Transfer plate maker
てんしゃせいはんこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A job that creates printing plates using chemical processes such as exposure, development, and etching from film originals.
Description
Transfer plate makers handle the plate-making process of transferring images from film originals (negatives or positives) received from designers or DTP operators onto photosensitive plates or sheets. They use vacuum frames or exposure machines to tightly fix the original to the plate surface, expose it with high-pressure light sources, and then perform chemical processes such as development, fixation, and etching to finish plates ready for printing machines. In the manufacturing process, precise quality control is required, including plate alignment, exposure uniformity, chemical management, temperature and time control. In recent years, the introduction of digital plate-making equipment such as CTP devices has advanced, requiring skills in handling digital data and color management techniques.
Future Outlook
With the spread of digital plate-making technologies such as CTP, traditional film transfer plate-making is declining. Personnel with advanced quality control and special printing techniques are expected to have steady demand.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Career Path
Transfer plate maker → Plate-making supervisor → Prepress manager → Printing factory manager
Required Skills
Handling of chemicals (developing chemicals) / Handling of photosensitive materials / Operation of exposure and development machines / Plate inspection
Recommended Skills
CTP equipment operation / Color management system knowledge / DTP software basics / Quality control techniques (QC)
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Misalignment or unevenness in the plate directly affects print quality. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | The work is routine, emphasizing accuracy over creativity. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Focuses more on visual inspection and procedures than numerical management. |
Related Qualifications
- Printing Technician (Plate-making) Grade 2
- Printing Technician (Plate-making) Grade 3
Aliases
- Film plate-making worker
- Plate-making operator
Related Jobs
- CTP Operator
- DTP Operator
- Printing Operator