Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to set up machines for routine flexographic printing.
It applies to individuals who work as print machinists and prepare material, and monitor and run equipment and machinery, and apply solutions to printing difficulties as they arise.
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 Availability of all job-related components are checked 1.4 Proofed job is checked for conformance with job specifications |
2. Set up delivery systems | 2.1 Delivery systems are correctly set up and adjusted according to job specifications 2.2 Substrate is added to and removed from process according to job specifications |
3. Select and prepare inks and solvents | 3.1 Inks and solvents are selected according to routine job specifications and end-user requirements 3.2 Quality and suitability of inks and solvents are checked and appropriate action taken 3.3 Inks and solvents are prepared according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements, and manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions with suitable precautions to minimise waste 3.4 Correct colour and weight/volume of ink are mixed and viscosities checked and modified according to press requirements and routine job specifications 3.5 Ink formula and approved colour drawdowns are appropriately recorded 3.6 Inks and solvents are appropriately labelled, handled and stored according to manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions and relevant hazardous liquids storage regulations |
4. Set up machine for basic flexographic printing | 4.1 Flexographic plate cylinders are installed and register adjustments centred OR 4.2 Sleeves are installed in press and register adjustments made OR 4.3 Plate mounting sheets are mounted on cylinders in press and register adjustments made 4.4 Plate cylinders are gauged up or pre-set to impression 4.5 Inking system is set up and roller nips/blades are set correctly 4.6 Ink circulation is maintained at correct level and flow for machine requirements 4.7 Viscosities are adjusted according to job specifications 4.8 Air volume and drier temperatures or curing systems are selected to suit inks, substrate, solvents and according to job specifications 4.9 Air volume is adjusted between colours to maximise drying and minimise air overspill |
5. Set up in-line units for basic process(es) | 5.1 Minor in-line printing/converting/binding units are set up for basic process(es) and adjusted to suit machine requirements and job specifications 5.2 Assistance is given in set-up of major in-line printing/converting/binding units. |
6. Conduct print run | 6.1 Material to be used for print is organised correctly 6.2 Press is set up and operated according to WHS guidelines 6.3 Print impressions are set to minimum kiss impression 6.4 Web tensions are correctly set at unwind, between stations and rewind 6.5 Print is checked for register 6.6 Drying is checked as sufficient to key ink to the substrate 6.7 Viscosities are adjusted to obtain correct colour at proof speed and checked against colour matching system 6.8 Substrate is checked against job specifications |
7. Organise print inspection and/or testing | 7.1 Print is visually inspected and/or tested, or laboratory testing is organised according to enterprise procedures 7.2 Production does not commence without client OK where appropriate |
8. Readjust settings to production speed | 8.1 Production speed print results are interpreted and appropriate adjustments are made to press, ink and substrate settings 8.2 Adjustments are made according to product specifications and press performance 8.3 Web is spliced at production speed and further samples are obtained for quality inspections at appropriate intervals where applicable 8.4 Press setting is documented and samples are retained |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
demonstrate all safety devices on the machine
demonstrate use of control, monitoring and data entry systems
set up a press on TWO occasions for basic flexographic printing (if possible including at least ONE in-line process), according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise procedures. The individual will also conduct a proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained.
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:
Job requirements
describe what to do if vital information is missing from the job ticket
ensure all required materials are available prior to set up
Flexographic printing plates and cylinders or sleeves OR plate mounting sheets
identify precautions to avoid damaging plates and cylinders
For reel systems only
Reel in-feed
explain work health and safety (WHS) factors to consider when operating the reel in-feed and delivery system
explain how to correctly select printing side of the material
describe the effect of low web tension on the print
name types of web splices that could be used appropriately for the job
Reel delivery system
describe effect of excessive web tension at the rewind of the machine
discuss how to minimise three risks associated with the rewind
For sheet systems only
Sheet in-feed
explain WHS factors to consider when operating the sheet in-feed and delivery system
describe why the sheet is normally set up in the middle of the machine
describe effect side-lay selection has on the job
describe how appropriate front lays should be selected
describe what determines position of the sheet before it is transported to the printing unit
explain how a register check is carried out
discuss why a two-sheet cut is used on most feeders
discuss how the machine recognises if a sheet is missing or late
Sheet delivery system
describe why application of spray powder is sometimes advisable
discuss effects of too much spray powder
show how slowdown devices may be used in delivery
identify effect of excessive jogging on the stack
Selection and preparation of inks and additives
name major environmental and WHS concerns with regard to inks and additives
describe how ink suitability is matched to a particular job
describe implications if ink is too viscose
describe how an ink that is slightly light can be modified to meet the job needs
identify methods to check ink for correct colour
name the person who passes the colour prior to running the job
Machine set-up
discuss all WHS factors to consider when setting up the machine
show how machine specifications are determined, relating to a specific job
discuss steps to ensure the inking system is adjusted correctly
describe why inking system ink level is maintained at a certain level
list necessary precautions when handling doctor/chamber blades
identify optimum make-ready-speed for the job
explain basic in-line processes
list steps to incorporate the in-line processes into the make-ready
describe how equipment used in in-line processing is protected against damage during set-up
list precautions to take if uv drying is utilised to dry the ink film
Proofing and adjustment
identify methods to minimise waste during make-ready
list procedures required to have the print approved
describe quality control measurements to apply to the proof to test against known standards
outline how to check on initial print prior to running
describe how setting adjustments are determined
identify processes to plot success of the machine adjustment
describe how final results are recorded for future reference
Relevant test procedures
identify and describe tests for scuffing and coefficient of friction
show circumstances in which these tests should be applied
Leaching
discuss leaching
Information sources
identify machine manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task and where are they kept, and information contained.
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:
special purpose tools, equipment and materials
a range of standard inks and substrates
a variety of stack, in-line and central impression flexographic printing machines.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
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, 1.4, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 4.7, 4.8, 5.1, 6.8, 8.2 | Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements from information contained within relevant procedures and specifications |
Writing | 3.5, 3.6, 8.4 | Enters routine data associated with production processes and enterprise procedures |
Oral Communication | 1.4, 3.4, 4.7, 4.8, 5.1, 5.2, 6.8, 7.1, 7.2, 8.3 | Speaks clearly using appropriate vocabulary, tone and pace to report faults and discrepancies |
Numeracy | 3.4, 4.6, 4.8, 6.8, 8.1 | Interprets and analyses a range of mathematical information used in familiar and routine tasks |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 3.1-3.6, 4.1-4.8, 5.1, 6.1-6.8, 7.1, 8.1-8.3 | Recognises and follows explicit and implicit protocols and meets expectations associated with own role Recognises and follows all procedures for cleaning and maintenance of equipment, incorporating regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures |
Interact with others | 1.4, 3.4, 4.7, 4.8, 5.1, 5.2, 6.8, 7.1, 7.2, 8.3, 8.4 | Cooperates with others as part of familiar routine activities, and contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability Understands what to communicate, with whom and how, in routine work situations |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1-3.4, 3.6, 4.1-4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1-6.8, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1-8.4 | Determines priorities and sequences steps involved in clearly defined, familiar tasks Recognises and takes responsibility for addressing predictable, and some less predictable, problems in familiar work contexts Follows routine procedures for using digital technology by reading data from electronic monitoring and control systems |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Delivery systems MUST include EITHER: | reel OR sheet |
Setting up and adjusting MUST include EITHER: | checking reels for treatment levels, coatings, printing side and age of product securing reels on reel shaft correctly positioning reels on unwind stand positioning and mounting correctly cut cores on rewind shafts centring and setting edge guide setting unwind and rewind tension to suit substrate setting nip rollers OR feeder sheet pick-up and transportation system transfer system delivery sheet transfer and control system set off / marking prevention devices |
Sectors
Printing