ICPSCP351
Prepare machine and drying/curing unit


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a manual, semi-automatic or automatic machine for printing and set up drying and/or curing units.

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. They 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 Inspect screen

1.1 Screen frames are identified to determine colour sequence

1.2 Each screen frame is examined for defects and appropriate action taken

1.3 Each screen is taped as necessary

1.4 Screens are inspected against film positives, variations in centring, registration and alignment are noted, and appropriate action is taken

1.5 Screen frame, mesh and stencil are appropriately handled according to manufacturer or supplier specifications to prevent damage and hazards to personnel

2 Maintain and adjust machine

2.1 Machine is inspected and routine user maintenance is carried out according to manufacturer or supplier specifications and enterprise procedures

2.2 Required periodic adjustments and user maintenance items are made at correct times according to manufacturer or supplier specifications and enterprise procedures

3 Install screen frames and dry run machine

3.1 Laysheet is positioned in grippers and side-lay according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

3.2 Image position is established on laysheet

3.3 Screen frame is positioned in screen frame holder

3.4 Registration, alignment and centring are confirmed and screen clamps tightened to ensure no movement of the frame according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

3.5 Machine is run through printing cycle at same time, ensuring that substrate registers in lays and appropriate action is taken

4 Prepare and position flood bar and squeegees

4.1 Flood bar (for semi-automatic and automatic machines) and correct squeegee are assembled according to manufacturer or supplier specifications, ensuring that flood bar is free of nicks and burrs

4.2 Squeegee blade is sharpened according to manufacturer or supplier specifications and considering ink system to be used

4.3 Flood bar (for semi-automatic and automatic machines) and squeegee are positioned according to job specifications with squeegee at correct pre-determined angle

4.4 On and off contact (and peel-off if available) is adjusted to suit ink system and printing speed according to manufacturer or supplier specifications

4.5 Squeegee is correctly adjusted and brought into contact with substrate

5 Set up drying or curing unit

5.1 Belt speed and energy required are set to achieve desired properties and then printing speeds are adjusted accordingly

5.2 Stock is properly stacked at end of dryer

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

correctly prepare a machine for printing TWO different jobs by installing the screen frame and squeegee or flood coater and setting up a drying or curing unit to achieve the desired properties, according to manufacturer, job, enterprise and health and safety 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 colour sequence of screens and defects identified when examining the screen and stencil

name the variation between the positive and stencil

outline the health and safety concerns when using drying or curing units

outline the maintenance that is required on this equipment, including the periodic adjustments that are made to the drying or curing units

identify different machine capabilities and characteristics

describe the function of the printing base

describe the position of the lay sheet on the printing base and the image position on the lay sheet

name the type of lay sheet being used

describe the position of the frame in the frame holder, and registering and alignment of the stencil with the image on the lay sheet

outline the checks that are required to maintain register

describe the characteristics of a good squeegee blade or flood coater

discuss the significance of shore hardness of squeegee material and the length of squeegee or flood coater

outline the positioning, fixing and adjustment of the squeegee or flood coater and the relationship of the squeegee to the flood coater

describe the adjustment of on and off contact distance and peel-off requirements of the screen frame

identify the relationship of the machine stroke to off contact or peel-off requirements

outline the adjustments that are required to the unit for and during drying or curing

discuss the effects of temperature on the substrate

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 special purpose tools, equipment and materials.

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

1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.4, 4.1-4.4

Establishes job requirements from relevant information

Numeracy

4.3, 4.4, 5.1

Uses simple mathematical calculations to determine and adjust resources and equipment

Navigate the world of work

1.5, 2.1, 2.2

Complies with legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures

Considers own role in terms of its contribution to broader goals of the work environment

Get the work done

1.1-1.4, 2.2, 3.1-3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 5.2

Understands the purposes, specific functions and key features of common digital systems and tools, and operates them effectively to complete routine tasks, adapting some functions to improve personal efficiency

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


Sectors

Screen printing