3D Simulator Adds Web Folding

Sinapse introduced several features for its web press training simulators at drupa. Based in Lyons, France, the firm makes systems for training sheetfed and web press operators on computer monitors, reducing the need to use live press time for operators to gain new skills. At drupa, a new 3D folding feature was added to its heatset web press simulator. The new tool allows users to view 3D signatures exiting the press folder and see all visible printing folder faults (dog ears, tears, wrinkling).

The interactive software packages train press operators to recognize, analyze and correct print problems by simulating the operation of a sheetfed press or heatset web press, where any changes to the press are reflected in the simulated print copy.

Companies using simulators report that training time for new employees was reduced, average makeready times went down and the percentage of good copies in the press run increased.

Trainers can predefine press run problems—such as color and register at makeready or chemistry and density modifications during the run— to show operators how their actions influenced results and costs.

The company also launched a heatset web press training simulator for the Goss M-600 (shown) with Omnicon interface. The Sinapse tool offers more complete simulation of process variables, dryer behavior and technical audit parameters.

Sinapse training simulators are already available integrated into press control systems from many suppliers including Goss International, TKS, Honeywell, EAE and ABB, with over 1,000 systems in operation worldwide already. The company's system is behind SHOTS and SIR sheetfed and heatset simulator programs accessible through PIA/GATF. gain.net