Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare screens.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to prepare screens for screen printing.

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. Select the frame

1.1. Frame  is selected according to job specifications

1.2. Quality , type and finish of frame are specified

2. Prepare the frame

2.1. Frame surface is appropriately prepared free of imperfections to receive the mesh

2.2. Tools and equipment used in frame preparation are suitable to achieve the standard indicated in job specifications

3. Select the mesh

3.1. Required mesh type  is selected according to job specifications

3.2. Imperfections and flaws are identified and appropriate remedial action is taken

3.3. Mesh is measured and cut from bulk supply to meet screen specifications with minimum wastage

4. Stretch and fix mesh

4.1. Mesh is positioned in tensioning equipment at the correct angle according to job specifications

4.2. Tension  is set and applied according to job specifications

4.3. Tension is checked according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

4.4. Mesh is pre-stretched prior to fixing  and mesh is fixed to frame according to frame construction requirements

4.5. Chemicals are mixed for application according to manufacturer's specifications

4.6. Screen is removed from apparatus after appropriate curing

5. Convert mesh

5.1. Chemicals are selected for the conversion of the mesh according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

5.2. Chemicals are applied to effect conversion according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications and to OHS requirements

6. Store screen

6.1. Screens are identified and labelled

6.2. Screens are stored in a safe, clean and dry environment in subdued light

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 labelling screens
• collecting, analysing and organising information by checking mesh tension for conformance to job specifications
• planning and organising activities by preparing the frame prior to using the mesh
• teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with fellow workers
• mathematical ideas and techniques by measuring and cutting mesh from bulk supplies
• problem-solving skills by identifying flaws in the mesh and taking appropriate remedial action
• use of technology by using the tools required to fix the mesh

Required knowledge 

• OHS standards
• personal protective equipment required when preparing frame surface, screen adhesive and chemical conversion and using equipment for the surface preparation
• selecting and preparing the frame
• purpose a frame is used
• tools that you use for preparing the frame surface
• observations in order to achieve a good surface for mesh adhesion
• choosing and stretching the mesh
• mesh types
• frame size and mesh cutting
• flaws or imperfections that may be found in screen mesh
• measuring tension and fixing the mesh
• position that is the mesh placed before tensioning
• methods of pre-stretching the mesh prior to securing it
• tension measurement
• various methods of fixing mesh to frame
• pre-tensioning techniques used
• converting and storing the screen
• methods of converting the screen mesh chemically
• method of converting the screen mesh mechanically
• method that you use to identify the mesh on this screen
• ideal conditions for storing screens
• manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where they are 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 following is essential:

• correctly prepare screens for screen printing according to job specifications
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• select TWO different frames types, either fixed or microchase, stretch and fix mesh as appropriate and prepare screen for stencil application, according to manufacturer's and job specifications, enterprise procedures and the listed Performance Criteria
• 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 both of theses. 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.

Frame type  may include:

• frame types commonly used within the industry relative to industry sectors.

Quality standards  may include:

• should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Type of mesh  may include:

• screen mesh thread counts, thread thickness, colours and weaves commonly used in the industry sectors.

Tension measurement  may include:

• different tension measurement techniques commonly used in the industry sector.

Fixing method  may include:

• fixing methods commonly used in the industry sector.

Degree of autonomy  may include:

• working to defined procedures in consultation with others to ensure production requirements are met.

Enterprise procedures  may include:

• tasks must be performed according to workplace and OHS procedures.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Screen Printing

Co-requisite units