VRTEX Virtual Welding

Most of the media attention given to virtual reality (VR) focuses on games and entertainment. However the technology has huge potential for more serious applications – the best known example is probably the flight simulators used for training pilots.

One of the newest applications of VR to the real world is the VRTEX 360 from Lincoln Electric. This is a virtual reality simulation of arc welding that allows students to practice welding in a variety of simulated booth or field environments. Lincoln call this VRAW – Virtual Reality Arc Welding.

Erin Justice of Lincoln says:

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.

Lincoln are also keen to stress the green credentials of the VRTEX 360 pointing out that:

The product teaches welding without the use of shielding gas, welding electrodes or weld coupons and does not require weld fume removal. It also reduces the disposal of waste as a result of training such as base material, consumable parts, etc. The VRTEX™ 360 also allows students to be taught with a reduction in overall energy consumption by requiring less energy than a traditional welding machine, feeder and weld fume control system.

The VRTEX 360 is the successor to Lincoln Electric’s previous SimWelder and was developed in partnership with VRSim Inc.