We’ve embraced some cutting-edge technology to help us train students in one of the most traditional of trades – welding.

Our virtual welder machine helps new learners get used to welding techniques, risk-free and without the need for protective gear, before they try the real thing.

Teachers are also finding that the equipment, which gives users a score based on their performance, is a useful way of adding some lighthearted competition to classes.

And, by saving on materials, it offers sustainability benefits too.

A valuable teaching tool

Welding and Fabrication Course Leader, Simon Davison (pictured), said: “The Lincoln Electric Vrtex 360 virtual welder we use is pretty good for developing initial hand – eye coordination, and for practising travel speed, angle and torch distance away from the weld.

“The visuals are good, the sound is realistic and the choice of different work zones is cool.

“We can operate virtually in a typical welding bay, a large top-end auto shop, a military desert base or even a nuclear power plant. All the scenes and backdrops simulate real working environments.”

Adding fun and a hazard-free experience

The equipment, purchased a few years ago with government Levelling Up funding, is also a useful aid for logging students’ efforts and ranking them according to factors like travel speed, angle, and weld quality.

Each user is given a score and can replay a recording of their welding work to see what they did well, and where they could improve.

Simon said: “Overall it is a very good piece of kit and adds fun and provides a hands-on experience whilst eliminating all of the potential hazards or dangers of real welding.”

The human factor

As great as the virtual reality (VR) machine is though, particularly for beginner welders, it does have its limitations.

Simon said: “It is a good ice breaker and is popular with brand new welding students but once they get a taste for real welding there is no substitute for the real thing, as the temperature whilst welding cannot be simulated.

“And a real welding machine will always operate even when your parameters and settings are incorrect, though you’ll get a few weld defects or sparks. With the VR machine, unless you have set it up by the book, it will not work whatsoever so setting it up can be quite tricky.

“Other than that, it’s a great way to save money on metal and a good way to establish a positive relationship, with a fun competitive element, in class.”

A video of Simon demonstrating the virtual welder in action can be viewed here.