PRODPP412 – Set up and control digital flatbed die cutting machines

Overview

This standard covers the configuration, operation and control of digital flatbed die cutting machines.

It applies if you operate a digital flatbed die cutting digital machine, in a large format digital printing environment and you are responsible for the final cutting of the printed product.

Digital flatbed die cutting machines can be used on many substrates including paper, board and metal using different cutting tools to suit the substrate.

You will be required to operate the machine from the selection of job from the dialogue box to finished product.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

Make digital flatbed die cutting machine ready for production

1. prepare your work area and machinery so it is safe and ready for production in accordance with organisational procedures
2. check that all the details and materials for the job are available
3. select correct job from dialogue box and transfer correct file
4. select correct cutting tool for the substrate
5. select cutting height and width to suit image and substrate
6. set cutting speed to suit cutting tool and substrate
7. position substrate in the right place on machine bed
8. activate vacuum on bed and extraction unit in line with manufacturer's instructions
9. produce and inspect a sample against the company's quality standard
10. report any machine faults that is not your job to correct in accordance with organisational procedures

Control the operation of digital flatbed die cutting machines

11. run the digital die cutting machine at the required speed, in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with organisational procedures
12. maintain sufficient supplies of materials throughout the run
13. check at regular intervals that quality standards and job specifications are met, including the quality of the cut and finishing accuracy
14. resolve any machine problems that arise on the run that affect quality or productivity in line with manufacturer's instructions and organisational guidelines
15. record accurate production and quality assurance details in accordance with organisational requirements
16. follow the correct procedure for the removal of waste
17. stack work in a safe way, using the approved method

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand

1. your duties and responsibilities for health and safety as defined by any specific legislation covering your job role
2. hazards and risks in the workplace, their assessment and the action to take to deal with them
3. manufacturers' and suppliers' health and safety instructions/advice
4. how to stop a machine in the event of an emergency
5. the law as it affects printing: defamation, copyright and ownership of images, obscenity, incitement, forgery, data protection
6. ethical and employment issues relevant to printing: confidentiality
7. how to manage print with time-sensitive or restricted release dates
8. how to manage high value products or print with a high risk of theft
9. how to communicate with colleagues and suppliers
10. workplace objectives, priorities, standards and procedures
11. the range of work carried out in the workplace
12. the working practices existing in the workplace
13. the different types of resource, including labour, materials, machinery
14. the relationship between resource usage and profitability
15. how to maximise productivity
16. how to transmit digital files
17. file management procedures
18. the operation of digital flatbed cutting machines
19. the uses of digital flatbed die cutting machines
20. the different cutting tools to suit different substrates including paper, board and metal
21. the effect of different cutting heights, widths and speeds
22. appropriate positioning for substrates
23. the causes and treatment of common faults: raw material faults, processing faults, machine faults
24. administrative procedures: scheduling, recording and reporting
25. product labelling
26. the legal requirements for the classification, storage, carriage and disposal of waste
27. any specific environmental legislation that covers processes in your company
28. the control of pollution
29. the main features of quality assurance and quality control systems
30. techniques for controlling quality
31. the kinds of problems that may need to be solved
32. sources of information
33. techniques for assessing machine faults
34. the range and characteristics of paper, board and other commonly used substrates
35. the range and characteristics of inks, toners and coatings
36. maintaining the quality of materials during storage and handling

Scope/range

Overall cut quality is usually maintained by ensuring all consumables are replenished when required, using only the authorised materials for the machine, and routine cleaning and maintenance operations are performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The machine can be set to perform multi cuts on a number of substrates including:

• Paper
• Vinyl
• Aluminium
• Plastic
• Corrugate
• Steel paper
• Magnetic rubber
• MDF (medium density fibreboard)

Using the appropriate cutting tools including:

• Blade
• Router
• Oscillating knife

Keywords: digital, print, pre-press, pre press, flatbed, die, cutting, machines