Plate pasting worker (plate making)
はりこみこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialized occupation in the plate-making process for printing plates, precisely performing film pasting onto plates, exposure, and development. Accurately aligns dimensions and positions of the plate surface to create high-quality printing plates.
Description
Plate pasting workers (plate making) belong to the plate-making department in the printing process, where they tightly adhere flats (films) created by designers or operators to plates such as aluminum plates using a vacuum adhering machine, irradiate ultraviolet light with an exposure device, and remove unnecessary parts with a developing machine. Dimensions and alignments require millimeter-level precision, and they also handle finishing inspections, adjustments, daily maintenance, and cleaning of machines. High-precision and high-quality plate creation determines the finish of printed materials.
Future Outlook
Although traditional chemical plate making is declining due to the spread of digital plate-making technology, demand for plate pasting workers with specialized skills is expected to remain to some extent for high-definition and special printing needs and small-lot production.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Career Path
Assistant plate maker → Plate pasting worker (plate making) → Plate making supervisor/leader → Printing operator → Quality control
Required Skills
Developing machine operation / Exposure machine operation / Plate misalignment inspection and fine adjustment / Vacuum adhering machine operation
Recommended Skills
Color management knowledge / DTP software basics / Printing process understanding
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because millimeter-level positioning is required |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because work follows set procedures |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because complex numerical calculations are few in the work |
Related Qualifications
- DTP expert
- Printing technician (plate making 1st/2nd grade)
Related Jobs
- Bookbinder
- Offset printing worker
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