OHS recently purchased a virtual welder for use in several vocational classes. The VRTEX Mobile Welder simulates three welding processes using seven different types of welds on a variety of metals.
Funded through the Legacy Foundation, the welder will be used in Introduction to Metals to introduce welding and help students learn the proper technique. In Metals II, it will be used for evaluation of welds. The virtual welder can evaluate position, work angle, travel angle and travel speed of the weld. The system can even help a student struggling with a specific skill. The computer can provide an indicator when the student is using the proper technique.
OHS Advanced Welding instructor, Brandon Brooks, is excited to have this technology available to students. Brooks, who also teaches at Evans Middle School, will take the virtual welder to Evans for demonstrations as well. This past week, he had it at Evans during National Manufacturing Day.
He feels welding is a skill that is useful to a variety of people, not just those seeking to learn a trade. With the virtual welder, all students will have an opportunity to experience welding. The technology is unique to a high school setting. "I'd be surprised if very many other schools have this type of technology," said Brooks.
