Summary
Makes ready and operates web or sheet-fed offset printing press to print single and multicolor copy from lithographic plates: Examines job order to determine quantity to be printed, stock specifications, colors, and special printing instructions. Demonstrate knowledge and skills for qualifying as Journeyman. Applicable Job Qualification Requirements will be used as a guide in performing tasks and demonstrating knowledge in the following areas. Actual work time must be recorded in the Work Experience Log.
Skills
Fundamentals of Lithographic Printing and Safety
Handle Paper for Press
Winding, counting, inspecting, piling and jogging.
Use of Commercial Printing Paper and Boards
Identify grain, substance weights, ream weights, finishes, coating, stock sizes, influences of temperature and humidity.
Oil, Clean, Wash-Up and Care of Press
Routine care of rollers, removal and replacement. Routine care of blanket.
Prepare and Handle Chemicals Safely
Use of lithographic printing inks and ingredients. Conditioning of paper. Routine care of plate on press. Removal and preparation for storage.
Feeder and Delivers Safely
Proper feeder adjustments. Loading and unloading, adjustments of suckers. Blowers, air wheels and brushes. Assist pressman in general maintenance.
Operate Presses Safely
Precision adjustment on setting of integrated mechanisms.
Set and Adjust Cambers Safely
Separation of fingers, pile holders, blast feet suction, height gauge, pull-in wheels, top guards, sheet caliper, impression cylinder grippers, jogger wings, stripper fingers and lowering gauge.
Operate Printing Unit Safely
Reading and use of micrometer. Packing and installing plate, packing and installing blanket, blanket patching, impression cylinder and pressure setting.
Operate Rollers Safely
Ink and dampening roller. Clean and adjust ink rollers. Use of the wash-up unit. Cover dampening rollers with molleton or flannel. Install, adjust and clean dampeners.
Operate Registration Safely
Adjust gripper mechanism. Adjust side guide and push-pull guides. Adjust feed tapes, hold-down sheets and brushes.
Care of Plates
Grain fountain solution, etching solutions, proper gumming and preservation. Remove unwanted work wash-out; clean, holding proper tone values of image, PH control and buffer capacity.
Mix and Handle Ink Safely
Pigments, driers, reducers and measuring colors. Strengthening and reducing colors; anti-offset sprays.
Familiarization with Paper Characteristics
Handling and conditioning. Moisture content, static, humidity and temperature influences, stretch, shrinkage, convex edges, curling and wrinkling.
Standardization of Pressroom Practices/Techniques
Recording and keeping of time, materials and supplies and expenditures.
