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.