Printing Machine Apprentice Training Handbook: The Path from Beginner to Journeyman
The printing industry is a seemingly traditional but technical field. If you want to become a qualified press operator with a passion for printing, it's important to start as an apprentice and master a solid foundation.
First, the first step to get started: security awareness and basic cognition
1. Safety first, keep in mind: the printing press is a large mechanical equipment, and improper operation is prone to safety accidents. As an apprentice, you must first establish a strong sense of safety, carefully study the safety operation procedures, understand the location of the emergency stop button, and various safety protection measures. There can be no negligence at any time, and safety is the foundation of all operations.
2. Know the printing machine: There are many types of printing machines, such as offset printing machines, flexo printing machines, gravure printing machines, etc., and the structure and operation methods of each printing machine are different. Apprentices begin by getting to know the printing press they are operating, and understand the names, functions, and relationships of the individual components. For example: paper conveying mechanism, printing mechanism, paper receiving mechanism, ink system, water system, etc.
3. Understand the printing process: From the design draft to the final product, printing goes through a series of complex processes. Apprentices need to understand the basic process of printing, including pre-press processing, printing, post-press processing, etc., and understand their position and role in the whole process.
4. Familiar with printing materials: printing needs to use a variety of materials, including paper, ink, dampening solution, etc. Apprentices learn about the properties of various materials, their scope of application, and how to store them, such as the ink absorption of different papers, the color of different inks, and the drying properties of different inks.
5. Learn basic terms: There are many professional terms in the printing industry, such as: dots, color difference, overprint, bleeding, etc. Apprentices learn the meaning of these terms carefully in order to better understand and communicate with their masters.
2. Advanced learning: from auxiliary to independent operation
1. Assist the master to operate: At the beginning, the main task of the apprentice is to assist the master in the operation. For example: paper handling, plate binding, ink mixing, cleaning machines, etc. These seemingly simple operations are actually good opportunities to learn from the master's operating skills, learn how to use the tools correctly, and accumulate experience from them.
2. Learn ink mixing and dampening: Ink mixing and dampening are key steps in printing, which directly affect the quality of printed matter. Apprentices should carefully learn how to adjust the ink color according to the sample, and how to control the amount of dampening solution to ensure that the color of the print is accurate and the level is clear.
3. Learn to bind and match: Plate binding refers to the installation of the printing plate on the printing machine, and plate alignment refers to adjusting the position of the printing plate to ensure that the printing pattern is accurate. Apprentices should learn how to install the printing plate correctly, and master the methods and skills of plate alignment to ensure the accuracy of the printed matter.
4. Gradually master the operation of the machine: Under the guidance of the master, the apprentice can gradually start to contact the control panel of the machine and learn the basic operations of the machine, such as starting, stopping, speed adjustment, pressure control, etc., but it must be carried out under the supervision of the master.
5. Learn quality inspection: Quality inspection is an indispensable part of the printing process. Apprentices learn how to check the quality of prints, including colors, overprints, dots, dirty spots, etc., and identify problems and make adjustments in time.
3. In-depth learning: from operation to maintenance
1. Understand the principles of printing: Apprentices should deeply learn the printing principles of various printing presses, and understand the interaction between ink, water and paper in the printing process, so as to better understand the operation methods and be able to draw inferences.
2. Learn common troubleshooting: During the printing process, it is inevitable that there will be various failures. Apprentices learn how to identify the causes of common faults and how to eliminate them, such as paper jams, pasting, ghosting, etc.
3. Master machine maintenance: Printing machines need regular maintenance to keep them in good running condition. Apprentices learn how to clean the machine, replace wear parts, and lubricate it regularly to keep it running.
4. Learn cost control: The printing industry is highly competitive, and cost control is crucial. Apprentices learn how to save paper, ink and other materials, reduce scrap rates and improve production efficiency.
5. Learn safety risk assessment: With the accumulation of experience, apprentices should gradually learn to assess the safety risks in the printing process and take corresponding precautions to ensure the safety of the operation.
Fourth, the road from apprentice to journeyman
1. See more, ask more, and practice more: Apprentices should humbly invite teachers, carefully observe the master's operation, and actively participate in practice, operate more, and accumulate experience.
2. Combination of theory and practice: In addition to practical operation, apprentices should also pay attention to the learning of theoretical knowledge, so as to better understand the principle of operation and improve the ability to solve problems.
3. Continuous learning and progress: With the continuous development of printing technology, apprentices should maintain their enthusiasm for continuous learning, continue to learn new technologies, and improve their professional level.
4. Be responsible and patient: Printing is a meticulous job, which requires apprentices to be responsible and patient, take every job seriously, and keep improving.
5. Maintain a passion for printing: A passion for printing is the motivation for an apprentice to move forward and the key to becoming a good press operator.
Becoming a qualified press operator is not something that can be achieved overnight. Remember, patience and perseverance are the cornerstones of success, and with perseverance, you can achieve great results in the printing industry.