Printing Machine Operators

Individuals who prepare, operate and maintain the printing presses in a pressroom. Duties of printing machine operators vary according to the type of press they operate which may include offset lithography, gravure, flexography, screen printing, letterpress and digital presses. Offset lithography, which transfers an inked impression from a rubber-covered cylinder to paper or other material, is the dominant printing process. To prepare presses for printing, machine operators install and adjust the printing plate, adjust pressure, ink the presses, load paper and adjust the press to the paper size. They ensure that paper and ink meet specifications, adjust margins and the flow of ink to the inking rollers accordingly and then feed paper through the press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls. While printing presses are running, press operators monitor their operation, keep the paper feeders well stocked, clear paper jams and make adjustments to correct uneven ink distribution, speed, and temperatures in the drying chamber, if the press has one. In most shops, press operators also perform preventive maintenance. They oil and clean the presses and make minor repairs.