Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make and proof relief plates from film input for letterpress or label printing. It requires the individual to correctly prepare and evaluate film, and expose and process a relief plate suitable for letterpress and label printing.
It applies to individuals in the printing and graphic art industry who design and prepare layouts, artwork, manipulate images and texts to meet production requirements. They generally work under direct supervision.
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 Produce plates | 1.1 The plate processor is prepared and maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise standards 1.2 Exposure control is established and maintained utilising vacuum frames and plate processors according to job specifications 1.3 Plates are produced that conform to job specifications |
2 Proof relief plates | 2.1 Relief plates are proofed according to job specifications 2.2 Relief plates are proofed according to enterprise and manufacturer’s specifications |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
produce TWO printing plates using plate-making facilities and according to job specifications and the listed performance criteria. (Since the underlying skills of plate production should be transferable across a range of systems, it is important that substrates be identified along with the associated printing process that is being simulated.)
ensure plate(s) meets job specifications and is accurately proofed
find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources.
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 main factors to be considered when preparing to lay a plate
list aids that can be used to ensure accuracy and repeatability
name quality control or problem-solving devices that can be included
outline essential criteria for evaluating a film to be used in plate production
describe process when testing exposure for plate making
outline main considerations with a plate exposure system
explain how to ensure continuity and control with plate exposure
describe plate processing operation
outline key factors of poor processing operation
list main criteria for evaluating a correctly prepared plate
outline work health and safety (WHS) concerns when processing and proofing printing plates
explain main advantages of plate proofing
outline criteria for plate proof evaluation
explain different requirements for plates for litho printing, and relief printing
list manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task and identify where they are kept and what information is included.
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 Pre-Press field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and industry software packages.
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 | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.2 | Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements from information contained within relevant procedures and specifications |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 2.2 | Recognises and follows organisational policies and procedures |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.2 | Determines priorities and sequences steps involved in clearly defined, familiar tasks Applies analytical processes to resolve problems Initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within immediate context |
Sectors
Pre-Press