OFFSET PRINTING

Offset Printing Machine Operator – Metal Packaging

Production / Printing

Job Purpose

To operate and maintain offset printing machines used for printing on tinplate/metal sheets for metal packaging, ensuring accurate colour, print quality, registration, productivity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

Key Roles \& Responsibilities

• Operate sheet-fed offset printing machines for printing on tinplate/metal sheets.
• Set up the printing machine according to approved job cards, artwork, colour specifications, and production schedules.
• Carry out plate mounting, blanket setting, ink setting, and machine adjustments.
• Maintain correct colour shade, density, print registration, and image quality.
• Check printed sheets for
• Colour variation
• Mis-registration
• Scumming
• Set-off
• Scratches and marks
• Pinholes
• Ink smudging
• Printing defects
• Ensure proper ink, varnish, coating, and solvent usage as per process requirements.
• Monitor ink and dampening systems during production.
• Conduct first-piece/sample approval before starting bulk production.
• Make necessary machine adjustments based on QC inspection and approved samples.
• Maintain required production output while minimizing wastage and rejection.
• Ensure proper handling and stacking of printed metal sheets to prevent scratches, dents, and surface damage.
• Follow approved SOPs, work instructions, quality standards, and production procedures.
• Maintain proper machine housekeeping and follow 5S practices.
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic preventive maintenance of the printing machine.
• Report machine abnormalities, breakdowns, and maintenance requirements to the concerned supervisor/maintenance team.
• Maintain production records, rejection records, downtime records, and other required documentation.
• Coordinate with Production, QC, Maintenance, Pre-Press, and Stores departments.
• Ensure correct job/changeover settings and prevent mix-up of artwork, plates, inks, and materials.
• Follow all required PPE, safety, chemical-handling, and fire-safety procedures.
• Ensure defective or rejected sheets are properly identified and segregated.
• Support continuous improvement activities for productivity, quality, wastage reduction, and machine efficiency.

Specific Skills Required

• Hands-on experience in offset printing on tinplate/metal sheets.
• Knowledge of sheet-fed offset printing process.
• Knowledge of colour matching and registration control.
• Understanding of CMYK and spot colours.
• Knowledge of inks, varnishes, coatings, solvents, plates, and blankets.
• Ability to identify and correct common printing defects.
• Basic knowledge of machine troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of production and quality documentation.
• Good understanding of 5S, GMP/food packaging hygiene, and workplace safety.

Educational Qualification

ITI / Diploma / equivalent qualification in Printing Technology or a related field is preferred.

Experience

2–10 years of relevant experience in offset printing, preferably in metal packaging, tinplate printing, metal can, or sheet-fed printing industries.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Printing quality and rejection percentage
• Production output
• Machine utilization
• Material/ink wastage
• Colour and registration accuracy
• Machine downtime
• Changeover time
• On-time completion of production orders
• Compliance with safety, quality, and 5S requirements

Pay

₹20,000.00 - ₹30,000.00 per month

Benefits

• Provident Fund

Work Location

In person