How to Be Print Finisher Quality Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a Finisher Quality Inspector is critical in maintaining the quality of products. As the name suggests, they are responsible for inspecting the finish of products, ensuring that the product is free from any defects or irregularities. This is important to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain a good reputation for the company.

If the products are not finished to the highest standards, it can lead to customer dissatisfaction, lost business, and ultimately, financial losses. Therefore, the Finisher Quality Inspector plays an essential role in ensuring that all products are of the highest quality before they get into the hands of the customers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer applicants with a high school education.
Enroll in a postsecondary program in printing and graphic arts, a related field, or quality control. Most employers prefer applicants with formal training in the field.
Gain experience in a printing or graphics-related position. Many employers prefer applicants with prior experience in the field.
Earn certifications in the field of printing and graphics, and/or quality control. Many employers prefer applicants with certifications in their field.
Apply for positions as a print finisher quality inspector. Many employers require applicants to have experience in the field before applying for a position as a quality inspector.
Take and pass an assessment test to determine your knowledge of quality control processes and procedures.
Complete on-the-job training to learn the specific processes and procedures of the employer.
Perform periodic inspections to ensure that products meet quality standards and specifications.
Document any discrepancies and report them to the appropriate personnel for action.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to identify areas of improvement and develop solutions to improve processes.

The quality of a finished product is greatly dependent on the skill and competency of the inspector. When a qualified inspector is employed to oversee the production process, they are able to identify any potential issues in the manufacturing process and take steps to correct them before the product is released for sale. This can lead to higher overall customer satisfaction as fewer defective products reach the consumer.

Furthermore, when an inspector is competent and well-trained, they are able to quickly and accurately identify any problems with the product and take the necessary steps to rectify them. This reduces the chances of a product needing replacement or repair, saving time and money for both the manufacturer and consumer. skilled and competent inspectors are essential for producing quality finished products.

You may want to check Print Shop Manager, Wide Format Printer Technician, and Print Production Artist for alternative.

Job Description

Perform daily inspections of finished products to ensure quality standards are met.
Maintain accurate records of all inspections and findings.
Troubleshoot and resolve any discrepancies or issues with the finished product.
Collaborate with production teams to optimize product quality.
Generate reports as needed to document inspection results.
Monitor production processes and ensure safety standards are followed.
Develop and implement quality control procedures.
Provide feedback to production staff on improvement opportunities.
Train staff on quality assurance procedures and standards.
Assist in maintaining inventory of materials and supplies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of quality assurance methods and processes.
Familiarity with standards and regulations related to finisher quality inspection.
Ability to accurately inspect and measure finished products.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to utilize appropriate tools and devices for inspection.
Computer proficiency, including the use of data analysis software.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Problem solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to remain focused and consistent while inspecting multiple products.

Good quality control is essential for any successful business, and having a skilled quality inspector is a key factor in ensuring the highest standard of product is achieved. The quality inspector is responsible for examining products before they are released to the public, and their expertise helps to identify any potential flaws or defects. The finisher quality inspector must possess a keen eye for detail, as even small imperfections can have significant consequences.

Furthermore, they must have an understanding of the customer requirements, as well as being able to work efficiently to meet deadlines. Good communication skills are also important, as the finisher quality inspector needs to be able to communicate any issues which arise with other members of the team. Finally, they must be able to stay organized and prioritize tasks, as having a good system in place can help to ensure that all products are checked thoroughly.

By having a qualified finisher quality inspector, businesses can ensure that their products meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

Print Production Technician, Print Production Manager, and Print Production Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the print finishing and quality inspection industry?
What processes do you use to inspect printed material for quality control?
How do you ensure that product is up to industry standards and customer expectations?
Describe a challenging quality control issue you have encountered in the past and how you resolved it.
How do you inspect and guarantee accuracy of cutting, folding and gluing work?
How do you stay organized when inspecting multiple orders?
How would you handle a customer complaint regarding the quality of a product?
How do you troubleshoot problems or faults with machinery or equipment?
What safety protocols do you follow when performing inspections on printed material?
What techniques do you use to improve the efficiency of your quality inspection process?

Common Tools in Industry

Calipers. Used to measure the dimensions of a product or part with great precision (eg: measuring the diameter of a steel shaft).
Micrometers. Used to measure small distances with a high degree of accuracy (eg: measuring the depth of a hole).
Vision systems. Used to detect any flaws or defects in a product (eg: analyzing the surface finish of a part).
Gage blocks/masters. Used to check the accuracy of measuring tools (eg: checking the accuracy of a caliper).
Hardness testers. Used to measure the hardness of a material (eg: testing the hardness of a metal casting).
Surface finish tester. Used to evaluate the surface finish of a product (eg: evaluating the smoothness of a machined surface).
Coating thickness gauges. Used to measure the thickness of coatings on products (eg: measuring the thickness of a paint coating).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
International Association for Quality (IAQ)
International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Association for Laboratory Accreditation (IALA)
American Welding Society (AWS)
International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

We also have Printer Service Technician, Printer Support Technician, and 3D Printer Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Quality Control. The process of evaluating the quality of a product or service to ensure that it meets predetermined standards.
Quality Assurance. The process of verifying that a product or service meets predetermined requirements and quality standards.
Quality Audit. A systematic examination of a product or service to evaluate its conformance to established quality standards.
Quality Improvement. A systematic approach to measure, analyze, and improve the quality of a product or service.
Non-Conformance Report. A document that records any deviation from existing standards or procedures.
Corrective Action Plan. A plan of action to address and resolve any non-conformance issues identified in a non-conformance report.
Inspection. The physical examination of a product to determine if it meets the required specifications.
Calibration. The process of adjusting a measuring device to ensure accuracy.
Sampling. The process of selecting a portion of a population for inspection or testing.
Statistical Process Control (SPC). A technique used to monitor, control, and improve the quality of processes by using statistical methods and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Print Finisher Quality Inspector?

A Print Finisher Quality Inspector is responsible for inspecting printed materials to ensure that they meet quality standards. They check for defects, accuracy of colors and registration, as well as other factors such as label placement and paper quality.

What qualifications are needed to become a Print Finisher Quality Inspector?

To become a Print Finisher Quality Inspector, one must have an eye for detail and be familiar with the printing industry and the different processes involved. Additionally, experience in the printing industry and knowledge of print standards, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are helpful.

What tasks does a Print Finisher Quality Inspector perform?

Print Finisher Quality Inspectors are responsible for inspecting printed materials to ensure they meet quality standards. This includes checking for accuracy of colors and registration, as well as other factors such as label placement, paper quality, and any defects or errors.

What tools does a Print Finisher Quality Inspector use?

Print Finisher Quality Inspectors use a variety of tools to inspect printed materials, such as magnifying lenses, rulers and calipers, spectrophotometers, colorimeters, and other specialized equipment.

What is the average salary of a Print Finisher Quality Inspector?

The average salary of a Print Finisher Quality Inspector depends on factors such as location and experience. According to PayScale, the average salary for a Print Finisher Quality Inspector in the United States is $46,287 per year.