51-5112.00 · Task explorer
Printing Press Operators: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 23 tasks, including 17 marked Core and 6 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2020.
23 tasks shown
Core · Task 19430 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
Core · Task 19423 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
Core · Task 19417 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
Core · Task 19431 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
Core · Task 19421 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
Core · Task 19424 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
Core · Task 19427 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
Core · Task 19426 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
Core · Task 19429 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
Core · Task 19419 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
Core · Task 19418 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
Core · Task 19428 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
Core · Task 19425 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
Core · Task 19420 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
Core · Task 19435 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Maintain time or production records.
Core · Task 19437 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
Core · Task 19436 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.
Supplemental · Task 19422 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
Supplemental · Task 19416 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
Supplemental · Task 19433 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Direct or monitor work of press crews.
Supplemental · Task 19434 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.
Supplemental · Task 19432 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.
Supplemental · Task 19438 · 08/2020 · Incumbent
Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.
Make the shortlist useful
- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
- Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.
The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.