Press Operator Training & Manufacturer Support
Training and support are at the top of our minds when considering new equipment purchases. Although the new presses out there should be easy to operate, vendor training and support are paramount to a successful install and operation. Some seasoned operators are capable of making a transition to the new presses and technologies. Certainly, the functionality of the machine is far from the days of manual tweaking performed by highly skilled operators. New presses are designed to work without the manual tweaks and continual adjustments to which seasoned operators are accustomed:
- Press components that were traditionally exposed and available for operators to make manual tweaks are now totally enclosed or nonexistent
- Automation, sensors, computer controls and pendants are what operate the press
- Drag-and-drop registration, viscometer control on a touchscreen, and control of deck movements are all done with the touch of a button
There is something to be said about all press components and major moving parts being enclosed in the name of safety. It’s obvious safety was a huge consideration in the new designs and functionality of modern-day presses. Safety should be the No. 1 priority for manufacturers of all kinds; it played a big part in which press we chose.
To say you do not need a skilled operator anymore is simply not true—It is the skill set required to operate the new presses that has evolved. Gone are the days of manual tweaking and adjustments. There are no more knobs and mechanical components that allow for such adjustments. The new machines are designed to be controlled and operated by computers and touchscreens.
“Having the ability to let the press manufacturer remote into the machine’s computer allows for faster diagnosis of issues and quicker resolution.”
With so many new automations and electronics that operate the machine, we’re not looking for the same person we were all looking for decades ago to operate the press. There is a new generation in the workforce now and the press manufacturers know this. While you may not need a person well-versed in mechanics, you do need a person who has a basic understanding of computers and machine operations.
Proper training and support from the press manufacturer is a must. Follow-up training and pre-established site visits will go a long way toward operational success. Being that most press manufacturers are from foreign countries, it is essential to request trainers who can speak the language of your pressroom team.
Established training programs after initial training is key to longevity for operators and new employees who are added to the pressroom. At Poly Print Inc, our training programs include classroom training, hands-on training, testing, video training, refresher training and more. As always, proper management and enforcement of these programs are what drive its success.
Printed Satisfaction
There is no perfect machine. There are, however, bad machines with bad designs that are not fit for a printing and production world—presses designed to work well in lab conditions, but not on a plant floor. I can say we did not get one of those machines.
About the Author: Joe Genova is vice president of Poly Print Inc, based in Tucson, AZ. The family owned firm specializes in flexible packaging production for a variety of applications, including food, beverage, pet food and nutraceuticals. Founded in 1992, Poly Print Inc operates out of a 77,000 sq. ft. facility and regularly employees between 75 and 80 people.
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