Job Description

Pad Printing Machine Operator

Job Title: Pad Printing Machine Operator.

Department: Production / Manufacturing / Finishing.

Reports To: Production Supervisor / Department Manager.

Job Summary: The Pad Printing Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining pad printing machines to accurately and efficiently print designs, logos, and information onto various products and substrates. This role requires precision, attention to detail, a strong understanding of ink properties and print quality, and a commitment to meeting production standards and schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

• Machine Setup and Operation:
  • Set up pad printing machines according to job specifications, including installing and aligning printing plates (clichés), selecting and positioning silicone pads, and adjusting machine parameters (e.g., pressure, speed, delay).
  • Mix and prepare inks to achieve specified colors, viscosities, and adhesion properties, ensuring accurate color matching per customer requirements.
  • Load and secure parts or products onto machine fixtures, jigs, or conveyors for printing.
  • Operate the pad printing machine, monitoring the printing process to ensure consistent quality and production speed.
• Quality Control:
  • Perform frequent visual inspections of printed products for quality, clarity, registration accuracy, color consistency, adhesion, and any defects (e.g., smudges, missing print, double images).
  • Make real-time adjustments to machine settings, ink, or pad as needed to correct quality issues.
  • Perform adhesion tests to ensure print durability.
  • Document quality checks and non-conforming products.
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
  • Conduct routine cleaning and preventive maintenance on pad printing machines, pads, and clichés to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose common machine malfunctions or print defects (e.g., ink issues, pad wear, plate problems).
  • Perform minor repairs and component replacements (e.g., changing pads, plates) as needed.
  • Coordinate with maintenance technicians for more complex repairs or specialized servicing.
• Workflow Management:
  • Read and interpret production orders, blueprints, and artwork specifications to understand job requirements.
  • Manage and organize materials, components, and finished products at the workstation.
  • Maintain accurate records of production output, material usage, ink batches, and machine settings.
  • Assist with packaging of finished products as required.
• Safety and Housekeeping:
  • Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including proper handling of inks and solvents, ventilation requirements, and wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper disposal of waste materials.
  • Report any safety concerns or equipment malfunctions immediately.
• Collaboration:
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, quality control personnel, and other team members regarding job status, production issues, and material needs.
  • May assist in training new operators.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in printing or manufacturing is a plus.
• Proven experience (1-3 years preferred) as a Pad Printing Machine Operator or similar printing/machine operation role.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• Excellent color vision and ability to distinguish subtle color variations.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, precise work.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Basic math skills for measurements, calculations, and mixing ratios.
• Problem-solving skills for troubleshooting machine and print quality issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• May require the ability to lift and move materials up to [Specify Weight, e.g., 30 pounds] occasionally.
• Familiarity with various ink types, solvents, and substrates used in pad printing is highly desirable.

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