The future of welder training is here

Virtual Welding from Fronius provides welding novices with a welding simulator that accurately reflects real life. Students are trained to weld in a completely safe environment using ergonomically designed welding torches, typical workpieces and adjustable welding parameters. Virtual Welding also enables savings in material and resources of up to 25%.

The training course is broken down into two sections: training sessions and subsequent simulation sessions. The training sessions introduce students to the key principles of welding in three phases - welding speed, welding speed and distance to workpiece and welding speed, distance to workpiece and torch angle. A "ghost", i.e. a virtual trainer, helps students through all three segments by demonstrating the optimum position. Real welding noises and an on-screen 'traffic light' colour system enable students to track how accurate, or not, their work is, allowing them to make immediate corrections during the welding process.

The training sessions are followed by the simulation sessions. Unaided by the ghost, students must now demonstrate the skills learned in the training sessions on a virtual weld seam. An additional step also allows the welding parameters for the scenario selected (short and/or spray arc) to be set on the torch itself.

The didactic concept behind Virtual Welding provides administrators/trainers with the option of individually configuring courses to match the level of difficulty to the respective target groups. A showroom mode gives anyone who is interested the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity, and maybe awaken a deeper interest in welding as a career, by experimenting with Virtual Welding for themselves.

A video analysis is provided to give direct feedback about the exercise that has just been carried out. With this, students can independently analyse and correct the errors they have made. Objective and traceable feedback is ensured by a points-based assessment system. The results achieved by the user currently logged in are stored in the system and can be called up at any time.

For a true welding experience, optional extras include 3D glasses integrated into the helmet. Virtual Welding is currently available in nine languages, but the software can be supplied in any language on request. The virtual welding simulator is available now in both mobile case and terminal versions.

Fronius is continually refining the Virtual Welding system. New training scenarios (workpieces and positions) can be added at any time from a DVD, or updated online in the case of networked systems.