Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce complex screen prints of two or more colours using semi-automatic machines.
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 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 Colour is mixed and ink is checked against job specifications |
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 |
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 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 lubricated, cleaned and adjusted according to manufacturer or supplier specifications 5.2 Fault conditions are identified and reported according to enterprise procedures |
6 Stack production output | 6.1 Output is checked for thorough drying or curing before stacking 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 two or more colours containing line and tone using a semi-automatic machine according to job, manufacturer, 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:
describe the criteria for selecting the correct substrate for the job
discuss the selection of ink and solvents and substrate compatibility
describe necessary machine adjustments prior to setting up and the maintenance required prior to the commencement of printing
outline the procedure for checking the screen sequence of colours, ink, substrate and squeegee or flood coater prior to printing
describe the function of the printing base and maintenance that is required
summarise how to determine the lay edge and gripper or take-off edge of the substrate
discuss the correct positioning, registering and process for locking the screen in position
describe the selection of the squeegee or shore hardness and flood coater to be used
explain the need to adjust the off contact or peel-off requirements of the screen
outline the choice of belt speed and the impact of environmental conditions on the unit and the output capacity
discuss health and safety concerns when using a semi-automatic machine, chemicals and infra-red or UV curing units
outline the process for monitoring and rectifying ink viscosity during a production run
describe the process of evaluation and maintenance of the print quality during the run
discuss the ideal printing rate for this substrate on this machine
describe the stacking and handling of production output
discuss the importance of determining the exact print count and recording production details on the job sheet
describe the health hazards associated with inks and solvents
outline the correct method of cleaning squeegees or flood coater machine and surrounding area and removing ink without damaging the screen
describe the maintenance that is required on the 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 cleaning chemicals and semi-automatic 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, 2.3, 3.1, 4.3-4.5, 5.1, 6.2, 7.1-7.3 | Establishes job requirements from relevant information Identifies correct process from procedural documentation |
Writing | 1.1, 4.4, 5.2 | Records information relating to job outcomes and problems with machinery |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 3.3 | Checks the progress and quality of the job with supervisor |
Numeracy | 2.1, 3.4, 4.5 | Uses simple mathematical calculations to determine and adjust resources and equipment |
Navigate the world of work | 5.2, 7.1-7.3 | Complies with organisational, legal and regulatory requirements related to own work with specific reference to safety |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.2-2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.3, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 | Understands the purposes, specific functions and key features of common digital systems and tools, and operates them effectively to complete routine tasks 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