This class is intended to train an operator with no experience. Covers basic to advanced press operations and components. 80% Hands-On, 20% Classroom.
The operator training is an intense, fast-paced class with both lecture and hands-on segments. Each lecture portion starts with a quiz and a math problem. Every week there are various hands-on checkpoints consisting of tasks that are essential for operators to understand and complete properly. These tasks must be completed within the metrics (time or footage) set forth at the start of the class.
The students run increasingly complex work on the press. The first assignment is properly webbing the press then we advance to a single blank label and by the end of the class, we are completing delam relam jobs. We do not run live work in the class, we focus on the training and skills of the students. The expectations for each press run are communicated to the student via a job ticket. The students set up the job and complete a standard sign off process and the appropriate QC checks. The waste footage and setup time for each assignment are tracked and compared to metrics of an experienced operator. Allowing the students to see what is expected of them upon graduation. Press runs are completed on a Mark Andy 2200 13” press using UV and water-based inks.
Weekly feedback on the student's performance including their GPA, and waste/footage times are provided to the student's company sponsor.
The class culminates with two final exams; a hands-on press run and a written final. The written exam is comprised of 160 questions from true-false to short answer. The final press run is a tight register 6-color label, with a flood varnish, die cut and lineal. To get maximum points students need to set up the job using less than 850 feet of material and set up, run and clean up in under 3.5 hours.
To earn the Flexo Tech Certification students need to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 80% or better in each section of the class.
Turn Bar
Relam/De-lam
Lamination
Paperwork/QC Sign Offs
Pressure Sensitive Stock
Turret Applications
Butt Splicer Applications
Printing Math
Tooling—Cylinders and Dies
Plate Mounting & Mounting Tape
Ink Formulation and Proofing
Flexographic Print Components
Color Theory
Safety and Maintenance
General Press Operations
Press Webbing and Tension Control
Kiss Impressions
Registration
Varnish Applications
Simple Line Work
Complex Line Work
4-Color Process
2-Over-2, Front and Back
Die Cutting
Setup and Cleanup Procedure
Conveyer, Sheeter, Stacker, Roll-to-Roll
MEMBER: $8,000
NON-MEMBER: $12,000
Tuition does not include room and board.
All students must be sponsored/employed by a printer.
Upcoming Classes:
May 13 - August 2: Flexo Press Operator (2 Seats Available)
August 26 - November 15: Flexo Press Operator (4 Seats Available)
Core Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Students are frequently required to stay longer to complete tasks.
“ I have been in manufacturing and extrusion for 10 years and thought I know it all. There were some similarities in terminology and web handling and tensions, but I quickly identified that I had lots to learn. I had no idea what an anilox roll was or even registration. This class was intense and covered a lot of content in a short period of time. I feel good about what I learned and amazed at what I can run on a press. I am looking forward to my future as a Flexo press operator.”
Weekly Overview:
Week 1: Intro and Webbing the Press
Week 2: Die Cutting
Week 3: Plate Mounting and Kiss Impressions
Week 4: 2 and 3 Color Jobs
Week 5: 3 and 4 Color Jobs
Week 6: 4 Color Process
Week 7: Turn Bar
Week 8: Delam Relam
Week 9: Turret/Butt Splicer
Week 10: Pre Final
Week 11: Final
Week 12: Cold Foil & Embossing
Courses are held on-site at Flexographic Tech, 600 Hoover St, Minneapolis, MN 55413
**THE FLEXOGRAPHIC TECH MEMBERSHIP FEE IS $3,000 PER YEAR. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO ENROLL STUDENTS INTO THE OPERATOR AND 4-WEEK COURSES. ANY SPONSOR WHO DONATES MORE THAN $3,000 IS ALSO CONSIDERED A MEMBER.
Registration deadline:
12 week class – 60 Days prior to first day of class
All other classes – 30 days before start of class
Payments due date:
12 week class –35% ($2,800) none refundable down payment due 7 days after registration. $5,200 (remaining balance) due 60 days prior to start of class or seat is forfeited.
Flexo 101 - 100% tuition payment due at time of enrollment (registration) to reserve your seat. (Your spot in the class will not be reserved until payment is received)
Drop Policies:
If student drops or gets dropped from the program in the first week of class, the company that sponsored them can fill that slot with another candidate. After week one, there is no refund and they cannot add another student.
All credit card payments are subject to a 3% service see.