This unit requires the individual to produce screen prints using one- or two-colour semi-automatic machines.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Load substrate

1.1. Substrate is checked for conformance to job specifications with any irregularities reported and/or rectified

1.2. Substrate position and stencil registration are adjusted according to job specifications

2. Apply ink to screen

2.1. Ink is applied to the screen in the quantity required for the screen size

2.2. Equipment is kept clean and spillage is minimised

2.3. Colour is mixed and ink is checked for conformance to job specifications

3. Produce proof print

3.1. Proof print is run off and checked for colour, strength, registration, adhesion, clarity, gloss level, drying/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 is continuously evaluated and adjusted as required

4.3. Effects of ink alterations during run are monitored and appropriate action taken according to manufacturer's/supplier's and job specifications

4.4. Workplace documentation on job is completed as required

4.5. Curing and drying are constantly monitored and adjusted according to manufacturer's/ supplier's and job specifications

5. Carry out routine user maintenance

5.1. Equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer's/supplier's 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/curing before stacking

6.2. Job status and progress are checked for conformance to 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 OHS requirements and manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

7.2. Waste materials are disposed of according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

7.3. Equipment and surrounding areas are cleaned according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications and enterprise procedures

Required skills

OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started

communication of ideas and information by obtaining approval to commence a production run

collecting, analysing and organising information by checking the substrate for conformance to the job specifications

planning and organising activities by producing a proof print prior to running a job

teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others

mathematical ideas and techniques by setting the belt speed and required energy

problem-solving skills by continuously evaluating and adjusting print quality

use of technology by using semi-automatic and computerised machines to produce screen prints

Required knowledge

the substrate, finished size, length of run and/order of colours

colour sequence

the correct placement of image on the sheet

the significance of substrate guides/lays

the procedure for setting up the frame position relative to the print image and base in preparation for printing

the selection of the ink system

the set parameters of belt speed and head units

OHS concerns that are there when using a semi-automatic machine

the type of squeegee/flood coater and squeegee angle used

the production of a proof print and what needs to be checked on the proof

continuous monitoring of print quality and drying/curing of ink

the purpose of workplace documentation

check that are made of printed sheets for drying/curing before stacking

the procedure that you take for disposing of unused ink and solvent rags

checks that are made to determine that prints are dried/cured

frequency and type of maintenance that should be performed

machine manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept

information that is included in these documents

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

correctly produce screen prints using semi-automatic machines according to job specifications

demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources

produce TWO different one- or two-colour print runs using a semi-automatic machine according to manufacturer's and job specifications, enterprise procedures and the listed Performance Criteria

demonstrate use of computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a combination of both of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely replicated workplace environment.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPSU202C Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine

ICPSU208C Operate and monitor machines (basic)

ICPSP351C Prepare machine and drying/curing unit

any basic set up units.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Drying/curingunits may include:

manual drying racks, mechanical dryers or UV curing units.

Quality standards may include:

should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Enterprise procedures may include:

tasks must be performed according to enterprise procedures.

Types of machine may include:

semi-automatic and computerised machines relative to the industry sector.

Complexity may include:

one- or two-colour jobs.

Degree of autonomy may include:

working under supervision to previously defined procedures to ensure production requirements are met.

Unit sector

Screen Printing

This unit contains employability skills.