Practical Certification Assessment:

Digital Workflow Execution

This assessment requires the student to simulate the full production process for two small jobs, demonstrating mastery of the RIP software (InkRIP) and Workflow sections of the course. Students will submit screenshots and a final written plan.

Project Scenario: “The Local Cafe Signage”

A local cafe needs two simple, rectangular, high-quality prints using the same media.

Assumed Printer Parameters

1. Printer Width: 1.3 metres (maximum printable area).
2. Media: Standard Vinyl (1.3 m wide roll is loaded).
3. InkRIP Setup: Assume the student is using a RIP environment that includes Nesting tools.

Part 1: Pre-Press and Setup (10 Points)

The student must perform and document the essential pre-flight checks and material setup.

File Check & Scaling: (2 Points)

1. Action: Verify that the raster file for the Menu Board (Job A) is at least 150 DPI at its final size and confirm both files are in the CMYK color mode.
2. Deliverable: A single screenshot from the design software showing the image size/resolution window for the Menu Board, confirming the DPI.

ICC Profile Selection: (2 Points)

1. Action: In InkRIP, select the appropriate ICC Profile for the material.
2. Deliverable: A screenshot of the InkRIP media panel showing the profile “Relevant to Machine“ selected.

Media Loading & Verification: (2 Points)

1. Action: Simulate the loading process and verification.
2. Deliverable: A written note (1-2 sentences) describing the most critical physical check an operator would perform after loading the 1.3 metre vinyl roll to prevent media waste (e.g., checking for skew).

Nozzle Check Simulation: (4 Points)

1. Action: Simulate the result of a machine readiness check.
2. Deliverable: A brief written analysis of the result below, stating whether the operator should proceed or run a cleaning cycle, and why.

Part 2: RIP Processing and Execution (15 Points)

The student must demonstrate efficient material usage and correct job processing.

Nesting and Layout: (5 Points)

1. Action: Import both Job A (80 x 100 cm) and Job B (30 cm x 45 cm) into InkRIP and use the Nesting Tool to arrange them side-by-side to minimize media length used.
2. Deliverable: A screenshot of the InkRIP layout window showing both jobs arranged on the 1.3 metre roll width, clearly demonstrating the most material-efficient layout.

Tiling Check (Verification): (3 Points)

1. Action: Review Job A’s dimensions (width) against the printer’s capacity (1.3 m wide).
2. Deliverable: A written answer stating whether Tiling is required for Job A and providing the maximum media length (in metres) that the combined, nested jobs will consume.

RIP and Status: (4 Points)

1. Action: Simulate initiating the RIP Process and the final file output.
2. Deliverable: A screenshot of the InkRIP job queue showing both jobs with the final status “Ready to Print” (or equivalent status).

PrintEXP Execution Sequence: (3 Points)

1. Action: Detail the final execution step.
2. Deliverable: A written sequence of the three final steps taken using PrintEXP (the control software) to physically start the job, beginning after the file has been processed by InkRIP.

Part 3: Finishing and Documentation (2 Points)

The student will provide a final finishing plan and cost breakdown.

Finishing Plan (Trimming and Application): (2 Points)

1. Action: Create a brief plan for the final stages of the job.
2. Deliverable: A written description detailing the correct order of the two final post-press steps after printing (excluding lamination and contour cut) for the combined print run.

Submission Instructions:

Complete any write-ups, screenshots or videos then submit via email to the instructor at info@ambitious.co.za or use the Academy portal.

Keep up the practical skills!