# Printing Press Operators > Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses. - Code: 51-5112.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 51-5112) - Family: [Production](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-51), one of its 114 occupations - Tasks: 23 tasks (17 core and 6 supplemental) - Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5112.00 - JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/51-5112.00.json ## What the work is made of 1. Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration. Core task · Task 19430 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 2. Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions. Core task · Task 19423 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 3. Adjust ink fountain flow rates. Core task · Task 19417 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 4. Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job. Core task · Task 19431 · Rated by 62 people who do the job, August 2020 5. Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments. Core task · Task 19421 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 6. Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls. Core task · Task 19424 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 7. Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages. Core task · Task 19427 · Rated by 62 people who do the job, August 2020 8. Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size. Core task · Task 19426 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 9. Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances. Core task · Task 19429 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 10. Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed. Core task · Task 19419 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 11. Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required. Core task · Task 19418 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 12. Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains. Core task · Task 19428 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 13. Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems. Core task · Task 19425 · Rated by 62 people who do the job, August 2020 14. Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools. Core task · Task 19420 · Rated by 61 people who do the job, August 2020 15. Maintain time or production records. Core task · Task 19435 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 16. Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary. Core task · Task 19437 · Rated by 62 people who do the job, August 2020 17. Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments. Core task · Task 19436 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 18. Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software. Supplemental task · Task 19422 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 19. Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations. Supplemental task · Task 19416 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 20. Direct or monitor work of press crews. Supplemental task · Task 19433 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 21. Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated. Supplemental task · Task 19434 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 22. Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software. Supplemental task · Task 19432 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2020 23. Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines. 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