Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select, prepare, process and store photographic capillary stencils.
It applies to individuals working in the printing and graphic arts industry who may have to set up and operate power-driven or hand-operated screen printing machines, and who may have to provide leadership and guidance to others and have some limited responsibility for the output of others.
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 Equipment is inspected to ensure it is functional and, where necessary, appropriate remedial action is taken prior to commencement of work 1.3 Chemicals are prepared, if necessary, according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications 1.4 Appropriate coating trough (or troughs for automatic coaters) is selected, ensuring it is free of nicks and burrs |
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 |
3 Select emulsion | 3.1 Emulsion is selected according to requirements for ink type, print resolution, substrate, mesh type and machine type with minimisation of waste 3.2 Emulsion is checked for expiry date and appropriate action taken 3.3 Emulsion is prepared according to WHS requirements, and manufacturer or supplier specifications 3.4 Emulsion is used and dried according to manufacturer or supplier specifications |
4 Process material | 4.1 Coated screen is positioned on projection frame holder according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 4.2 Projection light source equipment is positioned according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 4.3 Positive is positioned into projection light source which is then set to desired enlargement according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 4.4 Exposed screen is removed from positioning frame according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications 4.5 Exposed screen is washed out according to WHS requirements and manufacturer or supplier specifications 4.6 Processed stencil or screen is inspected for processing flaws |
5 Dry stencil | 5.1 Processed stencil is dried according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 5.2 Backing sheet is carefully removed and stencil checked for full adhesion |
6 Block out screen | 6.1 Non-image areas of prepared screen are blocked out with filler suitable for ink type and according to job specifications 6.2 Stencil is inspected for flaws, scum and orientation 6.3 Pinholes are spotted out with suitable filler and taped according to ink type and job specifications |
7 Store screen | 7.1 Prepared screen is labelled according to enterprise specifications 7.2 Prepared screen is stored in clean, dry environment according to manufacturer or supplier specifications |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
safely prepare TWO different screens using the direct projection method according to all job, manufacturer, enterprise 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:
identify the influence that mesh count has on final printed product
explain the importance of correctly tensioned screen and describe the tension that is required on screens of various mesh count or grades
describe the degreasing or cleaning techniques that are employed prior to coating the screen
summarise the information contained in the material safety data sheet (MSDS) about emulsion
discuss the pollution and environmental issues that need to be considered when working with emulsions
identify the maintenance that is required on the direct projection camera
outline the importance of working in a safelight area when using the direct projection method
describe the kinds of high sensitivity emulsions that are available and explain their characteristics, lifespans and areas of use, including the preparation method for the emulsion being used
identify the influence that length of run and ink being used have on the coating technique
identify the number of coats of emulsion and the best method of coating the screen, as well as the best position (horizontal or vertical) for drying the screen to prevent scum and streaking
identify the effect of heat on the emulsion during the drying process
outline health and safety concerns when exposing the screen
describe the operating features of the direct projection camera
explain how to set the enlargement factor and take into account registration on the frame for the appropriate printing machine
describe the exposure techniques and procedures that are used and how to calculate exposure time
identify the effect of temperature, pressure and period of washing on the emulsion, including how to determine when washing out is complete
outline the post-curing effect on the stencil
summarise the information that is obtained from the MSDSs for a particular blockout
explain how ink and stencil type influence the choice of blockout
outline the preventive measures that can be taken to minimise pinholes and the importance of taping the edge of the frame
describe how a screen can 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 direct electronic imaging 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, 2.2, 3.2-3.4, 4.1-4.5, 5.1, 6.1, 7.2 | Establishes job requirements from relevant information Identifies correct process from procedural documentation |
Writing | 7.1 | Completes routine labelling associated with production and enterprise processes |
Numeracy | 1.3, 4.3 | Uses simple mathematical processes to calculate amounts of chemicals and coating times |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 2.2, 3.3, 4.4, 4.5, 7.1, 7.2 | Complies with organisational, legal and regulatory requirements related to own work, with specific reference to safety |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1-4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1-6.3 | Takes responsibility for planning and organising own workload, identifying ways of sequencing and combining elements for efficiency Automatically implements standard procedures for routine decisions Recognises and takes responsibility for addressing predictable problems in familiar work contexts Understands the purposes, specific functions and key features of common digital systems and tools, and operates them effectively to complete routine tasks |
Sectors
Screen printing