This unit requires the individual to correctly prepare direct projection stencils.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare the work area

1.1. Work area is made clean and functional prior to the commencement of work

1.2. All equipment is inspected to ensure it is functional and where necessary, appropriate remedial action is taken prior to the commencement of work

1.3. Chemicals are prepared, if necessary, according to OHS requirements and manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

1.4. Appropriate coating trough (or troughs for automatic coaters) is selected ensuring they are free of nicks and burrs

2. Prepare the screen

2.1. Screen is selected according to job specifications

2.2. Chemicals are applied and removed according to OHS requirements and manufacturer's/supplier's 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 OHS requirements, and manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

3.4. Emulsion is used and dried according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

4. Process material

4.1. Coated screen is positioned on projection frame holder according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

4.2. Projection light source equipment is positioned according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

4.3. The positive is positioned into the projection light source which is then set up to desired enlargement according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

4.4. Exposed screen is removed from positioning frame according to OHS requirements and manufacturer's/ supplier's specifications

4.5. Exposed screen is washed out according to OHS requirements and manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

4.6. Processed stencil/screen is inspected for processing flaws

5. Dry stencil

5.1. Processed stencil is dried according to manufacturer's/supplier's 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 enterprisespecifications

7.2. Prepared screen is stored in a clean, dry environment according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

Required skills

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

communication of ideas and information by labelling prepared screens

collecting, analysing and organising information by drying and using emulsion according to supplier's instructions

planning and organising activities by preparing the emulsion prior to processing the material

teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others

mathematical ideas and techniques by correctly preparing chemicals

problem-solving skills by blocking out non-image areas of the screen and spotting out pinholes

use of technology by using various items of equipment to prepare direct projection stencils

Required knowledge

influence that mesh count has on final printed product

need to have a correctly tensioned screen

screen tension that is required on screens of various mesh count or grades

degreasing/cleaning techniques that are employed prior to coating the screen

information that is contained in MSDSs for the emulsion

pollution and environmental issues that need to be considered when working with emulsions

maintenance that is required on the direct projection camera

need to work in a safelight area when using the direct projection method

kinds of high sensitivity emulsion that are available and state their characteristics, lifespans and areas of use

preparation method for the emulsion you are using

influence that the length of run and ink being used have on the coating technique

number of coats of emulsion and the best method of coating the screen

best position (horizontal or vertical) for drying the screen

effect of heat on the emulsion during the drying process

OHS concerns that are there when exposing the screen

operating features of the direct projection camera

setting the enlargement factor and take into account registration on the frame for the appropriate printing machine

exposure techniques that are used and how do you calculate exposure time

exposure procedures

effect of temperature, pressure and period of washing on the emulsion

determining when washing out is complete

ideal position of the screen for drying to prevent scum and streaking

post-curing effect on the stencil

information that is obtained from the MSDSs for this particular blockout

ink to be used and the type of stencil that have a bearing on the type of blockout

what preventive measures can be taken to minimise pinholes?

need to tape the edge of the frame

means by which is this screen able to be identified at a later date

manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where they are kept and 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 prepare direct projection stencils according to job specifications

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

prepare TWO different screens using the direct projection method according to manufacturer's and job specifications, enterprise procedures and the listed Performance Criteria.

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:

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.

Coating techniques may include:

coating techniques for various emulsions, mesh types and edge definition requirements.

Enlargements may include:

ability to determine and set enlargement criteria within the variable parameters of the equipment commonly used relative to the industry sector.

Enterprise procedures may include:

tasks must be performed according to enterprise procedures.

Type of stencil materials may include:

direct emulsion commonly used in direct projection relative to the industry sector.

Degree of autonomy may include:

work is performed under supervision to defined procedures to ensure production requirements are met.

Quality standards may include:

should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Unit sector

Screen Printing

This unit contains employability skills