Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manually prepare and produce screen prints using manual screening techniques for long print runs that involve a production process.
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 Identify job requirements | 1.1 Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are used to identify safe chemical handling procedures 1.2 Substrate is checked for conformance to job specifications with any irregularities reported and/or rectified 1.3 Ink is checked for conformance to job specifications 1.4 Stencil is checked for conformance to job specifications |
2 Prepare machine to print | 2.1 Substrate position and stencil registration are adjusted according to job specifications 2.2 Ink is applied to screen in quantity required for screen size 2.3 Equipment is kept clean and spillage is minimised |
3 Produce proof print | 3.1 Proof print is run off and checked for colour, strength, registration, adhesion, clarity, gloss level, drying and curing, artwork detail and other technical aspects according to job specifications 3.2 Adjustments are made according to product and machine specifications 3.3 Belt speed and energy required are set to achieve desired curing or drying properties 3.4 Appropriate approval to commence production is sought prior to commencement |
4 Run job and monitor print quality | 4.1 Printing speed production is adjusted to maximise quality and output 4.2 Print quality is continuously evaluated and adjusted as required 4.3 Effects of ink alterations during run are monitored and any discrepancy is notified according to enterprise procedures 4.4 Workplace documentation on job is completed as required 4.5 Curing and drying are constantly monitored and adjusted according to manufacturer or supplier and job specifications |
5 Carry out routine user maintenance | 5.1 Equipment is cleaned according to enterprise procedures 5.2 Fault conditions are identified and reported according to enterprise procedures |
6 Stack production output | 6.1 Output is checked for thorough drying and curing before stacking 6.2 Job status and progress are checked for conformance to job specifications and any necessary action is taken |
7 Conduct shutdown | 7.1 Material is transferred to correct destination in safe manner 7.2 Excess ink, screens, squeegees and flood coaters are removed and cleaned according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications 7.3 Waste materials and chemicals are disposed of according to manufacturer or supplier specifications, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures 7.4 Equipment and surrounding areas are cleaned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 7.5 Tools and equipment are identified, stored and maintained according to manufacturer specifications to ensure ease of access and operator safety 7.6 Correct procedure for dealing with spilt chemicals is demonstrated according to WHS requirements |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
set up screen printing machinery and produce a print that meets job specifications on a range of common substrates, using fundamental manual screening.
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:
outline the information that can be gained from material safety data sheets (MSDS)
explain why it is necessary to check the substrate for conformance to the job specifications
describe the action required if the ink did not comply with the job specifications
explain what compliance checks are made with the stencil
determine what limitations occur when setting the substrate position
describe the result if too much ink is applied to the screen
explain why it is necessary to keep equipment clean
outline the work health and safety (WHS) concerns when producing a manual print
explain what is checked on the printed sheet when the proof print has been run off
explain what determines the drying or curing system used for this application
explain where to obtain product and machine specifications
confirm what the result would be if the belt speed was too high
explain why it is necessary to obtain final approval before commencing the production run
identify aspects of the print that are evaluated during printing
explain why it is necessary to make ink alterations during the run
explain what happens to the workplace documentation when the print run is completed
determine what WHS concerns there are in relationship to drying or curing systems
explain what maintenance should be carried out on this machine
explain why it is important to report any faulty equipment
explain how to determine whether a print is dried or cured prior to stacking
explain what the result would be if stacking occurs while the ink film is still wet
describe the possible action needed if problems occur with the job progress
explain how to identify the job’s destination when the run has been completed
explain the result of not keeping screens and squeegees clean
describe the result of not following correct procedures when disposing of liquid waste
explain the result of not keeping equipment and surrounding areas clean
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 manual screen printing machines.
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, 3.1, 3.2, 4.3-4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 7.2-7.6 | Interprets textual information from relevant sources to identify and adhere to procedures and standards |
Writing | 1.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.2 | Completes required details accurately using enterprise specific factual information |
Oral Communication | 1.2, 3.4, 4.3, 5.2 | Reports issues or provides explanations using clear and specific language Uses listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 2.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.5 | Recognises numerical information and makes basic calculations to adjust production processes |
Navigate the world of work | 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 7.1-7.6 | 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 |
Interact with others | 3.4 | Contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability |
Get the work done | 1.2-1.4, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.5 | 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