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The profession of an equalizer, also known as an inker, refers to professionals working in the printing or art industry. Their main task is to level out unevenness and prepare surfaces for the printing process to ensure even color distribution and a high quality of the final product. They often work with various tools and techniques to process and finish materials such as paper, textiles or other printable media.
In their day-to-day work, levellers are responsible for preparing printing plates, applying and mixing inks and ensuring the right consistency. They must have a good eye for color and detail and often also have knowledge of colorimetry and color management. The work requires precision and care, as the final quality of the printed product depends largely on their accuracy.
Digitalization and technological advancements have influenced the job of the leveller (inker). Modern printing techniques often require a combination of traditional craftsmanship and the use of digital tools and machines. It is therefore important for professionals in this field to continuously train and familiarize themselves with the latest trends and technologies in order to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
Der Beruf des Egalisierers oder der Egalisiererin, auch als Tuscher oder Tuscherin bekannt, ist ein spezialisierter Beruf in der Druck- und Oberflächenveredelungsbranche. Die Hauptaufgabe besteht darin, Farb- und Oberflächenunterschiede auf Materialien wie Papier, Textilien oder anderen Substraten auszugleichen und für eine gleichmäßige Beschaffenheit zu sorgen. Egalisierer müssen ein ausgeprägtes Farbempfinden und ein gutes Auge für Details besitzen, da die Farbanpassung und -korrektur ein wesentlicher Bestandteil ihrer Arbeit ist.
Für die Ausübung des Berufs sind in der Regel eine abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung in einem relevanten Bereich und einschlägige Berufserfahrung erforderlich. Kenntnisse in der Farbenlehre, Verständnis für Druckprozesse und Materialkunde sind unerlässlich. Egalisierer müssen außerdem mit verschiedenen Werkzeugen und Maschinen umgehen können, die zur Anwendung von Farben und zur Oberflächenbehandlung eingesetzt werden. Zudem sind präzises Arbeiten und eine sorgfältige Qualitätskontrolle gefordert.
Die Fähigkeit, Farbabweichungen zu erkennen und entsprechende Anpassungen vorzunehmen, ist eine grundlegende Anforderung. Egalisierer sollten weiterhin über fundierte Kenntnisse in den Bereichen Mischtechnik und Schichtauftrag verfügen. Da die Arbeit häufig im Team und in Abstimmung mit anderen Abteilungen erfolgt, sind gute kommunikative Fähigkeiten und Teamfähigkeit wichtig. Flexibilität und die Bereitschaft zur Weiterbildung, um mit technologischen Entwicklungen Schritt zu halten, runden das Anforderungsprofil ab.
An equalizer, also known as an inker, usually begins the typical workday by preparing the workstation and checking the materials to be worked on. This may include preparing colors and inks, sharpening tools and setting up drawing tables or digital equipment if digital inking is used. Careful review of sketches or artwork is essential to ensure that all lines and details are correct and accurate.
During the day, the leveler will focus on leveling and finishing drawings, which requires a high level of concentration and precision. Activities include tracing pencil templates, touching up drawings, adjusting line thicknesses and adding shading or textures. When doing this detailed work, it is important that the penciller has a good eye for aesthetics and a steady hand to ensure the quality of the final product.
Towards the end of the working day, the penciller is dedicated to checking the finished work to correct any errors and ensure quality. This may include smoothing lines, removing excess or touching up minor details. After completion and quality control, the work is sent on for further processing or to the customer. Tidying up and preparing for the next working day are also part of the day-to-day work of a smoothing technician (tuscher).
An equalizer (inker) works in the printing and media industry. Earnings in this profession depend on various factors, such as professional experience, the position within the company and the size and location of the employer. As a rule, the starting salary for this profession corresponds to the general statutory minimum wage, but can increase with experience and specialization.
The earning potential can improve if the equalizer (engraver) acquires additional qualifications or works in a company that offers higher salaries. However, performance-related pay in the form of commissions or bonuses is not common in this profession. It is also not common to receive tips.
After a few years in the industry and possibly taking on more responsibility or specializing in certain printing techniques, the salary may be at the upper limit of the stated range or possibly even higher. However, it should be noted that these figures are averages and individual salaries may vary.
The profession of an equalizer falls into the category of specialist professions in pre-press and finishing. Training in printing technology or media design is usually required to work in this professional field. These training courses are usually offered as dual vocational training, which means that the trainees both work in a company and attend a vocational school. During the apprenticeship, trainees learn the basics of printing technology, how to handle various printing materials and machines and the specific techniques of levelling.
After completing the apprenticeship, it is often necessary to specialize in the job of a leveller. This can be done through additional courses and further training offered by technical colleges or private educational institutions. In these specialized courses, the focus is on refining skills in the use of ink and other printing inks to ensure a uniform appearance on different materials. Practical experience is particularly important in this profession in order to develop a good feel for the materials and the intricacies of the levelling process.
Technological developments and digital change are also having an impact on the profession of leveller. Continuous training is therefore essential to keep up with the latest printing technologies. This can mean regularly attending training courses and seminars that deal with digital prepress, the use of computers in printing technology and the latest image processing and editing techniques. A high willingness to continue training and adapt to new processes is therefore of great importance for prospective levellers.
The occupation of leveller (inker) is usually found in the printing and paper industry, particularly in companies that specialize in the production of high-quality print products. Employment opportunities include printing companies that work with traditional printing techniques, such as offset, gravure or screen printing.
In addition, publishing houses and companies that specialize in the production of packaging or labels also offer jobs for levellers (inkers). These specialists can also find employment in the graphic arts industry, particularly in the preparation and post-processing of printing plates and rollers.
Last but not least, companies that focus on artistic printing techniques or the restoration of printed products can also be potential employers for equalizers (inkers).
At ZNAPP you will find employers who are actively looking for equalizers (inkers).
