Printer - Career Advice - Manufacturing and Production

Manufacturing & Production

Digital Printer
Printer Machinist
Printing Assistant & Table Worker
Small Offset Printer

Future Growth Static Printers set up and operate letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, newspaper, instant, digital and offset printing presses.

ANZSCO ID: 3923

Alternative names: Printing Press Operator, Printer Operator,

Specialisations:

Large volume printers of books, magazines, newspapers, catalogues, etc.
Stationary, label, flyers, business cards, etc. printers
Packaging printers and assemblers
Printers that specialise in printing on non-paper materials, such as metal, plastic, fabric, and wood.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

good communication skills
an interest in the application of scientific rules and methods

Printer at work
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

setting, adjusting and monitoring substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
mixing ink and solvents to standard, and regulating paper and ink supply during print runs
monitoring, evaluating and determining press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
producing a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems
preparing plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses
loading paper into feeding mechanisms
monitoring machine operations and quality of printing
undertaking maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines
producing and managing digital print images, and transferring and outputting images
may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines.

Large print
(Source: Holmesglen)

Working conditions

Always work indoors.
Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as odorous inks.
Are exposed daily to sounds that are unpleasant or distracting.
May wear safety gear such as glasses or earplugs.
Are regularly exposed to hazardous conditions and equipment, such as printing machinery.
May occasionally work in cramped spaced and get into awkward positions.
Often work physically close to others, such as when sharing work spaces.
Have a medium level of contact with others. They work alone sometimes, but also talk to other printing workers as well as clients.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
Usually communicate with others in face-to-face discussions. They may write to others, using e-mail, letters, and memos. Occasionally they talk to others over the telephone.
Work as part of a team or in a group.
Must be highly accurate in their work. Errors could lose customers or cost the company money.
Repeat the same physical activities throughout the day.
Must keep pace with the machines they are operating.
Regularly make decisions that greatly impact customers and their employer's reputation. They often act independently, but may also seek feedback from others before deciding a course of action.
Set some of their daily tasks and goals without speaking to a supervisor first.
Work in a moderately competitive environment and meet strict daily deadlines.
Usually work 40 hours a week. May work overtime to meet job deadlines.
Typically work a set schedule each week.
May work evening and night shifts.

Examining printing
(Source: Print Recruitment UK)

Tools and technologies

Digital Printer
Using a digital printer is faster, less expensive, and produces better results. There are no plates to swap out. A digital printer can run much more independently than other printing styles. Digital printing has made capabilities like print-on-demand practical. It’s also enabled the use of different designs across the same print job.

Large Printer
Most printing jobs are the same size or smaller than a standard letter or legal size. Posters, flyers, banners, and other products need a printer that can handle applying ink to a large sheet of paper. Without a large printer, it’s not practical to create large posters or banners. You can print them out in pieces and assemble them. Using this method doesn’t produce a result that looks professional.

Variety of Die Tools
Die tools are necessary to make a lot of attractive designs. Die cut tools are used to create custom edges like rounded corners on a business card. Embossing uses die tools. If you want your business card to have a metallic rim, that may be done by embossing. Without these tools, your printing abilities limit to traditional paper sizes and textures.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Printer without formal qualifications if you are able to demonstrate your technical competency to employers. However, a certificate III in print manufacturing, printing or printing and graphic art is usually required. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Did You Know?

Occupational Video - Printing Press Operator
https://youtu.be/uzHhrXFv9_o

Manufacturing & Production

Digital printers use machines and software to control the production of print-based media for commercial print manufacturing sites and instant print shops. Digital printing machine operators use laser printers, computerized high-speed colour copiers, and other printing machines to print text, illustrations, and designs on paper. Future Growth Strong

Digital printer operators use specialized software to convert digital images into physical prints. They may be responsible for handling a wide range of tasks, from loading paper and ink cartridges to troubleshooting problems with the equipment.

Digital printer operators typically work on their own but may occasionally have to collaborate with other employees to resolve issues with the printing process.

ANZSCO ID: 392312

Alternative names: Digital printing machine operator, Digital Photographic Printer,

Specialisations:

Instant Printer Operator: Sets up and operates small offset printing presses used in instant print shops or for in-house printing.
Photographic Developer and Printer: Edits and adjusts digital images, develops photographic film, and prints photographic images from digital media, negatives and positives using computer software, fully automatic equipment and by separate processes.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Enjoy technical activities
Good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
Good hand-eye coordination
Able to carry out detailed work
Aptitude for mechanical work
Aptitude for working with computers
Able to work as part of a team

Digital Printer
(Source: Alis)

Duties and Tasks

Perform manual and automatic set up of digital print machines
Advise on products and services
Receive and process electronic documents
Develop basic design concepts
Load paper into feeding mechanisms
Manage and monitor the order and execution of files in a printer’s job queue
Operate die-cutting machines
Undertake vinyl application, laminating, finishing and mounting
Perform general administration duties and maintenance (such as maintaining order and query logs, cleaning and repairing equipment, and changing supplies)
Keep production records.
Loads paper into feeding mechanisms.
May set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines.
Produces and manages digital print images, and transferring and outputting images.
Prepares plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses.
Undertakes maintenance, adjustments, repair and cleaning of machines.
Monitors machine operations and quality of printing..

Working conditions

Working conditions vary. In companies with many machines, the work setting may be a large plant. Smaller print shops that employ 8 to 10 people are most often located in industrial bays or retail locations. Operators may need to work shifts. Working overtime to meet deadlines is common.

Digital printing machine operators frequently lift heavy loads of paper [need to be able to lift 20Kg].. They spend a lot of time standing, bending, and stooping. Workplace hazards include moving heavy machinery, handling chemicals, and being exposed to solvent fumes. They must follow standard safety practices and understand occupational health and safety legislation.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a digital printer without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. You can also become a digital printer through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Printing and Graphic Arts (Printing/Digital Printing). Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Employment Opportunities

Digital printers are employed by large and small commercial printing firms and shops. Technological development has been rapid in the printing industry with the widespread application of computerised systems. Demand is greatest for people familiar with the new techniques and technology.

Digital Printer
(Source: Good Universities Guide)

Additional Information

Digital Printer Operator Trends
Here are three trends influencing how digital printer operators work. Digital printer operators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Digital Printing: The growth of digital printing is a trend that is quickly changing the printing industry. This technology allows businesses to print documents and images directly onto a variety of media, such as paper, plastic, and metal.

As digital printing becomes more popular, digital printer operators will need to learn how to operate these machines. They will also need to be familiar with the different types of media that can be used, as well as the best ways to print on them.
More Use of Mobile Devices: As mobile devices become more popular, businesses are starting to use them for a variety of tasks, including printing. This is because mobile devices allow employees to work from anywhere, which can be very beneficial for companies.

Digital printer operators who are able to utilize mobile devices will be in high demand, as they will be able to provide businesses with a convenient way to print documents. In addition, digital printer operators should be prepared to deal with any issues that may arise with mobile devices, such as connectivity problems or battery issues.
Increased Demand for Personalization: Customers are increasingly looking for products that are personalized to their specific needs. This is especially true for products that are meant to be gifts, such as cards and calendars.

Digital printers can capitalize on this trend by offering services that allow customers to customize their products. This can include things like adding photos or text, or even creating completely original designs.

Manufacturing & Production/strong>

Printing machinists set up and operate letterpress, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses that are used in the printing industry. A Printing Machinst's involvement with these machines may involve fixing plates and loading inks into the machine, undertaking repairs or maintenance, and checking the consistency of the machine's results. They may also clean the machine and the surrounding work area. Future Growth Static

They work on a range of printed products, including packaging, stationery, greeting cards, books and newspapers, depending on the printing method used. Offset lithography is the main process of printing and involves producing a print from a plate using a flat surface (planographic). It is used mainly in the production of newspapers, magazines, catalogues, cardboard packaging, books and general printed products.

Letterpress printing is the oldest form of printing, in which ink is applied to a raised surface and transferred directly to paper through pressure. This process is used mainly as a specialised printing process. The types of printed material produced by this method include stationery and hot-foil stamped and embossed products. Flexographic printing uses a raised surface on a flexible rubber or photopolymer plate to produce flexible packaging such as bread bags and confectionary wrappers.

Gravure printing uses a recessed cylinder to remove excess ink from the paper's surface, producing an engraved design effect (intaglio). This process is used mainly for long-run packaging work designed for food and other consumables. Printing machinists work in both small businesses and large manufacturing companies, and with single and multi-colour printing presses.

ANZSCO ID: 392311

Knowledge, skills and attributes

enjoy practical and manual activities
good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
good hand-eye coordination
able to carry out detailed work
mechanical aptitude

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

Printing machinists may perform the following tasks:

make printing plates
fit printing plates or cylinders on presses, mix the inks that are applied to them and adjust the colour flow to the image
adjust the paper-feeding devices that separate and feed sheets through the machine
monitor machines and print quality
carry out minor repairs and routine maintenance
set up and operate 'in-line' finishing functions

Working conditions

Printing machinists generally work in industrial printing factories with large machines, which may be loud, dirty, or require the person operating them to get dirty, with the potential for ink to be spilled. Depending on what kind of printing they are involved in, they may need to work irregular hours, depending on the deadlines for work and the desired shelf-date or time of the publication they are printing.

Tools and technologies

Printing machinists work primarily on and with large industrial printing machinery like letterpress, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses (including both single and multi-colour presses), other machines that cut, fold, staple, stitch and trim paper, and binding machines for bringing all the elements of a publication together as a finished product.

Printing machinists are also generally required to be familiar with the materials onto which they may be printing, including different types of paper and card, or other materials like plastics or metal. They may also be required to work with a range of other materials that assist in the printing process, such as numerous inks, oils and gums, and lubricants that keep the machine in good running order.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a printing machinist you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Printing and Graphic Arts (Printing). The apprenticeship usually takes 42 months to complete.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Employment Opportunities

Printing machinists work in publishing houses, newspaper production and printing firms, and in both private and government in-house print shops, mainly on offset machines and digital printing equipment.

Printing presses are increasingly becoming computer controlled, affecting the skill level of the occupation and employment opportunities.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to progress to supervisory and management positions.

Manufacturing & Production

Printing hands operate basic binding machines, perform manual binding and finishing of books and printed products and carry out routine print-related tasks. Printing hands work with single and multi-colour printing presses. They can be employed in small or large firms.

ANZSCO ID: 8995;
Printer's Assistant: 899511
Printing Table Worker: 899512

Alternative names: Printing Hand, Printing Machine Assistant,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

enjoy practical and manual activities
good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
able to carry out detailed work
aptitude for mechanical work
aptitude for working with computers

(Source: Careers Smart)

Duties and Tasks

Printing hands may perform the following tasks:

fold, arrange and fasten printed products by hand or with the aid of machines
perform manual binding and finishing operations
carry out quality control checks
operate specialised machines such as mini binders and automatic carton-folding machines
assist with setting up folding machines and check folded articles
assist with the operation and adjustment of machines
assist with the setting up and monitoring of the operation of automated binding lines
carry out minor repairs and routine maintenance
clear waste and clean work areas and machines
handle and transport materials around the work areas

Working conditions

Printing hands work with single and multi-colour printing presses. They can be employed in small or large firms.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a printing hand without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. You can also become a printing hand through a traineeship in Printing and Graphic Arts (Print Production Support) or Printing and Graphic Arts (General).

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Printing and Graphic Arts Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Employment Opportunities

Newspaper and printing firms employ printing hands. Newspaper firms may be located in city, suburban and country areas. As printing processes become increasingly computerised, demand is greatest for people with experience or training in the latest printing technology.

Manufacturing & Production

Small Offset Printers set up and operate small offset printing presses used in instant print shops or for in-house printing.

Offset printers run, manage and maintain offset printing machines, which are used to print newspapers, magazines, catalogues, brochures, stationery and books. They fasten printing plates onto printing presses, place the paper, plastic or other printing stock in the printing press, prepare inks by mixing colours, and control other functions of the press such as ink flow, cutting and folding mechanisms. They start and operate printing presses, as well as oiling and cleaning them, and make minor repairs to presses.

ANZSCO ID: 392312

Alternative names: Offset Printer,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Ability to detect defects in printed pieces while jobs are in progress and make adjustments for correction.
A strong commitment to quality of work produced
Ability to comprehend and effectively follow oral and written instructions
Basic mechanical ability and a desire and ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of the operation of smaller offset printing presses in general.
A growing knowledge of the use of and application of inks to paper and of the various chemicals and materials used in the pressroom.
Ability to be trained in the operation of larger and more sophisticated presses.

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

prepares plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses
loads paper into feeding mechanisms
monitors machine operations and quality of printing
undertakes maintenance, adjustments, repair and cleaning of machines
produces and manages digital print images, and transferring and outputting images
may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines.

Working conditions

Offset printers work in the factory and workshop spaces of printing companies. Conditions may be noisy due to printing machinery and dirty due to the large volumes of ink used in the printing process. They usually work in shifts, which may include early mornings, late nights, or weekends and public holidays.

Tools and technologies

Offset printers work with offset printing presses, as well as the blankets and impression cylinders that make up the presses, and the offset printing plates, which may be made of paper, aluminium or plastic. Offset printers also handle the the paper, ink and water that are used in offset printing methods, as well as using gauges and measuring devices. They also need to wear protective gear such as earmuffs, safety goggles and gloves.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Small Offset Printer without formal qualifications if you are able to demonstrate your technical competency to employers. However, a certificate III in printing or printing and graphic art is usually required.

To become an offset printer you usually need to undertake an apprenticeship in print machinist. The apprenticeship takes 42 months to complete.