Elements and Performance Criteria

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
Range of inks commonly used in 4 or more colour printing, including standard and special colours

Colour matching systems
Use of viscosity controls, densitometers and spectrophotometry

Machines
Range of stack, in-line and central impression flexographic printing machines with manual, semi-automated, fully automated or computerised process control

Design
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

In-line processes
Minor processes that are integral to this competency can include basic in-line operations such as perforating, numbering, date coding, slitting that do not in themselves constitute another defined unit of competency. Where a major in-line process is defined as a separate competency (eg flat-bed cutting, folding) it should be assessed as such

Substrate types
Range of substrates within the major categories of paper, pressure sensitive material, board, corrugated board, plastics and related films, or metal

Substrate handling
Wide and narrow reel delivery systems

Degree of autonomy
Working independently in consultation with others

Non-routine
Non-routine within this context relates to the set up and production of print runs. The set up of equipment and production involves a significant amount of deviation from using standard equipment settings. It also involves significant problem solving and the development of new criteria and procedures for performing current practices. It does not refer to a job that an individual does only occasionally

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency

Evidence of the following is essential:

Operate a reel-fed flexographic press ensuring an efficient 3 or more colour production flow that maintains product quality standards. Any production problems are anticipated and rectified with minimum downtime. The machine is correctly shut down and cleaned according to OHS guidelines
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
Monitor production output and make necessary adjustments to maintain print quality on a flexographic machine whilst producing a complex print on TWO occasions (if possible using different substrates and if possible including at least TWO in-line processes) according to 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.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPPR411B Mount and demount flexographic plates for complex printing
ICPPR413B Set up for complex flexographic printing