Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare inks and additives for special colour work or other special purpose inks.
It applies to individuals who perform a range of defined tasks relating to the printing and screen printing industry, and who may also provide some leadership and guidance to others with 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. Select ink for special colour work or other specialised purpose | 1.1 Inks and additives are selected according to job specifications 1.2 Quality and suitability of inks or additives are checked and appropriate action is taken to meet quality standards of client requirements and enterprise and industry standards 1.3 Inks are selected according to end-use of product, suitability of substrate, adhesion, physical and chemical resistance, light fastness, drying method and print process |
2. Maintain and calibrate equipment | 2.1 Equipment is inspected to ensure it is functional, and where necessary appropriate remedial action is taken prior to commencement 2.2 Equipment is calibrated, cleaned and adjusted according to manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions |
3. Prepare ink for special colour work or other specialised purpose | 3.1 Inks and additives are prepared according to work health and safety (WHS) requirements and manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions with suitable precautions to minimise waste 3.2 Correct colour and weight/volume of ink are calculated, mixed and prepared to match requirements of the job specification and the printing machine to be used 3.3 Formulation of ink and approved colour is appropriately recorded |
4. Store and handle ink | 4.1 Inks and additives are appropriately stored, handled and labelled according to manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions to prevent damage and hazards to personnel |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
prepare at least TWO different lots of ink and additives that require special colour matching and match colour sample by manual and electronic means
select suitable ink types for different substrates
meet client requirements, job specifications, enterprise and industry standards when selecting, preparing, storing and handling ink or additives, and using equipment.
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 manuals, safety and other documentation needed for this task and briefly outline the relevant information in each source
WHS requirements
outline work health and safety (WHS) requirements for operating machinery or equipment
identify health hazards of using inks, solvents and additives
list pollution and environmental issues to be considered when working with inks and additives
summarise the enterprise procedures for working safely
Ink/additives and test substrate compatibility
describe substrate characteristics and the end use of the substrate
explain why ink colour fastness needs to be determined and considered
explain how to determine whether ink will adhere to the substrate
explain how to test compatibility of solvents, monomers and additives with ink
Ink quantity and match sample by hand/computer
explain the formula for calculating the correct quantity of ink
outline details required to calculate ink quantity
list any computer-based packages used to calculate ink quantity
Ink and check consistency and colour
explain the effect of ink coverage on screen mesh, machine and squeegee
describe the software program(s) used for matching colours and required inputs
describe ideal conditions for matching colours
explain the effect white mixed in colour has on finished colour light fastness
describe methods for checking and adjusting ink colour and consistency
list machine characteristics and other parameters that affect ink deposit and consequently colour
describe effects of viscosity changes in ink
Ink type and record information
explain procedures for recording formulation, by hand or by computer
identify who approves the mixed colour prior to commencing production
identify the process for recording the recipe for the colour
Storage, handling and labelling
explain systems for labelling mixed inks
describe environmental conditions in place for ink storage
explain where to find manufacturer’s specifications and MSDSs.
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 Support field of work and include access to inks and additives.
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, 3.2, 4.1 | Recognises and interprets textual information to establish job requirements from relevant information |
Writing | 3.3, 4.1 | Uses clear, specific and industry-related terminology to complete and update workplace documentation |
Numeracy | 2.2, 3.1-3.3 | Uses basic mathematical formula to calculate whole numbers and decimals to determine supplies quantities |
Navigate the world of work | 1.2, 3.1, 4.1 | Recognises and follows organisational and legislative requirements associated with own role |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1 | Takes responsibility for planning and organising own workload, identifying ways of sequencing and combining elements for greater efficiency Initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within immediate context Understands purposes, specific functions and key features of common digital systems and tools and operates them effectively to complete routine tasks |
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