Reference Book
Unit - 3
Offset Press Operations.................................................................
Introduction
The purpose of this unit is to deal with fundamental understandings that will
enable the students to run any offset duplicator or sheet-fed press after a review
of manufactures operating manual. The operating procedure for running a press
include mounting the plate, achieving smooth paper feeding and delivery,
controlling ink and dampening solution, adjusting the image as needed, and
cleaning the press at the end of the run. This unit also provides information
about leading press manufacturers. The last section of this unit deals with the
factors affecting the cost of a printing job and estimation procedure.
Learning outcomes
The learner:- understandsthe make ready Procedure.
- understands the working of a multi-colour sheet fed offset machine.
- understands about sequence of colours in multicolour printing.
- lists the leading manufacturers of offset machines.
- estimates the cost of production of a printing job in offset printing.
Pre-make ready checks
Before operating a press, the following activities should be done to check
whether the press is made ready for printing.
- Oil the press according to manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Clean the press of dirt, dried ink, grease and excess oil.
- Check the pressure settings of all rollers and cylinders.
- Examine the blankets for defects.
- Examine the inking rollers for glaze.
- Examine the dampener roller covers and change them if required.
- Check the pH of the fountain solution.
- Mix or otherwise prepare the ink for the job.
- Examine the image and non image areas of the plate to be printed.
Before starting a printing job, we should check the information given in the
job ticket. The information include the following: - The correct ink and colour.
- Adequate fountain solution.