An offset press operator reproduces paper-based products for commercial customers using large offset presses. Training and technical knowledge are necessary, as well as the ability to mix inks and work in a changing environment. Patience is also required for the prepress stage, which can take hours to get right. Technical knowledge is necessary for identifying and fixing problems, and accurately measuring pressure between rollers and plates. Each job is uniquely configured, requiring the operator to be adaptable.
An offset press operator works with large offset presses to reproduce a variety of paper-based products for commercial customers such as businesses and newspapers. Most commercial printers use offset printing, but to become an offset press operator, you must have training – not specifically a college degree – and qualities unique to that form of printing. Patience, technical knowledge and the ability to mix inks and work in a changing environment are just a few of the skills needed to become an offset press operator.
Unlike digital presses, where the operator usually clicks a button on the computer, working on an offset press is very different and much more intense. A prepress procedure consisting of setting up plates and mixing inks can take hours to get right. This means that some kind of training is usually required before you can become an offset press operator. Some colleges and technical schools offer degrees in offset printing machines, but learning at an offset printing company is just as good in this market.
Most of the skills needed to work with an offset press are needed in the prepress stage of printing. Being able to mix inks, which requires attention to math and color skills to ensure the correct amount of each color is used, is extremely important for anyone aspiring to become an offset press operator. If there is too much or too little ink, the print will be dull or oversaturated. If the colors are not mixed correctly, the print will not come out as the customer specified.
Technical knowledge is necessary in this work for two main reasons. The large and varied parts mean that offset presses are considerably difficult to repair. Being able to identify and fix a problem will save the company money as less people on repairs will need to be called. The second reason comes into play during the prepress phase. The pressure between the rollers and the plates must be accurately measured or the machine will not print correctly; it can even break if the pressure is too strong on the rollers.
Offset press operators often spend hours and go through hundreds of sheets before the prepress step is complete. This process requires a lot of patience on the operator’s side. Each job is uniquely configured, so the operator must be able to change for each job. Without these qualities, it will be difficult to become an offset press operator.
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