ICPPRP268
Make photopolymer plates (flexographic)


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make flexographic plates from film inputs. It requires the individual to correctly select, prepare, process and finish photopolymer plates to meet the 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 plate

1.1 Job specifications are interpreted to ensure appropriate plateselection

1.2 Correct plate is selected according to printing requirements and job specifications

2 Pre-plan process

2.1 Film negatives are checked for conformance with job specifications

2.2 Extra exposure masking is planned by examining film

2.3 Appropriate exposure masks are cut

2.4 Appropriate amount of plate material is calculated to ensure economical use

3 Expose plate

3.1 Exposure is determined by using step wedges and depth gauge to establish correct front and back exposure time

3.2 Plate is exposed according to job specifications

3.3 Exposure unit and vacuum frame are maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications

4 Develop plate

4.1 Chemistry balance is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications

4.2 Washout unit is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications

4.3 Plate is washed out to pre-determined depth pre-set by front and back exposures

5 Finish plate

5.1 Plate is dried in a drying oven at a temperature and time according to manufacturer’s specifications

5.2 Back of the plate is cleaned

5.3 Plate is post-exposed according to manufacturer’s specifications

5.4 Plate is light finished according to manufacturer’s specifications

5.5 Work Health and Safety (WHS) procedures are observed to ensure a safe working environment when making plates

6 Establish and maintain a chemical register

6.1 Chemical register is established to identify and describe purpose of each chemical and ensure finished plates meet set specifications

6.2 All chemicals used in the workplace are identified and registered correctly according to safe working practices

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

produce TWO flexographic plates, with different characteristics

correctly finish plates to meet the job brief, according to manufacturer’s specifications.

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:

explain effect flexographic ink has on selection of plate material

describe effect of ‘shoulder’ on the printing process

outline ways to overcome ‘orange peel effect’

describe effects of chemicals used in detaching

name methods to counteract image elongation

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, 2.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1

Recognises and interprets text to establish job requirements from information contained within relevant procedures and specifications

Numeracy

2.4, 3.1

Interprets and comprehends a range of everyday mathematical information used in familiar and routine tasks

Navigate the world of work

5.5, 6.1, 6.2

Complies with legislative requirements and follows organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4

Determines priorities and sequences steps involved in clearly defined, familiar tasks and identifies and assembles resources required

Takes responsibility for planning and organising own workload, identifying ways of sequencing and combining elements for greater efficiency

Applies analytical processes to resolve technical problems and initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within immediate context


Sectors

Pre-Press