Press Assistant Operator

Job Purpose: Performs prescribed duties and assists the Press Operator as requested in setting up and running a flexographic press printing multi-colored designs and lettering on a flexible web consisting of plastic, cellophane, paper, etc.

Key Accountabilities:

• Assists the Press Operator in set-up activities by obtaining necessary raw materials (inks, films) for impending job, checking against production order to insure accuracy, and assembling other required elements such as pans, pumps, covers, etc.
• Assists Press Operator in loading cylinders (1-10 per job; 75-280 lbs each) into press.
• Loads proper film onto unwind, checking for defects and maintaining accurate weight records and checking correct side to print on using base film guide.
• Lifts unwind shafts (approx. 30-75 lbs each) as necessary to remove empty cores and load new ones.
• Fills ink pumps, secures hoses, and transfers ink to designated printing unit.
• Sets ink viscosities to prescribed standards using Zahn cup and timer.
• Lifts and transports ink kits (15-75 lbs each) as necessary.
• Maintains accurate records on inks, solvents, and related materials coming to press.
• Maintains adequate ink and film supplies to press and replenishes unwind material as required.
• Checks and documents ink viscosities at prescribed intervals and ensures ink volume sufficiency.
• Assists operator in matching printed ink samples to color standards at prescribed intervals.
• Watches web for problems during operator absence and reacts accordingly.
• Cleans the equipment and work areas and secures materials for impending jobs as production activity allows. 
• Keeps the floor free of liquid.
• Returns, with occasional assist from operator, ink and other materials to their designated storage areas with proper information attached.
• Cleans ink equipment in automatic vat as required.
• Works with the operator in a manner necessary to facilitate learning, preparing for the job of Press Operator as a mandatory promotional step and/or emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.