How to become a Printing Machinist
Printing machinists set up and operate letterpress, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses. They work on a range of printed products including packaging, stationery, greeting cards, books and newspapers, depending on the printing method used.
Personal requirements for a Printing Machinist
- 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.
Duties & Tasks of a Printing Machinist
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 for a Printing Machinist
Printing machinists work in both small businesses and large manufacturing companies, and with single and multi-colour printing presses.
