photoengraving
Processes for engraving metal film masks to be used to protect and coat plates for various printing processes. A photomechanical method is applied to select the correct colour for the masking material previously cut.
Lithographers make and prepare metal plates to be used as the original in various printing processes and media. Plates are usually laser-etched from digital sources with computer-to-plate technology, but can also be made by applying types of emulsions to the printing plate.
Competences and skills
43 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 8 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceSector-specific
5 competencesoffset printing
Technological printing process where the ink is spread onto a plate with etched images, then to a rubber blanket, and finally onto the target medium, usually paper. This method is used for mass printing on large scales.
print stripping
Printing technique in which the printed pages are arranged into specific patterns in order to create efficient printing plates.
printing materials
The materials, such as paper, film, metal foils, and glass, on which texts or designs can be transferred by applying ink through direct pressure or with intermediate rollers.
printing plate making
The different techniques used to produce the plates that will be mounted on rolls for the flexographic or offset printing process such as laser engraving or the technique consisting in placing a film negative over a plate exposed to ultra-violet light.
screen printing inks
Various types of screen ink, such as solvent, water, water plastisol, and UV curable ink solutions.
Cross-sector
2 competencesprinting techniques
The techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.
quality standards
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
Essential skills and competences 13 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
10 competencesfollow safety precautions in printing
Apply safety and health principles, policies and institutional regulations of working in printing production. Protect oneself and others against such hazards as chemicals used in printing, invasive allergens, heat, and disease causing agents.
ink printing plates
Cover the plate with a thin coat of water and apply oil-based inks with a rubber roller, repelling and sticking the ink to the image area. This image can then further be transferred to paper in various printing processes.
maintain lithographic printing plates
Produce and store plates used in lithographic offset printing by running a previously imposed and ripped file to plate or exposing and developing the plate using hand tools or machines.
mix ink
Tend a computer-guided dispenser that mixes different shades of ink to obtain the desired colour.
digital
operate laser plate maker machine
Maintain and handle laser plate making equipment, which converts electronic data to plates without the use of photographic film. Use erasers and needles to perform minor deletions, additions or corrections to complete these materials.
prepare films for printing plates
Place the photographic materials coated with a light-sensitive substance on the printing plate in such a way that will limit waste and facilitate printing processes. Place the plates in the machine for the different exposure and curing processes.
prepare printing form
Prepare and inspect plates that are used in printing process to transfer ink on the desired surface and place them in the machines, for example fixing them around printing rollers.
read job ticket instructions
Understand instructions from the cards accompanying job orders and set up or run the machine based on these statements.
scale copies
Use proportion wheels to scale the layout and resolution of images up or down.
set scanner controls
Use a mouse, keyboard or other controls to set up the scanner precisely.
digital
Cross-sector
3 competencesfollow production schedule
Follow production schedule taking into account all requirements, times and needs. This schedule outlines what individual commodities must be produced in each time period and encapsulates various concerns like production, staffing, inventory, etc. It is usually linked to manufacturing where the plan indicates when and how much of each product will be demanded. Utilise all the information in the actual implementation of the plan.
perform image editing
Edit various types of images such as analogue and digital photographs or illustrations.
digital
prepare colour mixtures
Prepare colour mixtures in accordance with the recipes and/or the characteristics of the article to be achieved.
Optional knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesdigital printing
The technique that allows printing a digital-based image directly onto a variety of materials, mostly using inkjet or laser printer.
digital
maintenance of printing machines
Upkeep procedures and technical working of machines that produce printed graphical material.
proofing methods
Various proofing methods are needed for certain kinds of products. They range from soft proofing, which presents the result on a monitor, to hard proofing, where an actual printed sample of the product is obtained.
Cross-sector
2 competencesprinted goods processes
The various types and characteristics of producing printed goods such as catalogues, flyers, etc.
printing media
Specific techniques related to various printing surfaces such plastics, metal, glass, textiles, wood, and paper.
Optional skills and competences 17 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
10 competencesapply opaque
Cover up film negatives by applying opaque to printing plates, blocking out defections such as blemishes and pinholes.
edit negatives
Use different software products and techniques to process photographic negatives and adapt the images to the desired specifications.
digital
edit photographs
Resize, enhance and retouche photographs, using airbrushing, editing software and other techniques.
digital
manage inventory
Control product inventory in balance of availability and storage costs.
prevent paper jams
Overlook the insertion and output of finished products in order to prevent paper jams.
produce prepress proof
Make single or multi-coloured test prints to ensure that the product meets the arranged standards. Compare the sample with the template or discuss the result with the customer in order to make the last adjustments before mass production.
reduce dots
Use a contact frame or automatic film processor to reduce the size of dots in printing plates by increasing or reducing colour.
scan negatives
Scan processed negatives so they can be digitally stored, edited, and printed.
digital
store negatives
Place the cut photographic film into protective sleeves and store them in a safe manner.
use colour printing programs
Use colour printing programs, such as the CMYK colour (ink) model for various pressing machines.
digital
Cross-sector
7 competenceslay out digital written content
Lay out pages by selecting sizes, styles and entering text and graphics into computer systems.
digital
manage offset printing process
Select and oversee implementation of relevant printing processes, necessary tools, and colours.
order supplies
Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
oversee quality control
Monitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.
perform machine maintenance
Perform regular maintenance, possibly including corrections and alterations, on a machine or machine tool to ensure it remains in a proper productive state.
train employees
Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.