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 density- Dot gain/TVI- Scumming, hickeys, ghosting, picking issues- Ink-water balance- Set-off, mottle, slur- Record 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, pinholes- Missing dots, scumming, shade variation- Uneven ink transfer- Tension fluctuations leading to wrinkles- Assist in lamination process checks (if applicable):- Bond strength- Lamination uniformity- Adhesive coating weight- Ensure rewind quality — telescoping, edge alignment, reel hardness.4. Outgoing Quality (Final QC)- Inspect finished goods for:- Colour accuracy vs approved proofs- Barcode readability, text sharpness- Registration consistency- Lamination integrity (gravure)- Die-cut accuracy (offset)- Seal quality in flexible packaging- Verify pack count, label accuracy, palletization quality.- Document final inspection reports before dispatch.- Segregate and report any defective material.5. Lab Testing Support- Conduct basic tests:- GSM, thickness, Cobb test- Rub/scuff resistance- Adhesion (tape test)- Viscosity checks- Basic peel strength test- Maintain the lab logbook, calibration stickers and cleanliness.- Notify Senior QA of deviations.6. Documentation & Reporting- Maintain 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 & Attributes- Basic 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 Indicators- Accuracy of inspection reports- Timely detection of defects during process- Reduction in rework due to improved vigilance- Compliance to SOPs and documentation accuracy- Responsiveness during production quality checks