Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:57 AM AWST

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Set up for specialised flexographic printing

Set up for specialised flexographic printing

Unit of competency
National Code
ICPPR513C
State Code
D3208
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
05/07/2010
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
23/11/2010
Field of Education
030103 - Printing
Original Release Date
23/11/2010
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to set up machines for specialised flexographic printing that requires a certain amount of problem solving and experimentation with the substrate and press settings.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Confirm non-routine job specifications
  • 1.1. Job requirements are read and interpreted from job documentation or production control system
  • 1.2. Set up is planned and carried out correctly in minimum time and with minimum wastage
  • 1.3. Availability of all job related components is checked
  • 1.4. Proofed job is checked for conformance with job specifications
2. Select and prepare inks and solvents for non-routine job
  • 2.1. Inks and solvents are selected according to job specifications and end-user requirements
  • 2.2. Quality and suitability of inks and solvents are checked and appropriate action is taken
  • 2.3. Inks and solvents are prepared according to OHS requirements, and manufacturer's/supplier's instructions with suitable precautions to minimise waste
  • 2.4. Correct colour and weight/volume of ink are mixed and viscosities checked and modified according to the press requirements and non-routine job specifications
  • 2.5. Ink formula and approved colour draw downs are appropriately recorded
  • 2.6. Inks and solvents are appropriately labelled, handled and stored according to manufacturer's/supplier's instructions and the relevant hazardous liquids storage regulations
3. Set up machine for specialised flexographic printing
  • 3.1. Flexographic plate cylinders are installed and register adjustments centred OR
  • 3.2. Sleeves are installed in press and register adjustments made OR
  • 3.3. Plate mounting sheets are mounted on cylinders in press and register adjustments made
  • 3.4. Plate cylinders are gauged up or pre-set to impression
  • 3.5. Anilox rollers are selected to suit individual colour and plate reproduction requirements for each unit
  • 3.6. Appropriate ink metering system is selected for each unit
  • 3.7. Inking system is set up and roller nips/blades are set correctly
  • 3.8. Ink circulation is maintained at correct level
  • 3.9. Viscosities are adjusted according to job specifications
  • 3.10. Air volume and drier temperatures are selected to suit inks, substrate, solvents and according to job specifications
  • 3.11. Air volume is adjusted between colours to maximise drying and minimise air overspill
4. Conduct proof run
  • 4.1. Material to be used for proof is organised correctly
  • 4.2. Press is set up and operated according to OHS guidelines
  • 4.3. Print impressions are set to minimum kiss impression
  • 4.4. Web tensions are correctly set at unwind, between stations and rewind
  • 4.5. The print is checked for register
  • 4.6. Drying is checked as sufficient to key ink to the substrate
  • 4.7. The viscosities are adjusted to obtain the correct colour at proof speed
  • 4.8. The viscosities are adjusted to obtain the correct colour at proof speed
5. Organise proof inspection and/or testing
  • 5.1. Proof is visually inspected and/or tested or laboratory testing is organised according to enterprise procedures
  • 5.2. Production does not commence without client approval or authority where appropriate
6. Troubleshoot machinery and material problems
  • 6.1. Corrective or preventive action is recommended and implemented where appropriate
  • 6.2. Changes are communicated to relevant personnel in a logical and easily understood manner
  • 6.3. Changes are monitored to confirm improvement to production efficiency
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.
Inks/coatings may include:
range of inks commonly used in 4 or more colour printing, including standard and special colours.
Substrate types may include:
range of substrates within the major categories of paper, pressure sensitive material, board, corrugated board, plastics and related films, or metal.
Colour matching systems may include:
use of viscosity controls, densitometers and spectrophotometry.
Machines may include:
range of stack, in-line and central impression flexographic printing machines with manual, semi-automated, fully automated or computerised process control.
Design may include:
4 or more colours, complex graphics and text. Critical "tight" registration, fit and position, registration should be at least that required for four-colour process work.
Substrate handling may include:
wide and narrow reel delivery systems.
Specialised may include:
specialised within this context relates to the set up and production of print runs that involve new products, or a new mix of substrates and inks that requires a certain amount of problem solving and experimentation with the substrate and press settings. The set up of equipment and production involves the development of new set up and production approaches based on solving technical problems arising from new product or equipment combinations.
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:
set up flexographic printing machines for specialised print jobs that require a certain amount of problem solving and experimentation with the substrate and press settings. The individual will conduct a proof run and adjust settings to ensure production speeds are attained
demonstrate use of computerised control, monitoring and data entry systems if available and appropriate
demonstrate an ability to find and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources
set up a flexographic printing machine for a specialised job on TWO occasions (if possible using different substrates and if possible including at least TWO in-line processes) according to the manufacturer's and job specifications, enterprise procedures and the 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 these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a closely simulated workplace environment
flexographic press.

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:
ICPPR413C Set up for complex flexographic printing
ICPPR314C Produce complex flexographic printed product.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D0459 ICPPR513B Set up for specialised flexographic printing Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUP19 ICPPRN513 Set up for specialised flexographic printing Unit of competency