# Print simulation > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Print_simulation > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Print_simulation.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Print_simulation > Source revision: 1316998550 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) **Print process simulation** uses interactive [simulation](/source/Simulation) software to reproduce the operating conditions of complex multi-colour printing presses that often cost several million dollars. Simulators are available for different printing process technologies (offset Sseetfed, [heatset](/source/Heatset) and coldset web offset, [flexographic](/source/Flexographic) and [gravure](/source/Rotogravure) packaging), and include their consumables (like inks, plates, paper and other substrates) and where pertinent, in-line packaging operations (such as folding, cutting, and label creation). ## Simulation in education and training Press operators get hands-on experience in quality control and problem solving, without the costs, dangers, or unstructured training associated with learning on actual presses. A wide variety of printing conditions and problems are covered that are used for training, skills assessment, performance enhancement, and process analysis. Simulation is a means of presenting infrequent problems before they happen, so that they can be recognized when they do occur.[1] Exercises can evaluate specific competencies and if they are used to solve problems.[*[clarification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify)*] the NAA ([Newspaper Association of America](/source/Newspaper_Association_of_America)), and the Flexographic Technical Association.[2] ## Printing simulation Typical systems include monitoring and cost analysis that allow the training process to correlate with, versus the waste, cost, and time on a real press.[3] Simulators may be connected to a press control console (like the cockpit in a flight simulator) or run on standard micro computer hardware with single or multiple screens. Internet-based learning management systems now allow simulation exercises to be made in a one language/location and reviewed in another language by a training supervisor in a different location – what is traced is the interaction with the process, not the local name of the controls.[4] A print simulator integrated into a real press control console. The different screens show (from left to right): 1. the pressroom (access to the machine and environment) 2. the printed copy: high contrast, small display 3. the printed copy: lower contract, large display 4. a real operator interface to a process control system As of 2013[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Print_simulation&action=edit), it was estimated that over 2000 print simulators were installed worldwide. Users include technical schools, universities, printing companies, and their suppliers,[5] [6] who find that they cut costs, accelerate training time, and give a more thorough grounding in structured problem solving. Simulators from Sinapse are used alongside real presses in the EuroSkills and WorldSkills competitions to select the best printer.[4][7] In 2013, the print simulation cloud-based learning system DLMS won a PIA (Printing Industries of America) Intertech Award:[8] Language-independent, it automatically analysed and compares training results from different countries, in different languages. This DLMS was used at worldskillsLeipzig 2013[9] to analyze and compare results from contestants using simulators in more than ten languages. ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-orig15_1-0)** Herman, Peter; Grimaldi, Laurent; Carl, Gerd (September 19–23, 2011). [*Development of knowledge and press-test based Heatset training simulator*](http://www.hdm-stuttgart.de/international_circle/conferences/11norrkoeping/abstracts/view?get_id=18-herman) (abstract). [43rd annual conference of the International Circle of Educational Institutes for Graphic Arts, Technology and Management](http://ic2011.itn.liu.se/index.php?s=conference). [Norrköping](/source/Norrk%C3%B6ping) Sweden: International Circle of Teaching Institute for Polygraphic industry. Retrieved March 8, 2013. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [http://www.flexography.org](http://www.flexography.org) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-orig8_3-0)** ["Press simulation shows wide variety of uses at Transcontinental Mexico"](http://whattheythink.com/news/49610-press-simulation-wide-variety-uses-transcontinental-mexico/). 9 Mar 2011. Retrieved 8 Mar 2013. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-worldskills_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-worldskills_4-1) [http://www.worldskills.org](http://www.worldskills.org) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-orig11_5-0)** "Confronting the skills problem". *Print & Paper Online Magazine*: 247. Apr 2004. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-orig12_6-0)** ["Training Generation Y to Work"](https://blogs.wsj.com/informedreader/2007/03/04/training-generation-y-to-work/). *Wall Street Journal*. 4 Mar 2007. Retrieved 8 Mar 2013. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [http://www.sinapseprint.com](http://www.sinapseprint.com) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Innovative Technologies Earn 2013 InterTech™ Award"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130818132456/http://www.printing.org/news/11465). *www.printing.org*. Archived from [the original](http://www.printing.org/news/11465) on 2013-08-18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Sinapse Print Simulators (23 July 2013). ["WSL 2013 Print Media Technology"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEwRzfregk0) – via YouTube. - RIND Survey, January 2012, "Simulated press problem focusses on tackling production problems" - What They Think, March 9; 2011, "Press Simulation shows wide variety of uses at Transcontinental Mexico" - Quebec Imprimerie, N0 211, 2011, "Au dela de la formation sur presse" - [http://www.sinapseprint.com/IMG/pdf/Case_study_Quebecor_ST_Cloud.pdf](http://www.sinapseprint.com/IMG/pdf/Case_study_Quebecor_ST_Cloud.pdf) - Wall Street Journal, [https://blogs.wsj.com/informedreader/2007/03/04/training-generation-y-to-work/](https://blogs.wsj.com/informedreader/2007/03/04/training-generation-y-to-work/) - GATF World, May/June 2003, "Using SHOTS" - New Heatset Simulator Generation - newsletter1 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Print simulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Print_simulation) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Print_simulation?action=history)). 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