Platemaking Worker
さっぱんかたどりこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialized profession that creates printing plates using chemical and optical processes.
Description
Platemaking workers are involved in the prepress process of printing, creating metal printing plates based on layout data or films. They primarily operate CTP (Computer to Plate) devices, exposure machines, and developing machines to transfer images onto photosensitive materials, perform development and fixation processing. They measure density and gradation of the completed plates to check quality and make corrections as needed. Handling of chemicals, safety management, and response to overall efficiency in the prepress process are also required.
Future Outlook
Amid the digitalization of the printing industry, technicians with advanced prepress skills such as CTP technology are expected to have stable demand, while demand for analog platemaking technology is declining.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Career Path
Junior Platemaking Operator → Senior Platemaking Operator → Platemaking Leader → Prepress Technician → Factory Manager
Required Skills
CTP Equipment Operation / Chemical Handling (Development Chemicals) / Density Management / Exposure and Development Machine Operation / Plate Inspection and Correction
Recommended Skills
Color Management (ICC Profiles) / DTP Software / Prepress Processes / Quality Control
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Accuracy is essential to detect minute plate misalignments or defects. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Need to acquire new technologies in response to evolving printing technology. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Mainly follows existing processes. |
Related Qualifications
- Printing Technician (Platemaking, Development, Adjustment) Grade 2
- Printing Technician (Platemaking, Development, Adjustment) Grade 3
Aliases
- Platemaker
Related Jobs
- Bookbinder
- DTP Operator
- Printing Operator