Description

• Trade Test in Rotary Printing and Re-Reeling - Gravure
• Minimum three years’ experience operating wide format Gravure print presses as a number one or two operators. 
• In-depth knowledge of Gravure print techniques.
• Proven track record for leading and developing press production teams.
• Two years’ experience in line lamination and filmic print techniques.
• Proven track record of quality Gravure production, preferably from within the label or food packaging sectors.
• Understanding of the main printing substrates and their required ink formulations.
• Ability to print on all substrates from paper to OPP.
• In-depth knowledge of solvent-based ink, varnishes/coatings and adhesive systems.
• Full knowledge of solvent selection and safe use methods.
• Understanding of automated registration equipment.
• Understanding of automated viscosity equipment.
• Understanding modern print machine press controls.
• Ability to understand and eradicate all basic printing faults to maintain quality Gravure production.
• In-depth knowledge of quality control test protocols for Gravure printed media.

Please note this is not a trainee position, and previous print experience is required.

• Coordinate the activities of the printing process and make ready.
• Ensure the pre-make ready, make ready, and set-up process takes place in the allocated time.
• Ensure that all specifications are adhered to and understood adequately.
• Do all necessary quality checks and correct deviations timely.
• Ensure that all events that happen during the run are adequately logged during the shift.
• Ensure that the required press maintenance is reported by completing the T-Card and issuing it to Maintenance.
• Ensure that preventative maintenance is done accordingly and that cleaning of the press is executed to the highest standards.
• Operated the press to the highest standards and efficiencies, while keeping waste to a minimum as per the job estimate.

• Complete pre-make ready forms by checking the job bag for the current and next job.
• Ensure that the correct tooling (cylinders, blades, etc.) is allocated, that the correct ink is allocated, and that the correct material is issued and scanned properly as per the job specifications.
• Inspect cylinders for damage before and after a job run, and record on the cylinder issue form.
• Ensure impression rollers are cleaned and ready for a new job.
• Ensure that all printing units have the correct ink filters.

• Set the AVT to recommended standards.
• Set the Gamma System for all jobs.
• Set the doctor blades according to the Daetwyler best practices. Only adjust to get the best print quality & laydown.
• Set the lamination and coatings to the required specification and coat weights within the minimum time.
• Colour match inks with the ink technicians
• Viscosities to be checked and recorded
• Ensure that the splash guard is in good condition and fix it if it is broken.
• Ensure that all machine safety guards are operational.
• Confirm and position material onto the press, set the web guides and register the job at a minimum 800lm or minimum.
• Report any out-of-spec items or operations immediately or ask for assistance.

• Produce a 1^st off sheet that complies with all requirements and ensure that Quality checks are done.
• Monitor AVT, web and Gamma system.
• Produce good-quality reels with acceptable profiles and minimal waste.
• Tag all print waste properly and record on the DCU.
• All paper reels are to be labelled on the side with the job number.
• Report (T-Card) and isolate (Use RED Tape) defective ink pumps, ink trolleys and air shafts or any defective tooling.
• Print the required quantity of labels or meters while ensuring the waste material is compensated for in the ticket.
• Sign off on each printed reel's quality checks.
• Record all events that affect the job on Radius (downtime, web-breaks, ink starvation, print defects, splices, etc.)

• Wash and remove all cylinders on completion of the job. 2k and adhesive cylinders to be covered with cylinder paste, which reduces cell blocking.
• Wash the printing units for preparation of the next job, and adequately flush the inking units.
• Check cylinders for defects and record data on the cylinder issue form. Sign the form once completed.
• Place the washed cylinders according to their storage boxes and return.
• Return all inks, tooling and materials according to the procedure. Perform a versus report, while ensuring that allocated material is scanned into the job and returned to Raw Material stores.

• Doctor Blade's cutting table is to be kept clean at all times.
• Keep printing areas and units clean and free of all ink buckets and solvents that are not clamped. Keep all buckets in the print units clamped.
• All ink units to be covered in plastic, and plastic to be removed post-printing and replaced with clean plastic.
• All unused print unit shout be kept clean.
• Clean spills immediately to avoid ink skin buildup.
• Keep all areas neat at all times.

• Operators to complete all paperwork accurately and timeously, with sign-off and date
• Complete shift handover daily, highlighting all issues experienced
• Complete a Job report on the finalisation of each job, with best practice suggestions for future production.
• Complete all safety tests/checks before starting your shift, check all the guards and report malfunctioning items to the Maintenance and or Shift Supervisor.
• Work towards meeting the Safety, Quality and Operations standards that meet the company and customer requirements.
• STOP the machine if unsure or in doubt. Do not continue running with a problem.