Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to set up and produce complex digitally printed product. This unit incorporates the use of raster image processor (RIP) technology when outputting to digital devices including wide format.
It applies to individuals who produce complex digitally printed products in the commercial print, pre-press, bureau, high-end digital print or a combination of these business environments.
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. Liaise with clients | 1.1 A productivity analysis on a digital print system is performed to determine guidelines for most productive print method for a range of print applications 1.2 Print services, quality expectations and print costings are communicated to clients according to enterprise procedures 1.3 Productivity advantages and disadvantages of different digital print options are presented to clients according to enterprise procedures 1.4 Advice is provided to clients on appropriate substrates and document finishing methods for digital print jobs according to client budget and job specifications |
2. Confirm job specifications | 2.1 Print job specifications are read and correctly interpreted from job documentation or production control system 2.2 Availability of all job components is checked according to enterprise procedures 2.3 Finishing requirements of job are confirmed and coordination with internal workflow and/or outsource arrangements is maintained 2.4 Run time of job is determined and completion time is correctly estimated demonstrating consideration of other production demands |
3. Set up and maintain digital print system | 3.1 Substrate is loaded to correct reel or sheet feeding mechanism and all substrate properties are correctly specified in the user control interface 3.2 Delivery unit is set up on a machine and adjustments made to minor in-line processes on reel-fed machine or on-line finishing settings on sheet-fed machine 3.3 Preventive maintenance is performed on a digital printing system to ensure optimum quality and productivity are achieved 3.4 Common factors affecting print quality and productivity of a digital printing machine are identified and solutions implemented to minimise and/or eliminate these |
4. Use complex features of RIP or front-end processor | 4.1 Colour adjustments are made to ensure optimum image quality and/or to match sample 4.2 Output profiles are selected according to job specifications 4.3 An imposition method is selected to make best use of stock 4.4 Screen ruling is adjusted to ensure optimal output of job 4.5 Overprints and trapping are adjusted to achieve optimum output 4.6 Finishing options are set up according to job specifications |
5. Perform and/or coordinate document proofing | 5.1 The type of proofing method is determined according to job specifications 5.2 A digital proof run is conducted for client approval and conformance of proof to job specifications is confirmed 5.3 Internal or external pre-press proofing systems operators are consulted to conduct the proof run and provide job requirement information according to enterprise procedures 5.4 Communication between the client and proofing provider is demonstrated to ensure proof meets job specifications |
6. Run digital print job and/or coordinate press print run | 6.1 Production schedules, job specifications and enterprise procedures are observed and liaison occurs with internal and/or external production operators to determine start and duration time for the print run 6.2 Completion time for the print run is estimated and communicated to the client and co-workers according to job specifications and enterprise procedures 6.3 An entire digital print run is conducted according to job specifications ensuring that machine productivity and quality are monitored and rectified throughout the duration of the print job |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
communicate a range of digital and traditional printing solutions
coordinate a print run that uses a combination of digital and traditional printing solutions
conduct a digital proof run, adjust settings and ensure production speeds are attained on a digital printer
perform preventive maintenance tasks on a digital printer according to manufacturer’s specifications and to maintain machine productivity
use advanced raster image processor (RIP) or front-end processor features
identify and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
set up and print FOUR complex colour digital printing jobs according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise procedures.
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:
list factors that influence decision-making about using a particular printing solution (run length, substrate type and application)
explain cost differences between a specified job printed on a digital system and a specified traditional system, e.g. digital vs. lithographic
discuss quality differences between a specified job printed on a digital system and a specified traditional system, e.g. digital vs. lithographic
outline differences in turnaround time of a specified job printed on a digital system and a specified traditional system, e.g. digital vs. lithographic
explain what print method is most appropriate for the specified print job
discuss measures to ensure clients have the correct procedures for providing electronic files
outline the main differences between digital printing and traditional printing methods
describe recommendations to make to clients who have created an electronic file in an incompatible software application
list possible suggestions to make to clients who require a high-volume print run but need a portion of the print job immediately
outline steps for client approval of a proof
describe circumstances in which a job would be modified before printing
list steps involved for client approval of the print
explain all proof checking procedures
describe processes involved for gaining final approval of a basic job
discuss adjusting colour, toner/ink coverage or density to solve problems
explain the need for using correct output profiles
discuss screen ruling shapes and sizes
describe various types of binding
identify advantages and disadvantages of various binding methods
explain which procedures should be followed if the binding method required by the client is not available at the workplace
explain alternative options if document size is too thick to staple
discuss importance of packing finished print work.
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 equipment and materials used for digital printing.
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, 1.4, 2.1, 4.2, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 6.2 | Comprehends and analyses information from a range of sources including instructions, procedures, specifications and reference material Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements or provide advice |
Writing | 1.2-1.4, 5.2-5.3, 6.2 | Completes required workplace documents accurately considering context, purpose and audience when preparing texts |
Oral Communication | 1.2-1.4, 5.2, 5.3, 6.2 | Uses appropriate vocabulary including industry specific terms to provide explanations and information Uses listening and questioning techniques to check and confirm understanding of requirements |
Numeracy | 1.1, 2.4, 6.1, 6.2 | Accurately measures and calculates quantities Interprets and analyses mathematical information to estimate timeframes |
Navigate the world of work | 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2 | Follows organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role |
Interact with others | 1.2-1.4, 5.2-5.4, 6.2 | Selects and uses appropriate communication practices when providing information to clients and co-workers Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes |
Get the work done | 1.1, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.6, 5.2, 6.3 | Takes responsibility for planning and organising own workload, identifying ways of sequencing and combining elements for greater efficiency and assembles required resources Responds intuitively to problems in familiar contexts, quickly drawing on past experience to devise solutions Fully utilises features of digital tools to complete complex tasks |
Sectors
Printing