ICPSCP383
Prepare film for complex screen printing


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare film for complex screen printing using appropriate equipment and Raster Image Processor (RIP) software.

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 Identify job requirements

1.1 Image specifications are checked according to job requirements and enterprise procedures

1.2 Orientation is checked against job specifications and adjusted if required

1.3 Resolution or dots per inch (DPI) is determined for template creation

2 Prepare and operate equipment

2.1 Scanner and computer is selected, turned on and scanner glass cleaned

2.2 Scanner software is selected and opened and correct settings made according to job requirements

2.3 Previews are made, image is selected, finished scan completed and image adjusted as required

2.4 Image format is determined and saved to storage device

3 Select imaging software

3.1 Software is selected, scan is opened and separations are produced on individual layers according to job specifications

3.2 Colours are excluded as required on separation layers

3.3 Stroke is applied for bleed according to printing equipment

3.4 Separation layers are coloured for RIP software

3.5 Image format is determined according to RIP software requirements

3.6 Supplied finished artwork or separation is checked for output capability

4 Select and operate appropriate equipment

4.1 Image setter or dye printer is selected, turned on and checked, and heads cleaned prior to outputting images

4.2 RIP software is selected and opened, and software settings checked and set according to output specifications

4.3 Nesting is checked to ensure no film is wasted

4.4 Image output is evaluated against job specifications and measuring, including checking with reflection densitometer valve

4.5 Film is handled according to manufacturer specifications

4.6 Output device is closed down according to manufacturer recommendations

5 Assess job specifications

5.1 Requirements of printing process and job specification are assessed

5.2 Quality of job elements, including resolution or DPI, is specified according to client requirements

5.3 Films, dye cartridges, their qualities and process requirements are determined

5.4 Stock levels are checked and maintained according to job specifications

5.5 Copy is checked and assessed according to job specifications

6 Prepare and operate equipment

6.1 Scanner and computer is selected and artwork or copy is placed squarely in scanner

6.2 Scanner software is selected and opened and correct settings are made according to job requirements

6.3 Previews are made, images selected, finished scan completed and image adjusted as required

6.4 Image format is determined and saved to storage device

7 Select and use appropriate imaging software

7.1 Software is selected, scan is opened using layers and software tools as required, and separations are provided on individual layers according to job specifications

7.2 Colours are excluded as required on separation layers

7.3 Separate layers are coloured for specific RIP software requirements

7.4 Image, layers or separations are manually nested, if required, in accordance with film output device size

7.5 Image format is determined according to RIP software requirements and saved to storage device

7.6 Supplied finished artwork or separations are checked for output suitability

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare film for TWO different jobs involving a variety of image effects, according to manufacturer, job and enterprise requirements

correctly operate appropriate equipment and software, including Raster Image Processor (RIP) software, to meet TWO job specifications.

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 image specifications, orientation and the resolutions or dots per inch (DPI) determination

explain the scanner settings, including adjusting the brightness or contrast of the image

discuss the exclusion of colours and bleed for a particular job and the purpose of colouring separation layers

outline the process for selecting ink and colour identification

explain the common file format when using RIP software and the settings that must be checked prior to ripping

explain the correct procedures for handling film

outline the nesting requirements of particular jobs and the output suitability prior to producing separations

outline the correct output device and the regular checks and maintenance that must be performed on an image setter or dye printer\

outline the procedures used for evaluating the output film to ensure it conforms to job specifications.


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:

a computer and scanner and RIP software

workplace documentation

job specifications

enterprise procedures.

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, 2.2, 3.1, 4.2, 4.4-4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5

Evaluates and establishes job requirements from relevant information

Identifies correct process from manufacturer or supplier instructions

Numeracy

1.3, 7.4

Uses basic mathematical formula to calculate measurements and adjustments to equipment and settings

Navigate the world of work

1.1

Monitors adherence to organisational policies and procedures

Get the work done

1.2, 1.3, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.6, 4.1-4.4, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1-6.4, 7.1-7.6

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