Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:25 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.

Make photopolymer plates (flexographic)

Make photopolymer plates (flexographic)

Unit of competency
National Code
ICPPP268C
State Code
D3118
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
05/07/2010
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/09/2014
Field of Education
030103 - Printing
Original Release Date
09/09/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make flexographic plates from film inputs.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select the plate
  • 1.1. Job specifications are interpreted to ensure appropriate plate selection
  • 1.2. The correct plate is selected according to the printing requirements and job specifications
2. Pre-plan the process
  • 2.1. Film negatives are checked for conformance with job specifications
  • 2.2. Extra exposure masking is planned by examining the film
  • 2.3. Appropriate exposure masks are cut
  • 2.4. The appropriate amount of plate material is calculated to ensure economical use
3. Expose the plate
  • 3.1. Exposure is determined by using step wedges and depth gauge to establish the correct front and back exposure time
  • 3.2. The plate is exposed according to job specifications
  • 3.3. The exposure unit and vacuum frame are maintained according to manufacturer's specifications
4. Develop the plate
  • 4.1. The chemistry balance is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications
  • 4.2. The washout unit is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications
  • 4.3. The plate is washed out to pre-determined depth that has been pre-set by front and back exposures
5. Finish the plate
  • 5.1. The plate is dried in a drying oven at a temperature and time according to manufacturer's specifications
  • 5.2. The back of the plate is cleaned
  • 5.3. The plate is post-exposed according to manufacturer's specifications
  • 5.4. The plate is light finished according to manufacturer's specifications
  • 5.5. OHS procedures are observed to ensure a safe working environment when making plates
6. Establish and maintain a chemical register
  • 6.1. A chemical register is established to identify and describe the purpose of each chemical and to ensure finished plates meet set specifications
  • 6.2. All chemicals used in the workplace are identified and registered correctly according to safe working practices
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.
Types of plates may include:
flexographic plates: includes plates using water washout.
Quality standards may include:
should meet client requirements and enterprise and industry standards.
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 plate has been correctly finished to meet the job brief and according to manufacturer's specifications
the underlying skills of plate making should be transferable across the design and pre-press sectors. It is important that the substrate for reproduction is identified and that the quality of the plate 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
produce TWO flexographic plates, with different characteristics, according to the listed Performance Criteria.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that conditions are typical ambient conditions found in the workplace
access to relevant facilities, equipment and materials
special purpose tools and equipment are 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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D0383 ICPPP268B Make photopolymer plates (flexographic) Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUO09 ICPPRP268 Make photopolymer plates (flexographic) Unit of competency