Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to safely produce one or two colour screen prints on an automatic printing machine
It applies to individuals working under direct supervision in the printing and graphic arts industry. They perform mainly routine tasks such as monitoring, adjusting and cleaning equipment, selecting appropriate products and ensuring set processes are followed in the use of an automatic printing machine.
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 Load substrate | 1.1 Substrate is checked against job specifications, with any irregularities reported and rectified where possible 1.2 Substrate position and stencil registration are adjusted according to job specifications |
2 Apply ink to screen | 2.1 Ink is applied to screen in quantity required for screen size 2.2 Equipment is kept clean and spills are minimised 2.3 Ink is checked against job specifications 2.4 Feeder is set and adjusted to suit substrate |
3 Produce proof print | 3.1 Proof print is run off and checked for colour, strength, registration, adhesion, clarity, gloss level, drying or curing, artwork detail and other technical aspects according to job specifications 3.2 Adjustments are made as required 3.3 Appropriate approval to commence production is sought prior to commencement 3.4 Belt speed and energy required are set to achieve desired properties and then printing speeds are adjusted to suit |
4 Run job and monitor print quality | 4.1 Printing speed production is adjusted to maximise quality and output 4.2 Print quality and sheet feeder are continuously evaluated and adjusted as required 4.3 Effects of ink alterations during run are monitored and appropriate action taken according to manufacturer or supplier and job specifications 4.4 Workplace documentation 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 manufacturer or supplier specifications 5.2 Fault conditions are identified, reported and/or rectified according to enterprise procedures |
6 Handle production output | 6.1 Output is checked for thorough drying or curing before handling 6.2 Job status and progress are checked against job specifications and any necessary action is taken |
7 Shut down machine | 7.1 Excess ink, screens, squeegees and flood coaters are removed and cleaned according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications 7.2 Waste materials are disposed of according to manufacturer or supplier specifications, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures 7.3 Equipment and surrounding areas are cleaned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications and enterprise procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
safely produce TWO complex prints of more than two colours containing line and tone using a semi-automatic machine according to manufacturer, job and enterprise specifications and procedures
demonstrate use of control, monitoring and data entry systems.
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:
describe the adjustments that are necessary to the machine prior to setting up, including the maintenance on the machine and feeder
identify the correct substrate to be used according to job specifications
outline the procedure for checking the screen sequence of colours, ink, substrate and squeegee or flood coater prior to printing
describe the system for setting the feed board and loading substrate, and the preparations needed prior to loading the feeder
describe how to correctly position, register and lock the screen in position
explain the need to adjust the off contact or peel-off requirements of the screen
outline the work health and safety (WHS) requirements when working with infra-red or UV curing units
explain the relationship between ink deposit, squeegee speed and belt speed and temperature of the drying or curing unit
outline the routine maintenance undertaken on this drying or curing unit and the WHS concerns when maintaining and using an automatic printing machine
describe the effect of humidity on the substrate
explain the correct viscosity of the ink prior to and during printing and the effect that ink conditions have on output capacity
outline the evaluation and maintenance of the print quality that takes place during the run
discuss the ideal printing rate for this substrate on this machine
outline the production output handling to prevent offsetting of the ink
explain the need to determine the exact count of the output and to record production details on the job sheet
describe the health hazards associated with ink or solvents
outline the correct procedure for removing the ink without damaging the screen and cleaning squeegees or flood coaters, machine and surrounding area
explain the maintenance that is required on this machine after printing
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 an automatic printing machine and more than two colours.
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, 2.3, 3.1, 4.3-4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 6.2, 7.1-7.3 | Evaluates and establishes job requirements from relevant information Identifies correct process from enterprise procedures and manufacturer or supplier specifications |
Writing | 1.1, 4.4, 5.2 | Completes required details accurately using enterprise specific and factual information |
Oral Communication | 3.3, 5.2 | Discusses faults and any remedial action with supervisor Checks the progress and quality of the job with supervisor |
Numeracy | 2.1, 3.4, 4.1, 4.5 | Uses simple mathematical calculations to determine curing and drying times and optimum belt speed |
Navigate the world of work | 7.1-7.3 | 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 | 3.3 | Contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1-4.3, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 | Follows clearly defined instructions and sequencing 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 of specific functions of some common digital tools used in work contexts |
Sectors
Screen printing