# Tasks & work activities — gravure press operator

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.