Lincoln Electric will offer industry professionals the opportunity to simulate real welding experiences in virtual environments with the VRTEX 360 Virtual Reality Arc Welding training solution at ConExpo and several other events in 2011. The company will feature this realistic welder training system at seven global conferences and trade shows throughout the year to better acquaint welders with the benefits of virtual hands-on training.
The VRTEX 360 is an educational training tool that is designed to accelerate welding training through the utilization of virtual reality.
The VRTEX 360 System can be used to simulate:
- SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG) and FCAW (flux-cored) welding processes
- Multiple weld joint configurations and welding positions
- A variety of welding environments, including construction sites and welding school booths.
The VRTEX 360 offers a combination of realistic puddle simulation and arc welding sound tied to a welder’s movements, providing a hands-on training experience. The system assists in training skilled welders faster with lower training costs and allows shops to easily integrate high-tech training tools into their in-house curriculum. It also serves as a way to recruit new welders.
The VRTEX will be on display, for hands-on use, at the following conferences in 2011:
- ConExpo-Con/AGG, March 22-26, Las Vegas
- OTC: Offshore Technology Conference, May 2-5, Houston
- NASCC: The Steel Conference, May 11-15, Pittsburgh
- World Skills 2011, Oct. 5-8, London
- SEMA, Nov. 1-4, Las Vegas
- FABTECH, Nov. 14-17, Chicago
- PRI: Performance Racing Industry, Dec. 1-4, Orlando, Fla.
- Power-GEN International, Dec. 13-15, Las Vegas
“By implementing VRAW training into traditional welding training programs, students learn more quickly,” said Deanna Postlethwaite, marketing manager, Lincoln Electric Automation Division. “This increases welding school throughput and opens up more time to teach additional topics. Skilled welders cannot be trained on simulators alone and need real arc time to fine tune their welding skills. This training solution can provide a fun and beneficial educational experience. We’re taking the system on the road to show the industry just how fun — and effective — virtual reality training can be.”
For more information on the VRTEX 360 or to request a demonstration, visit www.VRTEX360.com.
The Lincoln Electric Co., headquartered in Cleveland, is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, fume control systems and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment.
