Operator
Full-time Not ApplicableJob Overview
Job Purpose
As an Assistant Printer & Ink Mixer, you are an essential link in the screen printing production process. You support the lead printer in preparing and executing printing jobs. Additionally, you are responsible for accurately mixing and preparing the inks for production. Thanks to your precision and preparation, the production process can run smoothly and without delays.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. Ink Mixing & Color Management
Independently mix inks (water-based, plastisol, or solvent) based on Pantone (PMS) color codes, specific formulas, or customer requirements.
Check the viscosity (thickness) and overall quality of the ink prior to starting the print run.
Accurately maintain ink stock levels and proactively report when raw materials need to be reordered.
Archive and document customer-specific ink formulas for future orders.
2. Print Process Preparation
Set up and prepare screen printing machinery (carousel, flatbed, or rotary presses) for operation.
Inspect, degrease, and clean screen frames, ensuring they are free of imperfections.
Mount and adjust screens, squeegees, and floodbars in the machine.
Stage and organize the materials to be printed (textiles, paper, plastics, etc.) at the designated workstation.
3. Production Assistance
Assist with loading and feeding materials into the printing press.
Continuously monitor print quality during production (checking for sharpness, color opacity, and potential defects).
Unload printed products and properly guide them through the conveyor dryer/curing oven.
Promptly report any print deviations or machine malfunctions to the lead printer.
4. Cleaning & Maintenance
Thoroughly clean screens, squeegees, and ink wells upon completion of a production order.
Maintain a clean and organized ink-mixing kitchen and workspace in accordance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Responsibly dispose of chemical waste (such as leftover ink and cleaning agents) according to company guidelines.