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Career Details : Dot Etchers

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Description

Increase or reduce size of photographic dots by chemical or photomechanical methods to make color corrections on halftone negatives or positives to be used in preparation of lithographic printing plates.

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Tasks

  • Places masks over separation negatives or positives and exposes film for specified time, using contact frame and automatic film processor to reduce size of photographic dots to increase or reduce color.
  • Compares proof print of color separation negative or positive with customer's original copy and standard color chart to determine accuracy of reproduction.
  • Blocks out or modifies color shades of film, using template, brushes, and opaque.
  • Identifies and marks color discrepancies on print and film.
  • Applies opaque to defective areas of film to block out blemishes and pinholes.
  • Examines film on light table to determine specified color and color balance, using magnifying glass or densitometer.
  • Prepares photographic masks to protect areas of film not needing correction, using contact frame and automatic film processor or by manually cutting masking material, to correct color by photomechanical method.
  • Determines extent of correction and exposure length needed based on experience or predetermined exposure and color charts.
  • Prepares dyes and other chemical solutions according to standard and applies solution to inaccurately colored areas of film to correct color by chemical method.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Indoors
    • Using Hands on Objects, Tools, Controls
    • Degree of Automation

    Related Majors

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