Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce one- or two-colour semi-automatic screen prints.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to produce screen prints using one- or two-colour semi-automatic machines.

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. Load substrate

1.1. Substrate is checked for conformance to job specifications with any irregularities reported and/or rectified

1.2. Substrate position and stencil registration are adjusted according to job specifications

2. Apply ink to screen

2.1. Ink is applied to the screen in the quantity required for the screen size

2.2. Equipment is kept clean and spillage is minimised

2.3. Colour is mixed and ink is checked for conformance to job specifications

3. Produce proof print

3.1. Proof print is run off and checked for colour, strength, registration, adhesion, clarity, gloss level, drying /curing , artwork detail and other technical aspects according to job specifications

3.2. Adjustments are made as required

3.3. Appropriate approval to commence production is sought prior to commencement

3.4. Belt speed and energy required are set to achieve desired properties and then printing speeds are adjusted to suit

4. Run job and monitor print quality

4.1. Printing speed production is adjusted to maximise quality  and output

4.2. Print quality is continuously evaluated and adjusted as required

4.3. Effects of ink alterations during run are monitored and appropriate action taken according to manufacturer's/supplier's and job specifications

4.4. Workplace documentation on job is completed as required

4.5. Curing and drying are constantly monitored and adjusted according to manufacturer's/ supplier's and job specifications

5. Carry out routine user maintenance

5.1. Equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

5.2. Fault conditions are identified and reported according to enterprise procedures 

6. Stack production output

6.1. Output is checked for thorough drying/curing before stacking

6.2. Job status and progress are checked for conformance to job specifications and any necessary action is taken

7. Shut down machine

7.1. Excess ink, screens, squeegees and flood coaters are removed and cleaned according to OHS requirements and manufacturer's/supplier's specifications

7.2. Waste materials are disposed of according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

7.3. Equipment and surrounding areas are cleaned according to manufacturer's/supplier's specifications and enterprise procedures

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 obtaining approval to commence a production run
• collecting, analysing and organising information by checking the substrate for conformance to the job specifications
• planning and organising activities by producing a proof print prior to running a job
• teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others
• mathematical ideas and techniques by setting the belt speed and required energy
• problem-solving skills by continuously evaluating and adjusting print quality
• use of technology by using semi-automatic and computerised machines to produce screen prints

Required knowledge 

• the substrate, finished size, length of run and/order of colours
• colour sequence
• the correct placement of image on the sheet
• the significance of substrate guides/lays
• the procedure for setting up the frame position relative to the print image and base in preparation for printing
• the selection of the ink system
• the set parameters of belt speed and head units
• OHS concerns that are there when using a semi-automatic machine
• the type of squeegee/flood coater and squeegee angle used
• the production of a proof print and what needs to be checked on the proof
• continuous monitoring of print quality and drying/curing of ink
• the purpose of workplace documentation
• check that are made of printed sheets for drying/curing before stacking
• the procedure that you take for disposing of unused ink and solvent rags
• checks that are made to determine that prints are dried/cured
• frequency and type of maintenance that should be performed
• machine manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept
• 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 produce screen prints using semi-automatic machines according to job specifications
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• produce TWO different one- or two-colour print runs using a semi-automatic machine according to manufacturer's and job specifications, enterprise procedures and the listed Performance Criteria
• demonstrate use of computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate.

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:

• ICPSU202C Prepare, load and unload product on and off machine
• ICPSU208C Operate and monitor machines (basic)
• ICPSP351C Prepare machine and drying/curing unit
• any basic set up units.

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.

Drying /curing units  may include:

• manual drying racks, mechanical dryers or UV curing units.

Quality standards  may include:

• should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Enterprise procedures  may include:

• tasks must be performed according to enterprise procedures.

Types of machine  may include:

• semi-automatic and computerised machines relative to the industry sector.

Complexity  may include:

• one- or two-colour jobs.

Degree of autonomy  may include:

• working under supervision to previously defined procedures to ensure production requirements are met.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Screen Printing

Co-requisite units