Overview
Printing Machinists produce books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, leaflets, packaging materials and stationery using printing presses.
Day-to-day
- sets, adjusts and monitors substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
- mixes ink and solvents to standard, and regulates paper and ink supply
- determines press operations to check print quality standards and detect malfunctions
- produces a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems
- prepares plates, blankets and impression cylinders
- loads paper into feeding mechanisms
- monitors machine operations and quality of printing
- undertakes maintenance of machines
- produces and manages digital print images, and transferring and outputting images
- may set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines.
To become a Printing Machinist
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You can work as a Printing Machinist without formal qualifications if you are able to demonstrate your technical competency to employers. However, a certificate III in print manufacturing or printing is usually required. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
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Interested in developing your digital skills? Try one of 2000 free online courses at SkillFinder.com.au(External website, Opens in new window)
SkillFinder is a project funded by the Australian Government, through the Digital Skills Platform Program.
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