skillfactor-pipeline/skills/screen-printer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — screen printer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-5112.00 (Printing Press Operators) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 7322; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Supplemental] Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
• [Core] Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
• [Core] Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
• [Core] Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
• [Core] Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
• [Core] Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
• [Supplemental] Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
• [Core] Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
• [Core] Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
• [Core] Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.
• [Core] Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
• [Core] Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
• [Core] Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
• [Core] Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
• [Core] Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
• [Core] Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
• [Supplemental] Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.
• [Supplemental] Direct or monitor work of press crews.
• [Supplemental] Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.
• [Core] Maintain time or production records.
• [Core] Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.
• [Core] Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
• [Supplemental] Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
• Clean production equipment.
• Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
• Direct operational or production activities.
• Download data.
• Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
• Evaluate quality of materials or products.
• Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
• Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
• Install mechanical components in production equipment.
• Load materials into production equipment.
• Lubricate production equipment.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
• Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
• Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
• Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
• Operate cutting equipment.
• Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Program equipment to perform production tasks.
• Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
• Record operational or production data.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.