Plate Developer
さっぱんげんぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A job in the prepress process that manufactures printing plates by performing chemical processes such as photosensitization, development, and fixing to create printable plates.
Description
Plate developers are technical workers responsible for the manufacturing process of printing plates used in offset printing and similar methods. They expose photosensitive plate material using exposure devices via film or direct imaging methods, and remove unexposed or unfixed areas using developer and fixer solutions. They manage chemical concentrations and temperatures, operate and maintain developing machines and exposure devices, inspect halftone dots and tone reproduction on the plate, and produce high-precision plates. In recent years, CTP (Computer to Plate) and digital platemaking technologies have become widespread, requiring skills that integrate traditional photographic platemaking with digital platemaking techniques.
Future Outlook
Due to digitalization, automation and labor-saving in the platemaking process are advancing, traditional techniques are declining, but niche demand remains in precision printing and packaging printing. Diversification of skills and adaptation to digital platemaking will be important in the future.
Personality Traits
High concentration / Meticulous / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Plate Developer (Beginner) → Prepress Operator → Platemaking Technician → Printing Platemaking Department Leader → Quality Management Staff
Required Skills
Chemical Management / Developing Equipment Operation / Exposure Machine Operation / Halftone Tone Reproduction Management / Printing Plate Material Knowledge
Recommended Skills
CTP Equipment Operation / Color Proofing / DTP Software / Digital Platemaking Technology / Quality Control
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Required to maintain precision in fine halftone dots and tones. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Routine tasks predominate, emphasizing accuracy over creativity. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Involves few complex mathematical calculations. |
Aliases
- Photographic Platemaking Technician
- Platemaking Technician
- Prepress Operator
Related Jobs
- DTP Operator
- Platemaking Technician
- Printing Operator
- Printing and Bookbinding Worker