Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and mount flexographic plates and plate cylinders for routine printing including proofing plates and checking cylinders for registration.
It applies to individuals who work under direct supervision and perform a range of routine printing tasks in a defined context. The practical skills and operational knowledge required to perform these tasks is at a fundamental level.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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 pitch circle diameter (PCD) of specified plate cylinders and gears |
3. Prepare plate cylinders | 3.1 Plate cylinders/seamless sleeves are selected, cleaned and prepared 3.2 Sleeves and correct gears on mandrels are selected, cleaned, prepared and mounted to meet routine job specifications 3.3 Total indicated run-out (TIR) is checked as within specified tolerances on plate cylinders 3.4 Selected mounting adhesive is applied to plate cylinders |
4. Mount and 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 4.2 Plate mounting sheet is prepared to meet routine job specifications 4.3 Plates are mounted to position on plate mounting sheet or camera targets 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 |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
prepare flexographic plates and plate cylinders on TWO occasions for basic jobs and mount these according to the selected mounting system (as specified on job documentation or production control system) according to enterprise procedures (mounting can be on either proofing machine or printing press)
proof plates and check plate cylinder registration of the flexographic plates mounted on the proofing machine for this purpose on TWO occasions for basic jobs
find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
safely operate tools and machinery (such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started and using of any cleaning chemicals safely).
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
determine job requirements
identify vital information on the job ticket
list checks to be done prior to set up (availability of materials etc.)
identify flexographic printing plates and mounting systems
identify health and safety concerns for safely mounting and proofing plates
identify how to ensure the correct plates for the job is chosen
describe when cushion type mounting material is used
identify how to handle plates when mounting to avoid damage to plates
list options to seal edges of plates when mounting
explain importance of measuring plate height
identify TIR (total indicated run-out) effect on press performance
define and describe procedure for V-block mounting
proofing and adjustment
identify quality control measurements to apply to the proof to test against known standards
identify checks to be made on initial print prior to running
identify how to minimise registration errors
Information sources
identify relevant information sources (including machine manuals, safety documentation and other information) relevant to this task and their location and the information included in them.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the printing field of work and include access to:
flexographic printing machine
mounting systems
print direction chart.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 2.2, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4 | Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements from information contained within relevant procedures and specifications |
Writing | 1.3 | Completes workplace forms accurately |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.3, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6 | Participates effectively in spoken interactions by using strategies to confirm, clarify or repair understanding |
Numeracy | 2.1 | Interprets and analyses a range of mathematical information used in familiar and routine tasks |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1-1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1-3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6 | Recognises and follows explicit and implicit protocols and meets expectations associated with own role Complies with legislative requirements, and follows organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role |
Interact with others | 1.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6 | Seeks to cooperate with others to achieve results in immediate work context |
Get the work done | 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1-4.6 | With assistance, determines priorities and sequences steps involved in clearly defined, familiar tasks and identifies and assembles required resources Responds to predictable problems and implements standard or logical solutions related to role in immediate work environment Reads data from electronic monitoring and control systems |
Sectors
Printing