settings. In this sense, routine does not refer to a job that an individual might repeat on a regular basis. |
Inks/coatings may include: | range of standard inks commonly used in 1-2 colour printing. |
Colour matching systems may include: | use of visual colour assessment and densitometry to match basic standard colours under controlled lighting conditions. |
Machines may include: | a range of stack, in-line and central impression flexographic printing machines with various plate cylinder drives and mounting systems. |
Design may include: | colours, simple graphics and text. Minor variation in registration and position. |
Sectors
Unit sector |
Competency Field
Printing |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.