Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to set up options, and then set up either wide or narrow reel or sheet-fed lithographic printing machines for non-routine print jobs. It includes the ability to conduct a proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained in minimum time with minimum wastage.

It applies to individuals working as print machinists in the printing and graphic arts industry. They prepare material, set up, monitor and operate equipment and machinery, apply solutions to a defined range of problems associated with the print medium, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may also provide leadership and guidance to others with some limited responsibility for the output of others.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Unit Sector

Printing

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Range of Conditions

This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Unit Mapping Information

Supersedes and is equivalent to ICPPRN431 Set up for complex lithographic printing.

Links

Companion Volume Implementation Guide is found on VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=a74b7a0f-a253-47e3-8be0-5d426e24131d

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

• set up a lithographic printing machine for a complex job on two occasions according to job and manufacturer specifications and enterprise procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

• enterprise procedures, manufacturer specifications, and work health and safety (WHS) requirements for:

• setting up and operating reel and sheet transportation and delivery systems
• setting up, operating and slitting on the machine
• webbing up the machine
• preparation and handling of inks and additives

• enterprise escalation procedures and required personnel, including those with responsibility for final job approval
• safety features on the machine and their purposes
• components of a web-fed system, their functions, issues and adjustment procedures, including:

• plates, blankets and cylinders
• rollers
• the folder
• the rewind unit
• silicone applicators

• inks and additives required for the job, their applications, key features, storage and labelling procedures, and common issues
• ink suitability and quality requirements, and adjustment procedures
• common issues and adjustment procedures for:

• incorrect brake tension
• using a blunt knife when sheeting
• excess vacuum on the slow-down wheels
• excessive use of anti-set off spray powder
• excessive pressure on machine components

• the purpose or function of:

• the web viewing device
• spectrophotometers in assessing ink colour
• punching a printed product
• densitometers and polarisation filters

• procedures for:

• determining reel and bustle wheel position
• adjusting print length on the required type of press
• determining ink duct and ink duct sweep settings

• causes of incorrect sheet delivery and set off in printed sheets, and correction methods
• key considerations in deciding colour sequence and effects of changes in sequence
• heat-set machines, their processes, and issues that may arise
• front lays, their function and selection for jobs
• required adjustments for changes in stock weights
• special end-use requirements
• waste management procedures
• fountain solutions, their required conductivity, and check and adjustment procedures
• in-line units, their set-up procedures and operations
• factors to consider when setting hole punching in relation to repeat length
• problems that may cause the machine to keep stopping
• checks performed when running the machine and engaging the impression
• communication protocols for machine operation to other team members
• proof testing, inspection procedures, and available aids and required conditions
• adjustments that may cause mis-register
• adjustments required to position the image laterally, circumferentially and diagonally
• mechanical and optical dot gain and correction methods
• cleaning procedures for machine components and materials used
• manufacturer manuals, enterprise procedures and work health and safety documentation, including their location and purpose.

Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the printing field of work and include access to:

• special purpose tools, equipment and materials
• lithographic printing machine with in-line units.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volume Implementation Guide is found on VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=a74b7a0f-a253-47e3-8be0-5d426e24131d