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

Mar 9, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a print finisher technician is very important in the printing industry. They are responsible for completing the printing process, ensuring that the printed material meets the customer's requirements and looks professional. Without their attention to detail, the printed materials would not look their best and may not meet customer expectations.

A print finisher technician's duties include trimming, folding, die-cutting, stitching, gluing and embossing printed materials. They also prepare and package the finished product for shipping or delivery. Poorly finished prints can lead to customer dissatisfaction, which can have a negative effect on a business's reputation and bottom line.

Therefore, it is essential for a print finisher technician to have an eye for detail and a thorough understanding of the printing process in order to produce high-quality, professional-looking products.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. The first step to becoming a Print Finisher Technician is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. You may want to consider taking classes in business, mathematics, and technology-related fields.
Pursue postsecondary education. You may want to pursue a degree in printing technology, graphic design, or a related field from a vocational school or community college.
Gain hands-on experience. You can gain hands-on experience by working in an entry-level position in a printing company. This will give you an opportunity to learn the different aspects of the job and work with experienced print finishers.
Gain certification. Getting certified as a Print Finisher Technician can help you stand out among other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Certifications are available through organizations such as the Printing Industries of America.
Seek employment. Once you have gained experience and obtained certification, you can begin looking for employment as a Print Finisher Technician. Many companies advertise these positions online or in local job postings.

In order to maintain an efficient and updated Finisher Technician, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. This includes attending relevant seminars and workshops, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals. Moreover, it is essential to invest in proper tools and equipment, as well as investing in continuing education to deepen and broaden knowledge of the field. By taking these proactive measures, a Finisher Technician can stay current on the latest advancements and ensure that they are prepared to handle any print finishing issues that may arise.

You may want to check Print Production Coordinator, Print Production Planner, and Offset Printing Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Perform routine maintenance on printing equipment.
Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems in the printing process.
Adjust settings on printing equipment to optimize the printing process.
Monitor the quality of finished products.
Replace worn or broken parts on printing equipment.
Maintain a consistent supply of materials and supplies necessary for printing.
Maintain records of all maintenance activities performed on printing equipment.
Inspect printed materials for accuracy and defects.
Ensure that safety protocols are followed in the work area.
Train junior technicians in the use of printing equipment and related processes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of printing equipment and processes
Experience with troubleshooting and problem solving
Ability to read and interpret technical documents
Ability to work under deadlines
Knowledge of safety procedures
Ability to use precision measuring tools
Ability to operate hand and power tools safely
Attention to detail
Strong communication skills
Knowledge of quality control processes

The role of a Finisher Technician requires a range of technical skills including knowledge of various printing techniques, troubleshooting, and maintenance. The most important skill for a Finisher Technician is attention to detail. This is because precision is essential to achieve the desired results from the printing process.

Failing to pay attention to the finer details can lead to errors in the printing output, resulting in wasted time and materials. Finisher Technicians need to be familiar with the latest technologies in order to troubleshoot any complications that may arise during the printing process. Finally, good communication skills are essential for a Finisher Technician, as they must be able to communicate with all stakeholders involved in the project to ensure that everything is completed on time and within budget.

All of these skills are essential for a successful Finisher Technician, making attention to detail the most important.

Printer Technician, Printer Engineer, and Printer Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the print finishing industry?
How familiar are you with the different types of print finishing processes and techniques?
What methods have you used to troubleshoot machinery issues?
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate, high-quality results?
Are you able to work with a variety of materials and substrates?
Describe a process you have developed to efficiently track and manage orders.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with machinery?
What challenges have you faced while working as a print finisher technician?
How do you stay organized and manage your workload?
How do you handle the pressure of tight deadlines?

Common Tools in Industry

Heat Seal Machine. Used to seal the edges of plastic or other materials to create a finished product. (Eg: sealing the edges of a plastic bag to contain food items)
Stitcher Machine. Used to join two pieces of fabric together. (Eg: stitching two pieces of fabric together to make a dress)
Ultrasonic Welder. Uses ultrasonic sound waves to weld two pieces of material together. (Eg: welding two pieces of metal together to create a custom product)
Sewing Machine. Used to sew fabrics, leather, or other materials together. (Eg: sewing a button onto a shirt)
Laminator. Used to laminate paper, fabric, or plastic for protection and preservation. (Eg: laminating photos to protect them from fading)
Hot Foil Machine. Used to apply metallic foil onto paper or fabric for decoration. (Eg: applying gold foil onto a wedding invitation)
Binding Machine. Used to bind documents together by punching holes and using wire or plastic binding elements. (Eg: binding a stack of papers together to make a book)

Professional Organizations to Know

The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation
Printing Industries of America
International Digital Enterprise Alliance
International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking
Finishing and Bindery Industry Association
Flexographic Technical Association
Label Industry Global Organization
Printing Industries of the Gulf Coast
Flexographic Prepress Platemakers Association
Specialty Graphic Imaging Association

We also have Print Finisher Supervisor, Print Production Artist, and Print Room Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Paper Cutter. A tool used to cut paper into a desired size and shape.
Guillotine Cutter. A machine used to cut multiple layers of paper at once.
Folding Machine. A machine used to fold paper into a desired shape.
Binding Machine. A machine used to bind documents together with wire, plastic, or other materials.
Laminator. A machine used to coat documents with a thin plastic sheet for added protection.
Stitcher. A machine used to stitch documents together with staples or thread.
Punching Machine. A machine used to punch holes in documents.
Numbering Machine. A machine used to print numbers on documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Print Finisher Technician? A1: A Print Finisher Technician is a professional responsible for preparing print materials for delivery, including cutting, folding, binding, and finishing. Q2: What type of equipment does a Print Finisher Technician use? A2: Print Finisher Technicians use a variety of different machines including cutting machines, folding machines, stitching machines, and binding machines. Q3: What skills are necessary to be a successful Print Finisher Technician? A3: To be a successful Print Finisher Technician, one must possess strong attention to detail, a good understanding of the printing process, and excellent problem-solving and organizational skills. Q4: What is the average salary for a Print Finisher Technician? A4: The average salary for a Print Finisher Technician is approximately $37,000 per year. Q5: What type of environment do Print Finisher Technicians typically work in? A5: Print Finisher Technicians typically work in a warehouse or factory setting, where they are responsible for the completion of print jobs.