ICPSCP235
Prepare stencil using photographic indirect method


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to safely select, prepare, process and store stencils using the photographic indirect method.

It applies to individuals working under direct supervision and performing mainly routine tasks.

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 Prepare work area

1.1 Work area is made clean and functional prior to commencement of work

1.2 All equipment, tools and materials are inspected to ensure they are functional and, where necessary, appropriate remedial action is taken prior to commencement of work

1.3 Activating chemicals are prepared according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

2 Prepare screen

2.1 Screen is selected according to job specifications

2.2 Chemicals are applied and removed according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

2.3 Tension of screen mesh is checked for suitability according to job specifications

3 Select indirect stencil material

3.1 Stencil material is selected according to requirements for ink type, print resolution, substrate and machine type

3.2 Stencil material is checked for faults and expiry date, and suitable action is taken

4 Process material

4.1 Selected material is cut to size according to job specifications with minimisation of waste

4.2 Material is placed in vacuum frame with positive positioned and intimate vacuum achieved according to manufacturer or supplier and job specifications

4.3 Exposure is calculated and stencil is exposed according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.4 Light source is positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.5 Exposed stencil is removed from vacuum frame and treated with necessary activator, if required, according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.6 Activated stencil is washed according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.7 Exposed stencil is inspected for processing flaws

5 Apply stencil to screen

5.1 Prepared screen is re-wet and inspected for cleanliness and dust

5.2 Stencil is positioned and adhered accurately according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

6 Dry stencil

6.1 Processed stencil is dried according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

6.2 Backing sheet is carefully removed and stencil is checked for full adhesion

7 Block out screen

7.1 Stencil is inspected for flaws, scum and orientation

7.2 Non-image areas of prepared screen are blocked out with filler suitable for ink type and according to job specifications

7.3 Pinholes are spotted out with suitable filler and faulty or damaged images are retouched and are taped according to ink type and job specifications

8 Store screen

8.1 Prepared screen is labelled according to enterprise procedures

8.2 Prepared screen is stored in clean, dry environment according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

correctly prepare TWO different indirect screens and TWO photographic indirect stencils using manual or mechanical techniques according to manufacturer and job specifications, enterprise procedures and work health and safety (WHS) requirements.

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 the significance of mesh count

explain why the screen must be tensioned correctly

identify the chemicals that are used for pre-treating and degreasing

describe the method of preparing the activator according to WHS standards

explain the importance of a dust-free work area when working with indirect stencils

outline the inspection process of equipment to ensure good function

list the characteristics of indirect stencils relative to ink type, print resolution and substrate

explain the selection of indirect stencil material

identify the common faults associated with indirect film

explain the importance of vacuum pressure prior to exposing the stencil

explain the position of the light source and the calculation of exposure time

list the effects of overexposure and underexposure

describe the methods of activating film

determine the water temperature required for washing indirect stencils

explain how to recognise and rectify flaws

describe the main considerations before applying the stencil to the screen

describe the method of positioning and adhering the stencil to the screen

explain the process of drying the stencil and removing the backing sheet

describe the method of rectifying flaws and scum in the stencil

explain what determines the type of filler used for blocking out

explain why pinholes are spotted and the screen taped

explain by what means this screen is able to be identified at a later date

identify required manuals, safety and other documentation and briefly outline the relevant information in each source.


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 screen printing field of work and include access to cleaning chemicals and relevant equipment.

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

1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.4, 5.2, 6.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2

Interprets textual information from relevant sources to identify and adhere to procedures and standards

Writing

8.1

Completes required details legibly and accurately for future reference

Numeracy

1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.3

Uses mathematical formulae to calculate measurements and adjust equipment and settings

Navigate the world of work

1.3, 2.2, 4.5, 4.6, 8.1

Takes personal responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory requirements with specific reference to safety

Complies with organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4-4.7, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1-7.3

Follows clearly defined instructions and sequencing and monitors own progress for the task

Responds to predictable problems and implements standard or logical solutions

Takes responsibility for routine low-impact decisions within familiar situations

Understands the purpose and some specific functions of common digital tools used in work contexts


Sectors

Screen printing