Lincoln Electric recently upgraded its VRTEX virtual reality arc welding simulator and introduced several new products, including two new welders and new stainless steel wires.
The company says its VRTEX simulator provides a cutting-edge solution for cultivating welding talent quickly and resourcefully. From superior graphics creating realistic and responsive welding puddles to accurate sounds and movement, what can be learned virtually with VRTEX seamlessly transfers into real-world training.
And now VRTEX offers a dual-user option, which Lincoln Electric says lowers the cost per student, creating a more effective use of training dollars. In addition, the line includes a full-immersion VR headset, allowing for a virtual environment with realistic views and sounds. VRTEX is a popular choice among welding educators to help diagnose issues, develop skills and train welders in a variety of situations and orientations.
The full VRTEX product family includes:
- VRTEX 360+ (dual user)
- VRTEX 360 Single User (single user)
- VRTEX Transport+ (dual user)
- VRTEX Transport (single user)
- VRTEX Engage
With demos of successful welds and a system to track and score key weld parameters, VRTEX provides a life-like welding experience that replicates the real thing, the company maintained. The systems also provide lessons on safety, machine setup and measurement to set the welder up for success in the shop. The software program is designed to bridge welding curriculum with hands-on training, and encourages consistent feedback while reducing welding costs.
For more product information and specifications, visit lincolnelectric.com/VRTEX.
Aspect 230 TIG Welder
Lincoln Electric’s new Aspect 230 TIG Welder is an inverter-based arc welding power source for AC/DC TIG and Stick welding.
The machine was built and designed for the avid TIG welder, the company said. The Aspect 230 TIG welder boasts advanced waveforms, full sequencer and pulse controls, which, along with other features, are easily customized for specific applications and stored in available memory settings.
The unit, available in AC/DC and DC models, is designed to provide the operator with maximum arc response and stability, lightweight and easy to transport, and offers input power ranging from 120 volts to 460 volts.
Also available with the Aspect 230 TIG welder is the Cool-Arc 22 cooling system and new vertical two-wheeled cart designed to work specifically with the AC/DC and DC units. The Cool-Arc 22 cooling system enables the efficient use of water-cooled torches and fits into the fully mobile cart, which provides superior mobility, takes up less space on the shop floor and is equipped with integrated storage features.
UltraCore Stainless Flux-Cored Wires
The company’s new UltraCore stainless steel flux-cored, gas-shielded wires are available in commonly used austenitic grades for flat and all-positional applications. The new wires are preferred by welders for the polished appearance of the weld deposits, ease of welding out-of-position and smooth wire feeding, Lincoln Electric said.
“Flux-cored wires can provide great deposition at high wire-feed speeds,” said Sheena Suvak, Lincoln Electric’s senior product manager for alloys. “Given the nature of welding stainless, we knew ease-of-use was imperative. The new UltraCore flux-cored stainless wires have a smooth arc characteristic that produces minimal spatter. Our fast-freezing slag design creates an easier out-of-position welding experience.”
Designed with the welder in mind, UltraCore stainless steel wires deliver improved weldability characteristics, including:
- Easier out-of-position welding
- Smooth arc with minimal spatter
- Polished weld bead appearance
- Reduces post-weld cleaning
- Wide operating range
The upgraded packaging includes:
- Precision layer wound
- Steady spool payoff
- Consistent wire feeding
- Vacuum-sealed foil bag
- Moisture-resistant package
- New larger 33-pound spool package size
- Less changeover
- More arc time
Testing indicates UltraCore wires exhibit significantly greater arc stability over the length of the weld, the company maintained. The weld beads have less discoloration compared to the competition.
POWER MIG 140 MP
The POWER MIG 140 MP is a multi-process, lightweight and portable welder that connects to 120-volt power. This machine is designed for MIG, Stick, Flux-Cored and DC TIG welding applications, Lincoln Electric said.
“The intuitive user interface, easy setup and full list of accessories helps the welder get the job done in no-time,” the company said.
Designed for use in the home, hobby, shop, farm and auto body spaces, the POWER MIG 140 MP welder weighs only 34.5 pounds, making it easier to transport, and it plugs into standard 120-volt power outlets.
The POWER MIG 140 MP welder provides versatility with MIG, TIG and Stick welding capabilities, allowing for a MIG weld at 30-140 amps, a DC TIG weld at 10-120 amps and a Stick weld at 25-90 amps. The machine comes with a Magnum PRO 100L gun and 10-foot cable assembly with brass connection and 8-pin trigger connector, a Harris Gas Regulator and 52-inch hose for use with Ar/CO2 blend gases, sample spools of Innershield NR-211-MP flux-cored wire and SuperArc L-56 premium MIG wire, a work clamp and cable and an electrode holder with 10-foot cable for stick welding. The product is available in two variants, the POWER MIG 140 MP multi-process welder, and the POWER MIG 140 MP TIG One-Pak, which comes with a foot pedal and ready-to-weld PTA-9 TIG Torch.
The POWER MIG 140 MP welder offers features such as brass-to-brass gun connection, which enhances conductivity, and a rigid drive that aids in wire alignment. The cast aluminum body with enclosed multi-stage gear box delivers improved torque and quiet operation.
“The POWER MIG 140 MP welder will allow our customers to work efficiently having one tool to satisfy a variety of projects,” said Joseph Keipert, associate product manager for commercial equipment. “It is the welder to have if you can only have one.”
In addition, the easy-turn drive tension adjustment with numeric tension indicators makes for intuitive use, while the oversized twist connectors provide durability, Lincoln Electric said. Fast, tool-less drive roll changeovers with dual track drive roll ensure positive flux-cored wire feeding with common wire diameters.
For more information about these or other offerings, visit lincolnelectric.com.
