Printers
Description
Printers set up and operate various small offset printing presses and digital printing processes.
Tasks
- positions form or plate on machine, checks alignments and sets press
- mixes and loads inks and solvents, loads paper and regulates during print run
- prints and examines proof copies and adjusts press as necessary
- starts or directs start of printing run and monitors machine to ensure that printing proceeds smoothly
- pours colour into machine or directly on to screen and positions screen over item
- operates squeegee by hand or machine to press colour through screen
- dips wooden pattern block into colour tray and lays different colours on top of, and adjacent to, others to form the required pattern
- produces, transfers and outputs digital print images
- maintains, adjusts, repairs and cleans machine
- keeps production records.
Educational Requirements
There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job. National Traineeships and apprenticeships in Machine Printing are available at NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3.
