Virtual Reality Simulator Expands Support for Lap Joint On Mild Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel

The Lincoln Electric Company (Cleveland, OH) released the fifth VRTEX^® Extensions™ software upgrade. The upgrade includes a lap joint weld coupon with support for mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel in the virtual welding simulation environment – increasing the number of available and supported welds on the system from 105 to 141.

As an effective and efficient system to supplement and enhance welding training and education programs, the VRTEX virtual welding simulator provides educators, instructors and trainers with the ability to teach welding with a blended training methodology of virtual welding and traditional welding.

“The lap joint coupon allows customers to expand their virtual welding training,” states Sarah Evans, the virtual reality product manager at Lincoln Electric. “Customer feedback on the system enhancement has been overwhelmingly positive. As a direct result of customer need, this latest software upgrade expands support on mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel, making the VRTEX system an even more valuable interactive experience for teaching and refining welding technique and skill.”

A presentation and overview of VRTEX.

With the VRTEX Extensions program, customers have the flexibility to add only what they want, when they want it. The program offers independent or a la carte upgrade releases and enables users to purchase VRTEX 360 software upgrade releases based on their specific needs. VRTEX virtual welding system owners have the option to purchase or skip the upgrade if it does not fit into their welding training program.

The VRTEX 360 Extensions upgrade program is produced under the continued development partnership of Lincoln Electric and VRSim Inc. (East Hartford, CT), a leader in the development of training software and graphic simulation for industry and academia. Any customer with the base software version 1.1.10 or Upgrade 1 can purchase the releases that best complement their welding curriculum. VRTEX 360 Extensions upgrade packages are sent directly to customers who purchase the program. Packages include supporting literature, materials and curriculum components useful in any welding training environment.

The company has also launched an easy-to-use, digital-interface helmet into its VIKING™ Welding Helmet product group. Equipped with pivot-style headgear, improved optical clarity with enhanced color recognition and a three-year warranty, the 2450D is a best-in-class digital helmet.

Lincoln also offers UltraCore^® SR-12 gas-shielded flux-cored wire. This 75 percent – 80 percent Argon / balance CO₂ gas-shielded flux-cored (FCAW-G) wire is capable of meeting AWS E71T-12M-JH8 requirements in as-welded and stress-relieved conditions.

Key Features include:

• Robust Mechanical Properties – Exceeds AWS E71T-12M-JH8 strength and low-temperature impact toughness requirements in as-welded and stress-relieved conditions with impacts of 110 – 200 J (80-150 ft-lb) @ -40 deg C (-40 deg F).
• Operator Friendly – Premium arc performance and bead shape makes SR-12 easy to use for welders of all skill levels.

This flux-cored wire conforms to AWS A5.20/A5.20M: E71T-1M-JH8, E71T-9M-JH8, and E71T-12M-JH8 classifications. Available in 15 lb and 33 lb packages, UltraCore SR-12 wire comes in the standard .045 in (1.1 mm) diameter.

Lincoln released its new 2014 Equipment Catalog (E1.10), which details the company’s MIG, TIG, and multi-process equipment, as well as plasma cutting systems, welding automation, fume control systems, training product solutions, orbital welding systems, accessories and welding gear products.

New in 2014, the welding consumable section, previously shown to provide a summary view of the company’s wire and electrode offering, now includes product numbers to enable quick cross-referencing or order placement. Armed with this information, Lincoln Electric users and distributors can specify a complete equipment/consumable package from one convenient document.

The 2014 Lincoln Electric Equipment Catalog can be downloaded and viewed on Apple^® iOS devices with the company’s Lincoln Library^® mobile app, available in the Apple^® App Store. A postcard is also included, allowing users to register for the company’s iWeld™ email newsletter. iWeld alerts users to product updates, new technologies, events and user project ideas for home and small shops.

The company also offers the 2014 Welding Consumables Catalog (C1.10) that details one of the most comprehensive welding consumables product groups on the market today. Navigating through the 2014 C1.10 is quick and easy, thanks to its large print size, improved interface and removable tabs for year-long guidance to each product group. The catalog contains the full line of Lincoln Electric welding consumables, including products introduced within the last year.

New in 2014, the C1.10 offers an expanded portfolio of alloy welding solutions designed for specific industry applications. This product mix includes stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, low alloy, and hardfacing wires and electrodes.

The Lincoln Electric Company, 22800 Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44117-2522, 888-935-3876, Fax: 216-383-2699, www.lincolnelectric.com.