Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use computerised on-press print control devices.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the press operator to access or input print quality data and to perform adjustments to match the proof and maintain print quality throughout the run.

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. Set up print control devices

1.1. CIP3/CIP4 data is accessed for the next print run

1.2. Data is pre-set and options/parameters selected according to the next job specifications

1.3. Data is released to press  according to manufacturer's recommended procedure

1.4. Accurate position and fit are attained

1.5. Approximate colour, density and ink/water balance if applicable are attained

1.6. Make ready sheets are scanned or corrections are inputted until the print matches the proof or the client's requirements

1.7. Client or supervisor's approval is obtained prior to running the job

2. Maintain print quality throughout the run

2.1. Print quality  is continuously monitored  visually

2.2. Sheets are scanned to verify visual assessment

2.3. Any correctional data is released to maintain print quality

3. Maintain equipment

3.1. Maintenance tasks are performed according to the operator's manual

3.2. Equipment is calibrated according to the operator's manual

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 communicating specifications for colour profiles and pre-press requirements for printing to clients
• collecting, analysing and organising information by collating and integrating information on colour profiles and press performance
• planning and organising activities by establishing sequence of monitoring to ensure quality output
• teamwork when integrating job planning with pre-press
• mathematical ideas and techniques by understanding and applying colour profiles and curves to machine adjustment
• problem-solving skills by monitoring samples and adjusting equipment as necessary
• use of technology by efficiently using monitoring systems to ensure quality output

Required knowledge 

• ICC profiling
• underlying principle of densitometry
• underlying principle of spectrophotometry
• basic underlying principles for determining tolerance in densitometry and spectrophotometry
• an original colour control strip determinates
• determining the accuracy of the elements in a colour strip
• ensuringconsistent print quality output
• recognising colour contamination
• setting alarm limits for colour contamination
• sample to ensure consistency
• processes that you would put in place if sample varies from standard
• ways quality can vary and how they can be fixed
• computerised functions, common faults and electronic registration systems
• information that you need from pre-press to ensure quality product
• information that you need to give to pre-press to ensure quality product
• meaning of the terms registration, fit, position and alignment
• importance of registration marks

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:

• may be defined by enterprise/operator or default tolerances, client requirements, colour tolerances, industry standards
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• set up and align monitoring device to appropriate standards on THREE occasions
• produce profiles of samples taken during THREE different print runs that show print production is within agreed tolerances, if possible using different variables
• evidence for assessment may be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone or through an integrated assessment activity.

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
• a computerised printing machine.

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:

• this unit is an additional skill to most printing units and may be assessed at the same time.

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.

Presses  may include:

• press must be aligned to recognised colour standard.

Quality standards  may include:

• CIP3 and CIP4.

Monitoring systems  may include:

• built-in or add-on or stand alone systems including: image control. Electronic colour management eg densitometry, colour imagery, Komori system, spectrophotometry.

Electronic data transfer  may include:

• press management systems such as Prepress Interface, PECOM.

Plates  may include:

• colour bars must be original.

Specified standards  may include:

• may be defined by enterprise/operator or default tolerances, client requirements, colour tolerances, industry standards.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Printing

Co-requisite units