Original Plate Maker
げんばんせいぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A technical job that creates and processes original plates for printing based on layout sheets or digital data, supporting the quality of printed materials.
Description
Original plate makers are specialists who manufacture plates (original plates) used in printing machines. They handle various processes such as digital plate making using CTP devices, plate surface formation through chemical development and etching, color management, and plate correction, ensuring the accuracy and durability of the finished product. They need to master the entire plate-making process from handling printing data and operating equipment to quality checks, requiring meticulous attention to prevent plate misalignment or unevenness and advanced technical skills.
Future Outlook
With the progress of digitalization, automation technologies such as CTP equipment are becoming widespread, and the demand for personnel with advanced digital plate-making skills and color management abilities will remain stable. However, there is a possibility of factory labor reduction.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Career Path
Plate Operator → Plate Supervisor → Quality Control → Production Management → Printing Factory Manager
Required Skills
CTP Equipment Operation / Chemical Development Processing / Color Management / Image Editing Software (Photoshop etc.) / Plate Making Machine Operation
Recommended Skills
Basic Knowledge of Printing Machines / Etching and Laser Processing / PDF Intake Processing / Screen Plate Making
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To prevent minute misalignments and quality variations. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because mathematical analysis is rarely required. |
Related Qualifications
- Printing Skills Certification Level 3 (Plate Making)
Aliases
- Plate Maker
- Printing Plate Maker
Related Jobs
- Bookbinder
- Offset Printer
- Plate Operator