Briefing-note Lincoln VRTEX Engage in mind that the Arc+ NG SMAW model retails for $8,000 US and the...
Transcript of Briefing-note Lincoln VRTEX Engage in mind that the Arc+ NG SMAW model retails for $8,000 US and the...
Confidential – Do not Distribute, updated: 2015‐11‐30 1
Briefing‐note:LincolnVRTEXEngage
Purposeofthisdocument
The purpose of this document is to brief Arc+ NG reps on Lincoln’s new product, the VRTEX Engage. We will update it as we get more information. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. It is for internal use only. Do not distribute.
Manufacturerinformation
Lincoln Electric VRTEX Engage product page: http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en‐us/equipment/training‐equipment/vrtex/Pages/vrtex‐engage.aspx VRTEX Engage Product Info: http://www.lincolnelectric.com/assets/US/EN/literature/mc15105.pdf VRTEX Engage Brochure: http://www.lincolnelectric.com/assets/US/EN/literature/mc15110.pdf
Videos
Lincoln VRTEX Engage menu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iLYJlVR‐Ps&feature=youtu.be Lincoln VRTEX Engage hardware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Wa9vsz‐cI
Description
Product launched in October 2015 and is priced under $10,000 US.
Engage includes a 17” touch screen monitor, welding gun, tracking device and a work surface. It’s all contained in a portable carrying case (50 lbs).
Designed to help educators train welders and engage students to explore a career in welding. It addresses introductory welding lessons, including safety, machine and process selection, welding procedure set up, and welding theory.
Analysis
We are still gathering information, but here is what we have so far:
The only thing that the VRTEX Engage could be used for is outreach and career orientation. Its portability would certainly make outreach activities easier.
It is priced under $10,000 US, which is much less than the VRTEX Mobile, which retails for $24,000 US. Keep in mind that the Arc+ NG SMAW model retails for $8,000 US and the Arc+ NG GMAW model retails for $9,750 US.
Engage has many drawbacks if it is being considering for welder training: o Extremely simplistic and limited. o The equipment is toy‐like. The tools look and feel like a children’s version of what their
father would use. We don’t think it would appeal to welding teachers. o The arc sound is unrealistic.
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o The interface is very poor. Very difficult to navigate, non‐intuitive with very ugly graphics. The sounds emitted when clicking buttons is very irritating.
o The integrated curriculum is not provided in a very engaging format. It’s not likely that students will use it.
o The plastic torch would not be very effective for developing dexterity and muscle memory. o It runs on Windows 7, which means it has the same security vulnerabilities as Lincoln’s other
simulators. o Electromagnetic detection, so same potential for interference from electromagnetic fields
and it represents a health hazard for people with pacemakers. o So far, English language support only. o The display is onscreen only. There is no option for a 3D helmet or glasses. o Supports only GMAW and is not upgradable like the Arc+ NG SMAW and GMAW models. o No option for a height adjustable table, so it would need to be setup on whatever table
surface is available. This isn’t great for teaching proper welding posture. o No server option, so student data would be stored on a USB key like the other Lincoln
simulators. o No support for vertical or overhead positions. o No coupons.
Ourconclusion
We need to get the retail price on this product, but we doubt that it is any cheaper than the Arc+ NG SMAW or GMAW models.
The Arc+ NG SMAW and GMAW models are better than Engage for outreach because of the much greater realism and they have the added benefit of being upgradable.
The Arc+ NG is a better entry‐level trainer because of the real torches and realism. It also does a better job of developing dexterity and muscle memory, which is transferable to real welding.
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Anycomments?
If you see any inaccuracies or information that could be added to this document, please e‐mail us at [email protected]. Thank you.