PrintED/SkillsUSA Competencies

Offset Press Operations

1. Read and interpret production information on job docket/ticket.
2. Explain how an offset lithographic plate works.
3. Identify and demonstrate safe work habits in press operations.
4. Identify basic systems and parts of an
5. offset press.
6. Describe the attributes of sheet-fed, web-fed, stream-fed, and perfecting presses.
7. Identify the printing processes used in the press segment of the printing workflow.
8. Identify basic paper types, sizes, and weights.
9. Determine grain direction of paper and explain the importance of proper grain direction when running the press, including folds and scoring.
10. Handle and jog paper stock (wire/felt, watermarks, and carbonless sequence).
11. Locate paper weight, coating, and sizes on a ream, box, or skid.
12. Describe the importance of paper conditioning prior to running the press.
13. Demonstrate and correct paper problems prior to running the press.
14. Compare offset ink types and uses including oil-based, rubber-based, soy-based, and Ultraviolet (UV).
15. Identify ink ingredients.
16. Identify causes of ink problems and suggest appropriate solutions.
17. Explain the purpose of using spray powder on an offset press.
18. Explain the purpose of an infrared dryer on an offset press.
19. Describe the procedure for mixing and testing custom colored inks.
20. Explain the purpose and use of fountain solution and fountain solution additives.
21. Mix fountain solutions using appropriate ratios and demonstrate understanding and use of monitoring techniques.
22. Perform make-ready steps for paper handling.
23. Perform make-ready of the inking system.
24. Perform make-ready of the dampening system.
25. Perform make-ready of the printing unit.
26. Print a single color one-sided job.
27. Print a single color properly registered two-sided job. Indicate gripper and guide sides.
28. Print a single color properly registered job on carbonless stock (two-parts or three parts).
29. Print a single color job on envelopes.
30. Print a job on heavy stock.
31. Describe sheetwise, work-and-turn, and work-and-tumble jobs, and how they differ.
32. Print a two-sided job using one of the following methods: sheetwise, work-and-turn, or work-and-tumble.
33. Explain the purpose of registration, crop, and bleed marks.
34. Explain the major functions of a densitometer as a quality control device.
35. Print a multicolor job with register marks and color bars. Maintain accurate registration and monitor ink density.
36. Print a multicolor, two-sided job.
37. Demonstrate the use of flags to count sheets during a pressrun.
38. Perform roller care and maintenance of inking and dampening systems.
39. Demonstrate ink roller, dampener roller, and cylinder pressure settings on a press.
40. Install a blanket and explain follow-up procedures.
41. Demonstrate proper wash-up techniques for the inking system, dampening system, and cylinders.
42. Demonstrate a proper color wash.
43. Identify problems inherent in printing heavy solid work on a duplicator press.
44. Estimate small offset press labor costs to include make-ready, running and clean-up.
45. Estimate ink and paper costs.
46. Observe offset press operations in a commercial printing plant either on site or online via a virtual tour.
47. Explain procedures for daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on a press; explain importance of recording this information in a log.
48. Perform basic press maintenance and record the information in a log.