Printing Machine Operator
A Printing Machine Operator, also known as a printing machine technician or pressman, is responsible for operating, preparing, and maintaining printing machines used in various printing processes. These operators work with different types of presses, including offset lithographs, flexographic, and letterset presses, across multiple industries. The job typically requires physical stamina, strong communication skills, and the ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues quickly to meet production deadlines. Operators usually collaborate closely with coworkers and supervisors in a fast-paced, assembly-line environment, often in large, noisy printing rooms.
Training for this occupation generally requires a high school diploma, although coursework in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and computer skills is advantageous. While formal education beyond high school is not always necessary, completion of related courses at community colleges or technical schools can improve job prospects. As the printing industry continues to evolve, proficiency in technology and computer-based printing systems is increasingly essential for success in this field. The median earnings for printing machine operators are around $44,450 annually, with an employment outlook showing a slight decline.
Printing Machine Operator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Manufacturing
Interests: Lithography, printing technology, graphic design, fine arts, computers
Earnings (Yearly Median): $44,450 annual $21.37 hourly
Employment & Outlook: Decline (-1% or lower)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Printing machine operators, also known as printing machine technicians or pressmen, perform various functions related to operating, preparing, and maintaining a printing machine. Printing machines are commonly referred to as presses. Operators work in multiple industries and on different press types, including letter and letterset presses, flexographic presses, and offset lithograph presses. Depending on the press size, some operators may work with a team.
Work Environment. Operators perform their duties in various locations, determined by the type of press they work with. For example, larger presses, like those used in newspaper printing, are in large rooms, often inside the newspaper's headquarters. These larger presses are very loud and move at a breakneck speed. Typically, the atmosphere is like an assembly line, with tasks being repeated in a specific order on a printing machine.
Occupation Interest. Printing machine operators need to be physically capable of performing their duties, which include working on various mechanical parts while bending, kneeling, and reaching. This profession interests people who enjoy working with their hands and do not mind getting dirty. Since they must communicate frequently with other operators and supervisors, printing machine operators must have strong communication skills.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. During the day, an operator will collaborate heavily with coworkers and supervisors to ensure that printing jobs are done correctly. When something malfunctions on a press, an operator must perform maintenance quickly and accurately to ensure that deadlines are not jeopardized. The day's duties vary by the type of printing machine being used, but there are some basic tasks that every printing machine operator goes through, regardless of the press.
Before any printing can begin, a printing machine operator must first prepare the printing plate. Printing plates are the devices that transfer the text or images to be printed. Plates are applied directly to the paper via the press or through an intermediate image carrier, such as a print blanket used in offset printing or offset lithography. Regardless of the printing process being used, an operator must constantly monitor the process. They will handle any paper jams and pressure problems, clean the press, and refill any inkwells running low.
Printing machine operators in the newspaper business commonly use offset lithography printing. This high-speed process involves transferring ink from a high-capacity ink duct to the paper through rollers and cylinders. Operators often check the ink and paper for quality and any problems that need to be fixed quickly.
Web-Press Operators (651.362-030). Web-press operators set up and operate rotary presses that use rolls of paper called webs.
Offset-Press Operators (651.482-010). Offset-press operators set up and operate offset printing presses.
Engraving-Press Operators (651.382-010). Engraving-press operators set up and operate presses that engrave decorative designs or lettering.
Platen-Press Operators (651.362-018). Platen-press operators make ready and operate platen-type printing presses to produce printed material. They ensure an even distribution of ink and readjust the presses when it is running to obtain a specified color registration.
Cylinder Press Operators (651.362-010). Cylinder press operators make ready and operate cylinder-type presses and ensure that they operate smoothly.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Printing machine operators predominantly work in a printing room with other operators. The size and condition of this room varies depending on the company and the size of the printing machine. Larger machines move very fast and can create a noisy environment.
Human Environment. Operating a printing machine requires a lot of collaboration. Operators work under deadlines, so they need to work together to make sure the printing job is done quickly and accurately. They also interact with supervisors and sometimes with clients who have requested a printing job.
Technological Environment. Printing machine operators work with a broad range of technologies, including handheld tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers, and large printing machine parts, such as rollers, ink ducts, and different paper stock. Safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and boots, must be worn when operating larger presses.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Typically, a printing machine operator must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. There are several basic high school courses that would greatly benefit someone interested in a profession as a printing machine operator, including mathematics, mechanical drawing, and computers.
Postsecondary. Although most employers do not require a printing machine operator to have an education beyond high school, there are many applicable courses offered at community colleges and vocational and technical schools for those interested in the industry. These schools typically offer a wide range of courses that provide formal classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Employers are more likely to hire someone who has completed a related course.
Graphic design courses and any courses related to computers would also benefit a potential printing machine operator. Some schools offer graphic design courses specifically for students who plan on pursuing a profession in printing and design. As technology in the printing industry continued to develop in the early twenty-first century, more computer-based printing machines were used, which made a strong computer background and proficiency in technology critical.
Related Occupations
− Photoengraver & Lithographer
Bibliography
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023; 51-5112 Printing Press Operators." Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes515112.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
"Printing Press Operators." Data USA, 2023, datausa.io/profile/soc/printing-press-operators. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.