A printing press operator is responsible for all aspects of the press, including setup, operation, and maintenance. The exact scope of responsibilities varies depending on the company and its size. Printing press operators frequently work for book, magazine, or newspaper publishers. They can also work in smaller printing shops in-house.
Printing press operators are often in charge of machinery that transfers an image to paper using cylinders or plates. Installing and adjusting printing plates, controlling ink pressure, and loading and adjusting the paper used for printing are all skills that printing press operators should have. Cleaning ink fountains, plates, and cylinders are among the other responsibilities. The type of equipment used and how much of it is controlled manually or by computer can affect specific responsibilities.
Because the work is often deadline-driven, it can be stressful. The press operator’s job is to ensure that the equipment is running smoothly and correctly in order to meet deadlines. Equipment failures or manufacturing errors can be extremely costly in terms of lost time and materials.
Good printing press operators have a natural mechanical ability that allows them to adjust and repair the press quickly. To quickly determine the amount of paper and ink required to complete a job, a strong grasp of basic mathematical skills is also required. Finally, printing press operators must be able to communicate effectively in order to communicate problems with the press.
An apprenticeship program used to be the only way to become a printing press operator. This is becoming less common, owing in part to the job’s technological demands. To learn their trade, many press operators now enroll in a vocational school or college. When applying for a job as a printing press operator, a two-year degree is preferred.
Being a printing press operator also necessitates a thorough understanding and awareness of safety. Press operators may be required to wear protective eye goggles and safety shoes depending on their working conditions. The job is now much safer than it used to be thanks to new technology. Many adjustments can now be completed using a computer rather than by hand.
Computers are increasingly being used in commercial printing today. In other words, computers can now control aspects of a press that used to be controlled manually by a press operator. Parts of the job may eventually be done primarily by a computer, similar to how production work is done in the automotive industry. As a result, printing press operators must keep up with new trends and technological advancements in their industry.