Quality Assurance Executive – Printing

Job DescriptionExecutive – Quality (Offset / Gravure)Experience: 0–2 yearsReports to: Senior Executive – QA / QA ManagerDivision: Assigned to either Offset or GravureRole SummaryA hands-on and learning-focused role responsible for executing day-to-day quality operations across incoming inspection, process quality, outgoing checks, lab tests, and documentation. The role supports the QA team in maintaining product quality, ensuring compliance with specifications, and detecting defects in Offset or Gravure printing.Detailed Responsibilities1. Incoming Quality (Offset & Gravure)Inspect substrates: paper, boards, flexible films, foils, metallized films, laminates, etc.Check parameters like GSM, micron, moisture, COF (for films), stiffness, gloss and smoothness.Inspect inks, varnishes, adhesives, coatings for shade, viscosity, batch quality and contamination.Check plates (offset) and cylinders (gravure) for scratches, dents, engraving uniformity.Verify supplier documents like COA, batch slips and compliance certificates.Raise NCR for incoming defects and quarantine non-conforming material.Update incoming inspection records in QMS/ERP.2. In-Process Quality – Offset (if assigned to Offset division)During Make-ready:Verify plate integrity, dot clarity, trapping sequence and job card details.Check dampening solution pH, conductivity, temperature.Assist in achieving correct registration and colour balance.During Production:Conduct periodic inspections of:Colour densityDot gain/TVIScumming, hickeys, ghosting, picking issuesInk-water balanceSet-off, mottle, slurRecord sheet-wise observations and escalate abnormal variations.Monitor sheet stability, drying and coating consistency.Ensure correct substrate feeding, side lay, gripper margin and job sequence.3. In-Process Quality – Gravure (if assigned to Gravure division)Check cylinder surface condition, engraving uniformity and repeat length accuracy.Measure ink viscosity at required intervals using Ford/Zahn cup.Verify doctor blade pressure, angle and wear condition.Observe and report:Drag marks, streaks, pinholesMissing dots, scumming, shade variationUneven ink transferTension fluctuations leading to wrinklesAssist in lamination process checks (if applicable):Bond strengthLamination uniformityAdhesive coating weightEnsure rewind quality — telescoping, edge alignment, reel hardness.4. Outgoing Quality (Final QC)Inspect finished goods for:Colour accuracy vs approved proofsBarcode readability, text sharpnessRegistration consistencyLamination integrity (gravure)Die-cut accuracy (offset)Seal quality in flexible packagingVerify pack count, label accuracy, palletization quality.Document final inspection reports before dispatch.Segregate and report any defective material.5. Lab Testing SupportConduct basic tests:GSM, thickness, Cobb testRub/scuff resistanceAdhesion (tape test)Viscosity checksBasic peel strength testMaintain the lab logbook, calibration stickers and cleanliness.Notify Senior QA of deviations.6. Documentation & ReportingMaintain QA checklists, online inspection reports and NCR logs.Assist in data entry for QMS, ERP or Excel-based logs.Maintain sample retention area with correct identification labels.Support monthly quality MIS preparation.Required Skills & AttributesBasic print knowledge (registration, colour variation, print defects).Ability to observe defects and report promptly.Basic testing skills; willingness to learn spectrophotometer/densitometer.Discipline, accuracy, teamwork and cleanliness.Performance IndicatorsAccuracy of inspection reportsTimely detection of defects during processReduction in rework due to improved vigilanceCompliance to SOPs and documentation accuracyResponsiveness during production quality checks