Apply knowledge and requirements of paper and printing processes

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:20 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
ICPKNW316

State Code
AUP17

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
26/03/2015

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

16/09/2015

Field of Education

030103 - Printing

Original Release Date

16/09/2015

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work or deal with the paper merchants in the printing industry.It applies to individuals who are working in or dealing with the paper merchants and who can work as part of a team.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Apply knowledge of printing industry

1.1 Printing industry terminology and vocabulary are used correctly
1.2 New technology and new work processes are monitored and implemented when required
1.3 Trends within printing industry are monitored, on an ongoing basis, to inform personal work practices

2. Apply knowledge of government Acts and regulations

2.1 Basic principles and obligations involved in copyright, work health and safety (WHS), environmental protection, access and equity, and industrial awards are applied

3. Apply knowledge of pre-press processes

3.1 Basic principles behind pre-press functions such as image production (typesetting, scanning, graphic arts camera), image combining (manual and electronic), image output (film, plates, direct to press) and digital workflow are used in production process where applicable
3.2 Appropriate use of different types of images (line, half-tone) are investigated
3.3 Different output settings (screen rulings, angles, shapes) and how they affect final product are understood
3.4 Different types of output required for different printing processes are applied
3.5 Different output devices (film setters, plate setters, analogue proofs, digital proofs) are determined

4. Apply knowledge of printing processes

4.1 Basic principles of printing processes (lithography, relief, flexography, gravure, pad printing, screen printing, digital and electronic printing) are used to inform production processes
4.2 Types of jobs and products for which each process is appropriate are used to inform production decisions
4.3 Capabilities and limitations of each process are used to inform production decisions

5. Apply knowledge of converting and finishing processes

5.1 Basic characteristics of converting and finishing processes (guillotining, flat-bed and rotary cutting, collating, folding, adhesive, mechanical and thermal fastening) are used to inform production processes
5.2 Types of jobs and products for which each process is appropriate are used to inform production processes

6. Apply detailed knowledge of paper and printing processes

6.1 Relationship of different paper sizes is identified and used to inform production processes
6.2 Different weights, callipers, bulk, density and opacity of paper and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations and end uses are identified and used to inform production processes
6.3 Paper grain and how it affects pre-press, printing and finishing operations are determined and used to inform production processes
6.4 Moisture content, porosity and ink absorbency and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations are identified and used to inform production processes
6.5 Gloss, smoothness and surface strength and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations are identified and used to inform production processes
6.6 Permanence, durability, and acidity and alkalinity of paper and how they affect pre-press, printing and finishing operations and end uses are investigated and used to inform production processes
6.7 Bursting strength, folding endurance, tensile strength and tearing resistance and how they affect printing and finishing operations and end uses are investigated and used to inform production processes

7. Apply detailed knowledge of paper grades and colours

7.1 Paper types and grades and end uses for each type and grade are determined and used to inform production processes
7.2 Differences between wood pulp, rag and recycled papers and appropriate end uses are identified and used to inform production processes
7.3 Colour matching processes are identified and used to inform production processes
7.4 Effect of different paper colours on printing operations is investigated and used to inform production processes

8. Apply detailed knowledge of paper handling and storage procedures

8.1 Ideal storage conditions for different types and grades of paper are investigated and used to inform production procedures
8.2 Advantages and disadvantages of different packing and delivery systems are identified and used to inform production procedures

9. Apply basic knowledge of costs of production

9.1 Main cost elements (fixed, capital, variable) in production are identified and applied in workplace
9.2 Information required to accurately cost jobs and means of collecting it (manual and computerised) are identified and applied in workplace
9.3 Ways of minimising use of materials without affecting quality of output are investigated and applied in workplace
9.4 Ways of maximising efficiency of capital and human resources are investigated and applied in workplace

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D3091	ICPKN316C	Apply knowledge and requirements of paper and printing processes	Unit of competency

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AWG43	ICPKNW322	Develop knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AWC6	ICP50115	Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts	Qualification
AWA7	ICP40115	Certificate IV in Printing and Graphic Arts	Qualification