More information from O*NET OnLine:

Printing Press Operators - 51-5112.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Digital Press Operator
Flexographic Press Operator
Offset Press Operator
Offset Pressman
Press Operator

Pressman
Printer
Printing Press Operator
Printing Pressman
Web Press Operator

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000	Production Occupations
51-5100	Printing Workers
51-5110	Printing Workers
51-5112.00	Printing Press Operators

Related Occupations

51-4023.00	Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4031.00	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4035.00	Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4081.00	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-5111.00	Prepress Technicians and Workers
51-5113.00	Print Binding and Finishing Workers
51-9032.00	Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9151.00	Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
51-9191.00	Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
51-9196.00	Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Tasks

Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.
Direct or monitor work of press crews.
Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.
Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
Maintain time or production records.
Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.
Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.
Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.

Detailed Work Activities

Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
Clean production equipment.
Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
Direct operational or production activities.
Download data.
Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
Install mechanical components in production equipment.
Load materials into production equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Operate cutting equipment.
Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Program equipment to perform production tasks.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Record operational or production data.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.