Inspect printing output

Verify that the printing output is satisfactory using various methods such as visual verification, use of spectrophotometers or densitometers. The problems that might occur include misregisters or colour variation.

evaluate printing output
inspecting printing output
monitor printing output
inspect printing outputs
review printing output
check printing output

skill/competence

sector-specific

Inspect printing output is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Prepress operator: Prepress operators create a prepress proof, or sample of what the finished product will look like. In many printing contracts, the client at this stage decides whether the print can go through as planned. Since the printing processes for proofs are different from those used in the final process, proofs are always an approximation.

Inspect printing output is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Flexographic press operator: Flexographic press operators use flexographic relief plate to print on almost any material. The relief plate is inked and pressed onto the material to be printed.
Imagesetter: Imagesetters process images and graphic templates by using phototypesetting machines. They optimise the templates for the best possible result by determining the right arrangement of text and image on the print sheet. The product is then set onto photo paper or film.
Digital printer: Digital printers work with machines that print directly to the medium, without an intervening plate. Digital printers usually use laser or inkjet technology to print individual pages without lengthy or labour intensive technical steps intervening between the finished digital product and the print.
Reprographics technician: Reprographics technicians are responsible for the full or partial process of reproduction of graphical documents through mechanical-driven or digital means, such as photography, scanning or digital printing. These activities are commonly performed for purposes of maintaining archives or other structured catalogues.
Gravure press operator: Gravure press operators work with gravure presses, where the image is engraved directly on a roll. They set up the press and monitor it during the operation, taking care of safety and resolving problems.
Screen printer: Screen printers tend a press that presses ink through a screen. Industrial screen printing is often used to print on materials that are hard to use with other processes, like rigid plastic surfaces.
Hot foil operator: Hot foil operators tend machines which apply a metallic foil on other materials using pressure cylinders and heating. They also mix colors, set up the appropriate machinery equipment and monitor printing.
Typesetter: Typesetters ensure that printed text is correctly set and visually pleasing. While typesetting was originally done manually and later employed techniques like linotype and phototypesetting, almost all typesetting is now done digitally using design programs or specialised typesetting programs.
Scanning operator: Scanning operators tend scanners. They feed print materials into the machine and set controls on the machine or on a controlling computer to obtain the highest resolution scan.
Offset printer: Offset printers handle an offset press in order to print an image. The offset press transfers an inked image from the plate to a rubber blanket before to print it onto the printing surface.

References

1. Inspect printing output – ESCO