Typesetting and plate-making worker (Printing industry)
しょくじせいはんこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialist who uses movable type or phototypesetting machines to create printing flats and manufactures printing plates.
Description
Typesetting and plate-making workers combine typesetting using movable type or phototypesetting machines with chemical processing to create printing flats (films). They handle letterpress typesetting by selecting and assembling necessary characters from type cases, phototypesetting by laying out text and illustrations using phototypesetting machines, film processing such as exposure, development, and fixation, and plate-making processes such as pasting flats onto plate-making machines. Proofreading before printing, dimensional adjustments, density measurements, and other quality controls are also important, requiring the stable supply of precise and uniform plates. Due to the rise of digital DTP technology, operations are declining, but cases combining traditional techniques with digital plate-making are increasing.
Future Outlook
Declining due to the shift to digital DTP; traditional typesetting and plate-making workers are decreasing. Opportunities remain by acquiring DTP and digital plate-making skills.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands, good at fine work / High concentration / Meticulous
Work Style
Career Path
Typesetter → Plate-making operator → DTP operator → Printing operator → Printing engineer
Required Skills
Film development processing / Movable type composition machine operation / Phototypesetting machine operation / Plate-making machine operation
Recommended Skills
Color and image processing knowledge / DTP software
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Precise work is required to prevent misalignment or chipping of printing plates. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Few opportunities for advanced mathematical calculations. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly standing work, but little intense physical labor. |
Related Qualifications
- Printing technician (letterpress/offset)
Aliases
- Phototypesetter
- Typesetter
Related Jobs
- DTP operator
- Plate-making operator
- Printing engineer
- Printing operator