Description
Prepare, image, process, and inspect printing plates from digital files for offset and related presses. Operate CTP equipment, apply imposition and RIP settings, and ensure plates meet press specifications and quality standards. Maintain plate-making systems and safety compliance; may produce proofs to verify content and registration.
- • Preflight customer files to verify fonts, graphics, images, bleeds, and completeness.
- • Impose pages and apply traps and screening per press specifications.
- • RIP files and verify output parameters, resolution, and separations.
- • Operate and maintain CTP plate setters and plate processors.
- • Image plates from electronic files according to job tickets.
- • Process, develop, bake, and gum plates per manufacturer guidelines.
- • Punch, bend, and label plates to match press registration requirements.
- • Inspect unexposed plates for defects and prevent contamination during handling.
- • Examine imaged plates under light and magnification to verify dots and registration.
- • Measure density and dot gain with densitometers; adjust curves and calibrations as needed.
- • Select plate types suitable for press, ink, and run length.
- • Produce and review digital or press proofs to validate content and positioning.
- • Maintain, clean, and perform minor repairs on plate-making and processing equipment.
- • Monitor chemistry, temperatures, and replenishment; mix solutions safely.
- • Record job settings and plate usage; archive files and plates per SOP.
- • Follow PPE, safety, and environmental procedures for chemicals and waste.
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Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
