Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make lithographic plates from film input. For plates with electronic input see ICPPRP452 Output complex images direct to plate or press.
It requires the individual to correctly prepare, expose and process a lithographic plate, and post-treat the plate to satisfy job specifications.
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 Select and prepare plate | 1.1 Job specifications are interpreted to determine appropriate type and size of plate for the job 1.2 Plate is selected to deliver quality of output required by the job brief 1.3 Plate is prepared to accommodate printing machine plate positioning requirements |
2 Expose plate | 2.1 Work area is tidied and cleaned to ensure quality of output 2.2 Film is correctly positioned on plate according to job specification 2.3 Correct exposure unit is selected to deliver required output 2.4 Exposure control is correctly established utilising a quality-control step wedge 2.5 Exposure and vacuum frame are maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications |
3 Process plate | 3.1 Plate processing unit is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications 3.2 Plate is processed according to plate manufacturer’s specifications |
4 Post-treat plate | 4.1 Plate is checked for quality of outcome and analysed for conformance to job specifications 4.2 Changes to plate image are carried out correctly to ensure standard of output required by the job brief 4.3 Plate is chemically treated and/or baked according to job specifications 4.4 Plate is prepared for storage prior to printing according to manufacturer’s specifications |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
prepare, set up and use lithographic plate exposure and plate processing equipment to produce a lithographic plate manually, and another using a machine according to listed performance criteria
process plate according to plate manufacturer’s specifications
carry out changes to plate image correctly, to deliver standard of output required by the job brief
identify substrate for reproduction and ensure plate quality is suitable for the identified printing processes; this ensures skills of plate making are transferable across the design and pre-press sectors
find and use information relevant to 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 types of lithographic plates
define criteria for selection of plates
outline advantages and disadvantages of negative and positive plates
explain plate exposure techniques and control, including:
why images should be centred and square
importance of colour bars and control strips
light sources used in plate exposing frames
explain plate processing
list work health and safety (WHS) concerns when processing printing plates
name baths and solutions used in a plate processing machine
explain impact of a change in processor time on the final plate
explain plate finishing and correction
explain purpose of gumming a plate
outline post-exposure techniques
list criteria used to evaluate accuracy of the plate
discuss dot gain issues
explain difference between physical and optical dot gain
outline steps to overcome dot gain
explain plate punching and registration
detail care needed to ensure accurate punching and registration
list manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task and identify where are they 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, 1.2, 2.2, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.4 | Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements from information contained within relevant procedures and specifications |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1 | Recognises and follows organisational and legislative requirements associated with own role |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.2-2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.4 | Determines priorities and sequences steps involved in clearly defined, familiar tasks and identifies and assembles required resources Applies analytical processes to resolve technical problems Initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within immediate context |
Sectors
Pre-Press