Weld Training System is virtual reality based.

Press Release Summary:



VRTEX(TM) 360 software instructs welding operators, through use of virtual environments, techniques for stick, MIG, or flux-cored arc welding. Virtual environment options include welding booth inside actual welding school environment, desert base operations in military zone, iron work which places student on a high rise building job site, and power generation manufacturing area that addresses process piping. Training is also supplied for electrodes commonly used for sheet metal applications.



Original Press Release:



Lincoln Electric Announces VRTEX(TM) 360 Upgrade Program Release



Cleveland - Lincoln Electric is pleased to announce the release of the first VRTEX(TM) 360 software upgrade offered since the launch of the training system in late 2009. The upgrade package for this virtual reality weld training system, available immediately, is ideal for schools, unions and other training facilities to instruct and educate welding operators in a number of virtual environments, using stick, MIG or flux-cored arc welding processes.

The upgrade package includes new enhancements and features, such as an expanded offering of welding consumables with the addition of AWS E6013 stick electrode. Functionality is also enhanced with the integration of a THEORY function which explains and defines elements within the virtual environment for the welding student.

This upgrade has added a process piping manufacturing virtual welding environment to its existing construction, welding school and desert military base environments offered on VRTEX 360 systems.

"We're very excited to offer an enhanced and expanded interactive welding training system upgraded based on the feedback and requests of the welding community and the current users of the VRTEX 360," said Deanna Postlethwaite, product and marketing manager. "This initial upgrade package provides new functionality and advanced training tools that will make the most advanced virtual reality welding system even better."

The AWS E6013 stick electrode has been added to correspond with the current AWS E6010 and AWS E7018 classifications. This allows for training on a new family of electrodes commonly used for sheet metal applications up to 3/8 inch. When using each electrode type, students can experience arc behavior, welding sounds, hand vibrations and weld results characteristic of that electrode type. All resulting experiences and feedback are altered in real time by the student's actual behavior.

The E6013 electrode has been added to the VRTEX 360 for use on flat plate, T-joints and groove welds. The addition of this electrode also provides enhanced ProFlo(TM) virtual puddle modeling to deliver an extremely realistic welding experience.

Current users and independent research have both indicated a need for additional interactive knowledge during the training experience. The VRTEX 360 now includes a feature integrated into the user interface called the THEORY function.

By pressing a yellow button on the control panel, the new function allows users working in the interactive welding training environment to view images, diagrams, terminology definitions and data essential to the welder's training.

The new process piping virtual environment provides a new realm for the students when training on the VRTEX 360. While in realistic power generation manufacturing areas, students will see other welders operating other equipment, such as a VERNON Tool(TM) pipe cutting system, Mobiflex® and Miniflex® on nearby scaffolding.

The process piping virtual reality welding environment adds to the list of current virtual environment options such as a real welding booth inside an actual welding school environment, desert base operations in a military zone and iron work which places the student on a high rise building job site.

The VRTEX 360 upgrade program is produced under the continued development partnership of Lincoln Electric and VRSim. VRSim Inc. of East Hartford, Conn. is a leader in the development of training software and graphic simulation for industry and academia. The VRTEX 360 is a software-based welding training system powered by the software expertise of the VRSim team and the welding innovation of the Lincoln Electric team.

The VRTEX 360 Upgrade Program can be purchased from Lincoln Electric. The upgrade package is sent directly to customers who purchase the program with supporting literature, materials and curriculum components useful in any welding training environment. For more information on the VRTEX 360, please contact The Lincoln Electric Company - Automation Division at 22221 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44117-2522, via phone at (888) 935-3878 or e-mail at automation@lincolnelectric.com.

The VRTEX 360 ignited a revolution in welding training with the initial release of the product presented at the Essen Fair in Germany in September 2009 and the official U.S. product launch at FABTECH in November 2009. Lincoln Electric continues to lead the industry in the innovation of virtual reality welding training through the VRTEX programs. Lincoln Electric also continues to spearhead programs and products dedicated to the improvement of resources and materials for the training of effective, productive and quality welders.

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, weld fume control systems and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. The company holds a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

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