392311 Printing Machinist

3923 PRINTERS

PRINTERS set up and operate letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, newspaper, instant, digital and offset printing presses.
Indicative Skill Level:
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:

setting, adjusting and monitoring substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
mixing ink and solvents to standard, and regulating paper and ink supply during print runs
monitoring, evaluating and determining press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
producing a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems
preparing plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses
loading paper into feeding mechanisms
monitoring machine operations and quality of printing
undertaking maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines
producing and managing digital print images, and transferring and outputting images
may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines