The collision repair industry continues to face a shortage of trained technicians. Virtual reality has not been widely embraced by collision repair training programs, but it could potentially attract more people to the industry and more quickly get them welding proficiently. Lincoln Electric introduced its VRTEX (pronounced “vertex”) welding simulator more than 10 years ago, and the latest models, the 360+ Dual and the Transport+ Dual, expand the accessibility of that technology.
Lincoln Electric has added a Dual option for its line of VRTEX welding simulators, as shown for the 360+ model.
“The Dual reduces the cost per user and allows more users to train at the same time using independent processes,” said Denise Sirochman, product manager at Lincoln.
Virtual reality (VR) training does not replace traditional welding training. But proponents of the technology say that blended training – combining VR with actual hands-on welding – allows for more repetition, which reduces training time and accelerates the training process. With real-time feedback and a realistic weld puddle and arc sound, VR also allows students to learn “muscle memory” of proper welding technique, which transfers to real-world welding.
A two-week study in 2010 by Iowa State University included a test group of 11 students, combining a 50/50 mix of traditional and virtual welding. A control group of 11 students used only traditional training. The VR group showed a 41.6-percent increase in overall certification and a 23-percent decrease in training time.
Classroom or career fair can host realistic simulation
With no sparks, fumes, or metal coupons required, the VRTEX welding simulator can be used in a comfortable environment, such as a classroom. The compact Transport models can even be used as recruiting tools at events such as career fairs, which allow those who may not have considered welding – or welding as part of collision repair – as a career to try it out in a relaxed setting.
The VRTEX equipment offers realistic simulation of gas metal arc welding (GMAW, also known as MIG/MAG, the one used in collision repair,) shielded metal arc welding (SMAW, or “stick,”) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW, also known as TIG) welding processes.
The increased portability of the VRTEX Transport makes it easier to bring to career fairs and other recruiting opportunities.
It consists of five components: the machine, with adjustable settings, similar to “real-life” welding machines; VR goggles; a stand for the simulated welding coupons; and the stick, MIG, and TIG devices. The simulation also offers various welding environments, including a motorsports garage, the one closest to collision repair offered by Lincoln. Six standard coupons are included, including a tee joint and groove joint, while a lap-joint coupon, which would be needed for collision repair, is available as an option.
Traditional welding instruction requires the instructor to watch as the student welds, critiquing after the weld is complete and trying to determine what was wrong with it. If correction is needed, it generally requires a new coupon, which costs money and setup time.
But VRTEX allows the computer to display real-time feedback within the student’s goggles that shows how to correct the angle of the welding torch, adjust the travel speed, or to correct the distance of the welding tip to the material. VR also easily allows student groups to critique their classmate’s performance, because the weld shows on the monitor in real-time. The instructor can also rotate the view of the coupon during welding to check for proper angles. The replay mode allows the instructor and student to identify proper and improper technique during the simulation, building confidence for when it’s time to head to the shop for “live welding.”
“Skilled welders cannot be trained on simulators alone and need real arc time to fine-tune their welding skills,” commented a Lincoln Electric representative on a demonstration video on YouTube. “However, VR welding training can provide a fun and beneficial educational experience.”
