Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manually combine images.

The skill is used in the printing industry but is becoming obsolete.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to prepare images and film and to combine elements and prepare registration and artwork for the next production stage.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Evaluate images for combining

1.1. Screen rulings are checked according to job specifications and enterprise procedures

1.2. Dot percentages are checked according to job specifications and enterprise procedure

1.3. Image orientation is checked according to job specifications

2. Contact film

2.1. The frame is prepared for contacting according to enterprise procedures

2.2. Film is contacted using a vacuum frame and using predetermined exposures according to job specifications

3. Combine film manually

3.1. A range of basic combining techniques is identified to meet diverse client requirements and film substrates

3.2. Film is combined employing brush skills to achieve opaquing according to job specifications

3.3. Film is combined adding masks according to design specifications

3.4. Film is combined adding tints and stipples according to design specifications

4. Combine paste-up elements manually

4.1. Film is combined adding tints and stipples according to design specifications

4.2. Screen, line and type images are combined on the base sheet according to job specifications

4.3. Masks are produced and positioned on the base sheet for the purpose of adding tints, stipples and colour according to design specifications

4.4. Rules, keylines and cut marks are drawn according to job specifications

4.5. The assembled paste-up is checked for squareness, accuracy in the positioning of elements and cleanliness of work

5. Maintain the register of combined images

5.1. Punch register systems are applied to combine images

5.2. The registration of combined images is accurately placed to ensure alignment of film

5.3. The registration of combined images is accurately secured to ensure the alignment of all components

6. Prepare finished film and artwork for the next production stage

6.1. Finished film and artwork are laid-down and spaced according to specified paper size identified in job specifications

6.2. Pages and film are pasted up to suit the given imposition

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• OHS in relation to operating machinery such as safely switching off machinery before cleaning is started
• communication of ideas and information by interpreting requirements of the brief or layout
• collecting, analysing and organising information by matching requirements for reproduction with the brief or layout
• planning and organising activities by determining sequence of processes and organising necessary materials
• teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others
• mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating enlargement/reduction factors, positioning of elements, exposure
• problem-solving skills by resolving issues of positioning and overlap of elements
• use of technology by using equipment correctly to ensure ease of subsequent processing

Required knowledge 

• printing processes affect the requirements for combining
• appropriate films used for contacting and for duplicating
• procedure for establishing basic exposure data for contact emulsions
• spreading and choking requirements for the preparation of a mask
• techniques that are used to control the degree of spread and choke
• requirements of an effective pin registration system
• main types of pin register systems and their applications
• manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept and information that is included in these documents

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 ability to:

• finished film and artwork are laid-down and spaced according to printers imposition identified in job specifications and registration of combined images is accurately secured
• the underlying skill of combining should be transferable across safelight and roomlight environments using various light sensitive materials, exposure and processing systems
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• prepare and assemble TWO designated layouts, using a variety of selected image elements, following the job brief and according to 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 these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated 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

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Input  may include:

• a variety of screen and line images for contacting and assembly.

Capture  may include:

• a variety of contacting equipment including darkroom and daylight handling.

Manipulation /edit  may include:

• hand and photographic techniques.

Quality standards  may include:

• should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Pre-press

Co-requisite units