Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake electronic processes and procedures used to make gravure cylinders.

Application of the unit 

This unit requires the individual to prepare and electronically engrave a blank cylinder to be used for gravure 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 cylinder

1.1. The job specifications are interpreted to select an appropriate cylinder and/or core

1.2. The base cylinder is selected according to the job specifications

2. Pre-plan for engraving

2.1. Opels are analysed against the job specifications and the technical requirements of the equipment

2.2. Opels are masked manually for any uneven start positioning

3. Engrave cylinder electronically

3.1. A clean work environment is maintained to ensure quality of output 

3.2. Equipment is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications

3.3. The cylinder is engraved according to job specifications and enterprise procedures

4. Adjust finished cylinder

4.1. Add and delete to finished cylinder

4.2. Required changes are pre-planned

4.3. Additions and deletions are made to cylinder according to job 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 interpreting the job brief
• collecting, analysing and organising information by matching the job brief with production requirements
• planning and organising activities by planning the sequence of operations to facilitate processing
• teamwork when maintaining the production process in association with others
• mathematical ideas and techniques by calculating screen angles and rulings
• problem-solving skills by recognising cylinder faults and correcting
• use of technology by using equipment and software correctly to ensure ease of subsequent processing

Required knowledge 

• OHS concerns that are there when engraving cylinders
• production parameters that should exist on the job ticket
• calculate a change in screen angle
• screen line ratio for fine rulings
• specific features of the laser engraving process
• cutting stylus affect the print quality
• characteristics of the diamond stylus used for colour work
• techniques of deleting errors on the finished cylinder
• manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant to this task and where are they kept and information that is included in these documents
• other sources of information that are available

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:

• the cylinder is correctly etched to ensure quality reproduction and meets print requirements
• the underlying skills of cylinder making should be transferable across the pre-press sector. It is important that the substrate for reproduction is identified and that the quality of the cylinder be suitable for the identified printing processes
• demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
• prepare, set up and use an electronic engraving system to produce BOTH stylus and laser gravure cylinders.

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. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment
• it is expected that special purpose tools, equipment and industry software packages will be used where appropriate.

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.

Output  may include:

• laser and programmable stylus machine.

Input  may include:

• a variety of line and tone originals, either as scan ready or digital data.

Capture  may include:

• proprietary or desktop system, or scanning technology.

Manipulation /edit  may include:

• use of specific or desktop software.

Quality standards  may include:

• should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Pre-press

Co-requisite units