Print Binding / Finishing Worker

Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Binder Operator; Bindery Operator; Bindery Technician; Bindery Worker; Book Binder; Custom Bookbinder; Perfect Binder Operator

Tasks

• Examine stitched, collated, bound, or unbound product samples for defects, such as imperfect bindings, ink spots, torn pages, loose pages, or loose or uncut threads.
• Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.
• Install or adjust bindery machine devices, such as knives, guides, rollers, rounding forms, creasing rams, or clamps, to accommodate sheets, signatures, or books of specified sizes.
• Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.
• Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.
• Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.
• Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.
• Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition.
• Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders.
• Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming.
• Prepare finished books for shipping by wrapping or packing books and stacking boxes on pallets.
• Set up or operate glue machines by filling glue reservoirs, turning switches to activate heating elements, or adjusting glue flow or conveyor speed.
• Train workers to set up, operate, and use automatic bindery machines.

Knowledge

• Administration and Management
• Production and Processing
• Mechanical
• Customer and Personal Service

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Monitoring
• Speaking

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Finger Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Visualization
• Speech Clarity
• Written Comprehension
• Inductive Reasoning
• Selective Attention
• Control Precision
• Trunk Strength
• Speech Recognition
• Information Ordering
• Multilimb Coordination