Job Title: Flexographic Press Operator
Location: Thonotosassa, Florida
Department: Manufacturing / Production / Flexographic
Reports To: Flexographic Dept Supervisor
Location: Thonotosassa Florida
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Overview:
The Flexographic Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining flexographic printing presses to produce high-quality printed materials, such as pressure-sensitive and heat-seal glue cards with aluminum foil backing, commonly used in medication packaging. This position requires a commitment to ensuring production schedules are met, machinery operates efficiently, and final products meet strict quality standards for color accuracy, consistency, and adhesive/foil application. Additionally, the role includes performing basic machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and supporting the quality control process.
Key Responsibilities:
Press Setup & Operation:
- Set up and operate flexographic printing presses to produce printed materials, including pressure-sensitive cards and heat-seal glue cards with aluminum foil backing for medication packaging.
- Accurately place plates, inks, substrates, adhesives, and foils according to product specifications.
- Apply pressure-sensitive adhesives and heat-seal glues, ensuring proper foil backing on printed materials.
- Adjust and monitor adhesive and foil application systems for optimal consistency and performance.
Quality Assurance:
- Inspect printed materials during production to ensure they meet quality standards and customer specifications, focusing on print quality and adhesive/foil application.
- Perform periodic quality checks to ensure bond strength, heat-seal integrity, and foil adhesion are up to industry standards.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance:
- Identify and troubleshoot press issues, such as ink flow problems, registration issues, or adhesive/foil application defects.
- Perform routine maintenance on the press, including cleaning, lubricating parts, changing inks/adhesives, and replacing worn components.
- Work closely with the maintenance team to address major mechanical issues, especially with adhesive and foil systems.
Production Efficiency:
- Monitor press speeds and production rates to ensure targets are met without compromising quality.
- Coordinate with the production team to optimize material and resource usage, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion.
Safety & Compliance:
- Follow all safety protocols while operating presses and handling materials like Boards, inks, adhesives, and foils.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards for manufacturing processes and equipment.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly, including moving or carrying materials such as rolls of paper or ink containers.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods while operating the press.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to adjust and maintain press equipment.
- Manual dexterity required for fine adjustments on press components and handling materials.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes physically demanding environment.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Flexographic Press Operator or in a similar role within the printing industry.
- Strong understanding of flexographic printing processes, including adhesive systems (pressure-sensitive adhesives, heat-seal glues), and foil application.
- Competence in operating and maintaining flexographic presses with integrated adhesive and foil application systems.
- High attention to detail and dedication to producing high-quality prints with precise adhesive and foil applications.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to resolve technical issues efficiently.
- Basic mechanical skills for routine maintenance tasks.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in Flexographic Printing or a related field.
- Experience with advanced press systems or high-volume printing operations.
- Familiarity with quality control techniques, such as adhesive bond testing and foil adhesion checks.
- Experience in printing for pressure-sensitive, heat-seal packaging, especially using foil-backed materials (such as in the pharmaceutical industry).
