An offset press operator must configure and operate an offset press, ensuring proper functioning, adjusting settings, and monitoring quality. They use customer work orders to determine print quantity, paper type, and color separation, and must manually install plates, adjust printing pressure, and load paper. They are responsible for supervising assistants, unloading and packaging printed material, and maintaining equipment.
An offset press operator has the general duty of operating an offset press. Within that capacity, there are many detailed tasks required to complete the job. Someone in this position must be familiar with the offset printing process as well as the products produced by an offset press. The printer operator must configure the printer to run specific press runs, with unique measurements and color requirements, and must monitor the equipment for proper functioning and then adjust accordingly. The finished product must be carefully inspected several times during the process to ensure quality consistency.
The offset printing process is the process by which many printed materials – including books, brochures, business cards, posters and a host of other types of printed products – are produced. An offset press operator must make sure that the machine, or offset press, is ready for operation. To accomplish this task, the offset press operator uses a customer work order to determine the print quantity, paper type, color separation, and any special printing instructions that may be included.
Once this information is determined, the data is entered into a computerized interface on the machine. A large part of the process is much less automated. Printing plates should be measured for the proper thickness and generally constructed to the proper print height. Plates must be installed and locked into position by hand. Adjustments are made with hand tools to obtain the proper printing pressure between the equipment and the material. The offset press operator must usually load rolls of paper and apply packing sheets to create the proper web thickness.
It is necessary to measure the uniform thickness of the paper and make adjustments between the printer’s blanket and the printing cylinders. The fountains containing ink and dampening solution must be filled and the controls regulating the flow of these liquids must be adjusted to ensure proper flow to the plate cylinder. When this is done, the printer operator starts the printer and examines the first few copies produced for the proper ink density, color and position on the paper before making any necessary adjustments. Output is constantly checked to ensure proper position and print quality.
When a job is completed, the offset press operator can unload or supervise the unloading, cutting, folding or post-printing process, as well as the packaging of the printed material from the press. In addition, the offset press operator is responsible for removing and cleaning plates and cylinders from the equipment between runs. An offset press operator may have an assistant, depending on the specific employer. If an assistant is present, the offset press operator is responsible for supervising the assistants and for appropriately delegating tasks. The printer operator may also be responsible for equipment maintenance and minor repairs.
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