Operating the printer
We must be constantly vigilant while the printing machine is running. We have to watch for variations in settings such as the lamp voltage altering or the tensions or loops changing and causing damage to the film or its perforations. This is particularly necessary when we are printing shrunken film as a change in shrinkage can cause the loops to alter. We must watch that the grading tape or band is operating correctly and moving through the equipment properly.
Loading and Checking the Printing Machine
The next stage is loading the printing machine with the printing elements and the raw stock to be used. They are loaded with the sync mark positioned in the gate. Great care must be taken that we lace the machine carefully with the right size loops where required. Incorrect lacing will lead to us damaging the film with scratches, torn perforations. We can also cause wrong position light changes, soft focus, unsteady images and out of sync sound.
If we are operating a wet printer then we must check that we have the correct pressure and circulation of the liquid to avoid formation of air bubbles in the printing gate. Air bubbles during printing will cause spots and streaks in the image and will require reprinting the material.
We now can load the grading bands or tapes into the printing machine. Having checked again that all the tensions and loops are correct, we can start the printer. The starting procedure will vary from one machine to another.
Problems
Some printing machines, particularly step printers, require that we monitor the frameline during printing.
We have to be sure that the frameline is steady and does not move. If the frameline does move, then we must stop the machine, check for damage to the original film and report to the grader. It will probably be necessary to transfer the film to another printing machine that can handle this film. If the frameline changes position during printing then we must stop the machine, pull back the original to the previous scene change and if necessary adjust the gate.
We must be careful to make sure that the light band or tape is pulled back appropriately to maintain the right grading. If the problem re-occurs than we stop the machine and refer the problem to the grader.
Similarly, if we have problems with the light band or tape, such as having lights left on the band, or the film stopping before the end, we must again refer the problem to the grader. He will decide whether he wants the reel of printed stock processed or not.
Other problems that can occur are the original being damaged or breaking. In these cases, we must stop the printer, if it has not stopped automatically, and again refer to the grader. No attempt to repair the film should be made.
Unloading
When we have completed our run and the machine has been stopped or has stopped automatically we must unload it.
We unlace the raw stock and the un-printed section broken off the printed section and put away in its correct can.
We put the printed section in a black bag and into a can.
We label the can with all instructions for the processing department and we unload the originals and return them to their correct cans with the grading information.
Details of the work carried out we record as required.