Printing Press Operator

Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Digital Press Operator; Flexographic Press Operator; Offset Press Operator; Offset Pressman; Press Operator; Pressman; Printer; Printing Press Operator; Printing Pressman; Web Press Operator

Tasks

• Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
• Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
• Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
• Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
• Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
• Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
• Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
• Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
• Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
• Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
• Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
• Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
• Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
• Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
• Maintain time or production records.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Production and Processing

Skills

• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Control Precision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Visualization
• Selective Attention
• Finger Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Static Strength
• Far Vision
• Visual Color Discrimination