Set up and control auto-fed sewing machinery

URN: PROPF342
Business Sectors (Suites): Post Press
Developed by: Improve
Approved on: 26 Feb 2021

Overview

This standard is for print finishers using auto-fed sewing machinery. They will be expected to set up the equipment and control it whilst running production jobs.

This standard consists of two elements:

  • Set up auto-fed sewing machinery
  • Run auto-fed sewing machinery and monitor quality

This is what the standard covers:

  1. identifying the job requirements
  2. checking that the auto-fed sewing machinery is working properly
  3. checking that safety devices are working properly
  4. running the auto-fed sewing machinery safely
  5. adjusting settings, where necessary to maintain the required standard
  6. checking that work meets the required standard
  7. identifying faults and taking action to deal with them
  8. unloading and stacking the finished product

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

Set up auto-fed sewing machinery

  1. check that you have all the job details you need
  2. check that you have enough materials of the right type to meet job requirements
  3. report when the materials provided are not correct or sufficient in accordance with organisational procedures
  4. set up the sewing machine in accordance with organisational requirements:
    the feeder correctly locates the centre of each section
    sections are fed squarely and without damage into the sewing machine
    endpapers are glued squarely and securely onto sections
    sewing positions are spaced across spines within the finished trim size
    sewing holds sections securely without damage or distortion
    sewn book blocks are delivered without damage
  5. check that samples produced by the machine match required standards
  6. make any necessary adjustments, to enable standards to be met
  7. report when standards cannot be met in accordance with organisational procedures
  8. prepare your work area so that it is safe and ready for production
    **
    Run auto-fed sewing machinery and monitor quality

**
9. run auto-fed sewing machinery so that it is safe and efficient and at the required speed in accordance with organisational procedures
10. keep up sufficient supplies of materials so that runs continue as long as necessary to meet job requirements
11. check at regular intervals that your company's quality standards are met
12. identify the causes of faults in production, which result in:
missed or loose stitches
sections not square at head
glue marks on sections
rub marking on section
13. adjust machines, using approved methods and equipment, to correct faults which it is your job to remedy

  1. use agreed procedures to report faults which it is not your job to correct

  2. check that machinery is safe to operate, once faults have been corrected, in accordance with organisational procedures

  3. record the production and quality assurance details, ensuring information meets organisational procedures
  4. follow the organisational procedures for the removal of waste
  5. stack work 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. regulations such as those covering manual handling, noise at work, personal protective equipment, safe handling of equipment and materials, and the safe use of computer equipment
  3. workplace policies and written operating procedures relating to written health and safety policy statement, provision, use and processes of workplace equipment, training, prohibited equipment, young persons, safe systems of work
  4. the way you actually do your job, more particularly the activities and techniques and the way that materials and equipment are used
  5. typical hazards and risks in the printing industry and those that relate to your own job
  6. risk assessment techniques and the action to take to deal with them
  7. codes of practice relevant to your role and where to obtain information on them
  8. manufacturers' and suppliers' health and safety instructions and advice for operating machinery, guarding machinery and data sheets for substances harmful to health
  9. the requirements for personal presentation including personal hygiene, suitable clothing and accessories, fitness for work, such as not under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication, smoking policies in the workplace
  10. how to stop a machine in the event of an emergency
  11. the purpose of auto fed sewing
  12. the information and materials required to meet job specification
  13. safety devices found on auto fed sewing machinery, their purpose and how to check they are functional
  14. how to set up auto fed sewing machinery to meet job requirements
  15. the causes of common faults and how to rectify them including missed or loose stitches, sections not square at head, glue marks on sections, rub marking on sections
  16. the causes of faults with raw materials, processes and machinery used in your business and how to identify and treat them
  17. techniques for controlling quality including inspection, testing, sampling and use of input and output controls
  18. the impact that faults, in the process you are involved with, have on later processes and the quality of the end product
  19. types of problems that may need to be solved including machinery - electrical, mechanical, electronic, settings, component wear and tear, consumables needing replacement, materials - defects, shortages, incompatibility, systems, organisation and lack of skills or knowledge
  20. sources of information for solving problems including manufacturer's documentation / troubleshooting guides, colleagues, tutors / trainers / mentors and reference material – in house or external, such as the internet
  21. techniques for assessing machine faults including observation, listening, inspection of product, reports from colleagues / log reports, touch or smell (if safe to do so) and testing, such as electrical, mechanical, electronic
  22. the types of paper, board and other commonly used substrates including commonly used uncoated, coated, embossed papers and boards
  23. the grammage, thickness, opacity, brightness/whiteness, strength, dimensional stability, gloss of paper, board and other commonly used substrates
  24. how to maintain the quality of materials and protect them from damage, humidity and temperature during storage and handling
  25. how to label and identify materials

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

NSAFD

Original URN

PROPF342

Relevant Occupations

Printers, Printing Machine Minders and Assistants, Printing Trades

SOC Code

5421

Keywords

post press, print finishing, machinery, auto-fed, sewing