Description
Set up, operate, and troubleshoot heatset or coldset web offset presses to produce high-quality products from continuous rolls. Manage roll handling, webbing, registration, ink and dampening, dryers/chill rolls, and inline folding or finishing to meet schedule, quality, and safety standards.
- • Review job tickets for quantities, roll stock, colors, pagination, and special instructions.
- • Mount paper rolls on reelstands/autopasters and prepare splices.
- • Web up the press through infeed, units, dryers/chill rolls, and folders.
- • Set and adjust web tension, nips, and guides for stable running.
- • Clean blankets, impression cylinders, and ink fountains between jobs.
- • Perform automatic blanket washes and replace wash cloth rolls as needed.
- • Load or mix inks and fountain solution; verify materials meet specs.
- • Load job presets (e.g., CIP3/CIP4) and adjust console settings.
- • Monitor alarms for web breaks, low ink, or faults and resolve issues.
- • Maintain production, waste, and downtime records; update job tracking systems.
- • Direct and coordinate press crew activities and safety procedures.
- • Change plates and blankets; set cylinder pressures and bearer clearances.
- • Adjust ink keys and dampening to achieve proper ink/water balance.
- • Start press and pull proofs; set lateral, circumferential, and skew register.
- • Use console and closed-loop systems to monitor color density and registration.
- • Set dryer temperatures and exhaust; monitor chill roll and exit web temperature.
- • Configure folder, former boards, nips, and cut-off for correct signatures.
- • Collect and inspect samples during runs; correct fan-out, doubling, or scumming.
- • Monitor plant humidity and paper temperature and make necessary adjustments.
- • Track inventory of rolls, inks, plates, and chemicals; request supplies.
- • Set up and operate inline units, such as coaters, perforators, glue systems, or sheeters.
- • Archive completed job data and settings for repeat runs.
- • Perform routine lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs with hand tools.
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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
