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

Jun 13, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Print Quality Assurance Inspectors are responsible for ensuring that printed materials meet the required quality standards. They review, inspect and analyze the quality of printed materials produced by a printing press. Poor quality standards can have a number of adverse effects, such as lower customer satisfaction, increased rework costs and decreased profitability.

By inspecting and monitoring the quality of printed materials, Print Quality Assurance Inspectors can help reduce these negative impacts and ultimately improve the companys bottom line. Some related entities that play an important role in the quality assurance process include the printing press, the raw materials used, and the customer feedback. With careful inspections, these entities can work together to ensure that the final product meets the desired quality standards.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Print quality assurance inspectors usually need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent to pursue a job in this field.
Pursue a postsecondary degree, if desired. While a postsecondary degree is not required for this job, those who have one may have an advantage over those who don't. Consider taking relevant classes in printing technology and quality assurance at a technical school or community college.
Get a job as a print production worker. While print production workers are not required to have any specific educational qualifications, some employers may prefer applicants who have postsecondary training in printing or related fields.
Gain experience in the print industry. Work as a print production worker for several years to gain experience in the industry and become familiar with different printing processes and equipment.
Obtain certification, if desired. Certification is not required to become a print quality assurance inspector, but obtaining certification may demonstrate expertise and give applicants an advantage over those without it. The International Digital Enterprise Alliance (IDEAlliance) offers certification programs in digital production and printing quality management.
Seek employment as a print quality assurance inspector. Search job postings online or contact local print shops and commercial printing companies to inquire about open positions. Be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of printing processes, equipment and quality assurance techniques during the interview process.

In order to stay ahead and efficient as a Print Quality Assurance Inspector, it is important to regularly monitor and adjust print processes, test and evaluate printing materials, and keep up with the latest trends and technologies. By doing so, one can ensure that all prints meet customer expectations, identify any potential errors or problems before they become costly, and save time by utilizing the most efficient methods. Furthermore, staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices can help an inspector be proactive in identifying potential issues and provide solutions to improve the overall quality of prints. Lastly, being organized and having an organized workspace can aid an inspector in quickly recognizing and solving any problems or complications that may arise.

You may want to check Printer Operator Supervisor, Wide Format Printer Operator, and Digital Printing Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect printed materials to ensure quality meets established standards.
Review artwork and templates to ensure accuracy of colors, content, and resolution.
Troubleshoot any defects or errors in the printing process.
Calibrate and operate quality control equipment to ensure all products meet or exceed standards.
Monitor the output of automated printing presses to ensure all printed material meets quality requirements.
Document production data and maintain detailed records of inspections and results.
Take corrective action as needed to maintain product quality.
Work closely with production team to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
Assist in the development of new processes to improve quality and efficiency.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Attention to Detail: Ability to closely inspect the quality of products and materials to ensure they meet established standards.
Knowledge of Quality Standards: Understanding of quality assurance processes and procedures, as well as various industry standards.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data and identify defects or trends that may impact product quality.
Computer Literacy: Proficiency in using computers and related software programs to manage quality assurance processes.
Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with other team members, troubleshoot problems, and provide feedback on quality issues.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify root causes of quality issues and develop solutions to address them quickly and efficiently.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines and production goals.
Organizational Skills: Ability to organize, track, and report on quality assurance activities.
Technical Aptitude: Knowledge of production equipment and processes, as well as an understanding of how they impact product quality.
Documentation Skills: Ability to accurately document quality assurance activities, including results from inspections and tests.

The ability to pay close attention to detail is an essential skill for Quality Assurance Inspectors. Quality Assurance Inspectors must be able to spot even the smallest defects in products, as well as any inconsistencies in the manufacturing process. They must also be able to determine the root cause of any issues and develop solutions to ensure that the same mistakes don't happen again.

Having a good eye for detail, a strong understanding of the product, and excellent problem-solving skills are essential for Quality Assurance Inspectors to ensure the highest quality of products. Without these skills, it would be impossible to adequately inspect products and safeguard against potential issues. The result of neglecting these skills could be costly mistakes and a drop in customer satisfaction.

Print Production Planner, Offset Printing Supervisor, and Print Shop Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in quality assurance inspection for print media?
How do you ensure that all print items meet customer specifications?
What methods do you use to evaluate the quality of printed materials?
Describe a time when you identified and corrected a quality issue with a printed item.
What strategies do you use to stay up-to-date on the latest printing technologies?
How would you handle a situation in which a customer was unsatisfied with a printed item?
What techniques do you use to maintain accurate records of all print items inspected?
How do you ensure that all equipment used for print quality assurance is properly calibrated?
How do you handle complex problem-solving situations related to print quality assurance?
How would you ensure that all printing processes are compliant with industry standards and regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Calipers. Used to measure the size of objects with precision. (eg: measuring a printed part to ensure it meets size specifications)
Dimensional Scanning System. Used to accurately measure 3D objects for quality control. (eg: scanning a printed part to compare to its 3D CAD model)
Color Meter. Used to measure the color of a printed object. (eg: ensuring the colors on a printed label match a reference sample)
Magnifying Glass. Used to inspect objects with magnification. (eg: examining the surface of a printed part for defects)
Microscope. Used to inspect objects with even more powerful magnification. (eg: examining the cross-section of a printed object for consistency)
Ultrasound or X-Ray Scanner. Used to inspect objects without destroying them. (eg: checking for internal voids in a printed part)
Profilometer. Used to measure 2D profiles of objects. (eg: measuring the edge quality of a printed part)
Tensile Tester. Used to measure the strength of materials. (eg: testing a printed part to verify its tensile strength)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Quality Assurance Association (AQAA)
Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA)
International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Association for Quality and Participation (AQP)
International Association for Quality (IAQ)
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
International Standards Organization (ISO)
ANSI-Accredited Standards Committee (ASC)
International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)

We also have Print Finisher Quality Inspector, Print Finisher Supervisor, and Print Traffic Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Color Calibration. Adjustment of a color device to achieve accurate and consistent color values.
Color Correction. Adjusting the color of an image to make it match a desired reference.
Density Meter. An instrument used to measure the lightness or darkness of an image.
Dot Gain. The increase in size of a printed dot from what it was originally set at in the design.
Gray Balance. The overall balance of gray tones in an image or print.
Ink Rub Tester. A device used to test the durability of printing by rubbing ink onto a substrate to see if it will smudge or transfer.
Moiré Pattern. An undesirable pattern of interference caused when two repeating patterns are overlaid on each other.
Print Resolution. The level of detail that is visible in a printed image, usually measured in dots per inch (DPI).
Registration. The proper alignment of components such as ink and screens during printing.
Trapping. The process of overlapping adjacent colors to prevent gaps between them when printed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Print Quality Assurance Inspector?

A Print Quality Assurance Inspector is responsible for ensuring that printed materials meet the quality standards of the organization. The inspector inspects all printed materials for accuracy, clarity, and consistency. They also inspect for defects such as smudges, wrinkles, and color variations.

What skills are needed for a Print Quality Assurance Inspector?

Print Quality Assurance Inspectors must have strong attention to detail, excellent visual acuity, and good judgment. They must also be able to read and interpret blueprints and other technical documents. Additionally, knowledge of printing processes and quality control standards is essential.

How often does a Print Quality Assurance Inspector inspect materials?

Print Quality Assurance Inspectors typically inspect materials at various stages of production, including pre-press, pressroom, and post-press. The frequency of inspections depends on the complexity of the job and the organizations quality control standards.

What tools or equipment do Print Quality Assurance Inspectors use?

Print Quality Assurance Inspectors use a variety of tools and equipment to inspect printed materials. This includes magnifying glasses, calipers, and densitometers to measure color accuracy, as well as visual inspection tools such as loupe and light boxes to detect defects.

What is the salary range for a Print Quality Assurance Inspector?

The average salary for a Print Quality Assurance Inspector is between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on experience, qualifications, and other factors.