Best Welding Simulator for Realistic Classroom Training

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As the demand for skilled welding professionals rises, finding the best welding simulator for realistic classroom training is a high priority for competitive CTE programs.

There are a projected 360,000 new welding professionals needed by 2027, according to the American Welding Society, and one of the most effective ways to take the next generation of welders from classroom to career is through augmented reality training.

Augmented reality training is an option that allows students to practice and reinforce proper welding techniques before hopping into a welding booth, which saves on consumables and resources while students become comfortable with their skills.

Another advantage of augmented reality systems is that without investing in the equipment, consumables and facilities needed for traditional welding training, you can train several welders simultaneously with a trainer that combines real objects with virtual computer-generated images. Some other benefits include:

  • Prepare students for their first weld by establishing a strong foundational knowledge before using real equipment.
  • Performance is scored, graphed, and recorded for playback to help correct errors.
  • Decrease the costs associated with consumables.
  • Reduce safety risks in the classroom.

Specifically, Miller’s welding simulators are a popular tool we often see in CTE classrooms. Miller has collaborated with NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), and their AugmentedArc systems are integrated with NCCER exercises for welding levels 1-2 curriculum, which correlate to the AWS SENSE standards and guidelines.

Beginner to advanced students can practice multiple welding processes on the AugmentedAtc simulator, including MIG (GMAW), Flux-cored (FCAW), Stick (SMAW), and TIG (GTAW) using multiple material types like steel, stainless and aluminum. The system comes complete with the simulator, and AR helmet, teacher software, theory content, quizzes, and welding exercises, as well as seven workpieces: T-joint, butt joint, lap joint, pipe-to-plate, butt pipe, V-groove with backing and V-groove without backing.

The MobileArc welder is a different option that is ideal for introducing students to welding. This is different from Miller’s AugmentedArc trainer because it’s entry-level and covers a single welding process. MobileArc includes a helmet, a video display that can be handheld or helmet mounted, coupons and a torch.

Feel free to contact us for detailed specs and pricing on these systems.

About the Author

Kaydee Hynson

Kaydee joined Amtek Company in January 2021 where she provides admin, sales, and marketing support. She previously worked in publishing and digital marketing and studied journalism in college. With years of writing and editing under her belt, she is a true creative at heart. In her free time, you can catch her reading fiction, taking photos of her dog, or listening to a true crime podcast while drinking entirely too much coffee.