Lincoln Electric has developed a new way to teach welding techniques using a new virtual welding system called VRTEX 360. The system incorporates technology Lincoln recently acquired from VRSim Inc., an East Harford, Conn.-based leader in the development of training software and graphic simulation for industry and academia. This next-generation virtual welding training system was developed in partnership by teams at Lincoln Electric and VRSim Inc.
“Having a sufficient supply of trained welders is critical to our country’s industrial and infrastructure needs, and virtual welding provides a new and exciting approach to training that is desperately needed,” said Erin Justice, Lincoln’s manager of virtual welding solutions.
Lincoln’s innovative VRTEX 360 is a virtual reality arc welding training solution and represents the next generation of VR welding training. The VRTEX 360 provides a “virtual” hands-on training experience that allows students to complete more passes than traditional training and provides real-time welding technique feedback similar to a video game to both trainers and students. The VRTEX 360 feeds computer-generated data with a virtual welding gun and helmet equipped with internal monitors. The student practices welding in virtual environments, including simulated welding booth training environment or field welding applications. Training using the VRTEX 360 can be conducted in various settings, including classrooms, an important consideration especially for schools and training centers with limited resources and shop space.
“In addition to attracting the next generation of welders, we are also doing it in an eco-friendly way,” Justice said. “Our green virtual welding system saves energy, reduces the use of costly materials and avoids creating waste.”
For more information, visit www.VRTEX360.com.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Lincoln Electric is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc-welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment.
