Lincoln Electric® launches new VRTEX® virtual reality welding training simulators to provide a powerful, cutting-edge solution for training welders faster and more efficiently while driving down material costs.

The next generation VRTEX welding systems feature an extremely realistic GTAW (TIG) welding experience. The weld puddle, including weld discontinuities, is highly accurate and visually and audibly responsive to operator behavior. The operator uses an adaptive current foot control and can perform welds without and without filler metal on a variety of materials.  ,

The new VRTEX 360+ allows schools or training centers to train two welders at the same time from one machine, each independently performing welds using different processes, coupons, joints and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).

VRTEX virtual reality simulator benefits include:

• Reduced training costs
• Faster Training
• Increase in Certification Rates
• Safety – No metal, sparks, heat, gas or fumes
• Immediate performance evaluation and enhanced student engagement

With VRTEX simulators, weld puddle action and audio/visual response to operator behavior differ for mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel as in actual welding. Additional features include:

• Demo and Replay Modes – used by instructors to display optimal welding techniques and review actual student behavior
• Virtual Bend Tests: instantly provides results to reveal what causes a weld to pass or fail
• Advanced scoring for weld tie-ins
• Pipe-on-Plate coupon and welding procedure specifications
• Lap coupon with support for mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel
• Weldometer™ records material savings for each practice weld performed

New Models:

• All new VRTEX models feature the extremely realistic GTAW process and welding devices.
• VRTEX 360 Single User – offers multiple welding processes, positions and joint configurations
• VRTEX 360+ Dual User – trains two people at the same time from one machine to increase throughput and further reduce program costs.
• VRTEX Transport™ – tabletop-based system

To complete the VRTEX family, the VRTEX Engage^® is ideal for introductory career pathways programs in any environment. All VRTEX models feature an industry-leading three-year warranty. Learn more at https://education.lincolnelectric.com/vrtex.

VRTEX simulators are part a complete suite of solutions for technical educators and industrial trainers. For more information on Lincoln Electric’s total education offering, visit https://education.lincolnelectric.com

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 60 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 19 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at www.lincolnelectric.com.