Plate Maker Cum Impositor

ITI Plate Maker-cum-Impositer Syllabus (English) – Concise Version

The Plate Maker-cum-Impositer ITI trade is a one-year non-engineering course under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). It trains individuals in preparing printing plates, imposing layouts, and operating offset printing machines, preparing them for roles like plate makers, impositors, or printing technicians in the printing and publishing industry, or for self-employment.

Course Overview

• Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
• NSQF Level: Level 4
• Eligibility: 10th grade pass
• Objective: Equip trainees with skills in plate-making, imposition, and printing processes for quality print production.

Syllabus Breakdown (English)

• Semester 1
  • Trade Theory:
    • Introduction to Printing: History, types (offset, gravure, screen), industry scope.
    • Materials: Plates (PS, CTP), inks, chemicals, paper types.
    • Plate-Making Basics: Exposure, development, etching processes.
    • Imposition: Layout planning, sheet work, folding patterns.
    • Offset Machines: Components, operation principles, safety measures.
    • Safety and Ethics: Workplace hazards, PPE, environmental responsibility.
  • Trade Practical:
    • Plate Preparation: Exposing, developing PS plates in labs.
    • Imposition: Creating layouts for single/multi-color jobs.
    • Machine Handling: Setting up offset machines, adjusting rollers.
    • Quality Checks: Inspecting plates for defects (e.g., scratches, exposure errors).
    • Project: Preparing a plate and layout for a mock booklet.
• Semester 2
  • Trade Theory:
    • Advanced Plate-Making: CTP systems, digital workflows, plate preservation.
    • Color Management: Color separation, proofing techniques.
    • Imposition Techniques: Complex layouts, multi-page signatures.
    • Printing Technology: Troubleshooting print issues, quality standards.
    • Digital Tools: DTP software (CorelDRAW, Photoshop), pre-press basics.
    • Entrepreneurship: Starting a printing unit, cost estimation.
  • Trade Practical:
    • CTP Operation: Preparing digital plates, adjusting exposures.
    • Advanced Imposition: Layouts for magazines, brochures in workshops.
    • Printing: Running multi-color jobs, checking registration.
    • Troubleshooting: Correcting plate/image alignment issues.
    • Industrial Exposure: Observing print shops (2-4 weeks).
    • Project: Producing plates and layouts for a multi-page printed item.
• Other Components:
  • Workshop Calculation: Plate measurements, paper calculations, ink estimation.
  • Science: Chemistry of inks, light exposure in plate-making.
  • Engineering Drawing: Reading imposition schemes, press layouts.
  • Employability Skills: Communication, teamwork, IT literacy.

Assessment and Certification

• Exams: Semester-wise (theory + practical).
• Certification: NCVT National Trade Certificate (NTC).
• Evaluation: Plate quality, layout accuracy, printing skills.

Career Opportunities

• Jobs: Plate maker, impositor, printing technician in publishing, packaging, or print shops.
• Self-Employment: Pre-press service provider, small printing business.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Printing Technology, advanced certifications.