SWDT investment in cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) welding technology
New AR welding tech fires up future talent at South West Durham Training
New AR welding tech fires up future talent at South West Durham Training
A forward-thinking training and skills provider in County Durham has invested in cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) welding technology, marking a significant step forward in providing next-level training for aspiring welders.
The acquisition of the Soldamatic system is set to revolutionise welding education at South West Durham Training (SWDT), a key part of Bishop Auckland College Group, offering substantial benefits in saving materials, time and costs over the longer term.
This strategic investment ultimately aims to free up resources that can be reinvested into other vital areas, including community projects, while meeting the sustainability agenda and reducing carbon footprint.
The advanced AR technology has already brought impressive results, with fabrication and welding student Reece Hewick, an apprentice at Solatron ISA in Shildon, clinching victory in a regional inter college competition in March.
Demonstrating the immediate impact of the new training method, Reece successfully executed a vertical lap joint – a technique he had never attempted before – after dedicated practice on the Soldamatic system.
Gary Bower, fabrication and welding lecturer at SWDT, said: “It is next level. It’s exciting as a training provider and tutor to deliver this. “Not only will this allow us to save in a few areas, this will help students’ muscle memory to perform the welds. While not essential to learn to weld, today it is very advantageous and a real strong point for SWDT to have.”
Tutor Gary Bower with student Thomas Lally working on the new Soldamatic AR system. Picture: SWDT
Gary, who brings 28 years of welding experience to his teaching, highlighted the versatility of the Soldamatic system. He said: “This technology will take you on to any welding site within the industry, as in fabrication, plate work, pipe work, structural, because you can perform any weld in any position to suit what is needed.
“The technology comes complete with different blank plate settings to take it forward.”
The AR system offers significant safety advantages for novice welders too.
He added: “It is hugely beneficial to the industry and teaching the next generation. This teaches you the processes without putting you into any danger. “A 16-year-old student can come here and now they can weld without the danger of fire or any personal danger until they do the health and safety side of the qualifications. That’s huge progress.
“That will allow students to go on to the shop floor quicker to perform on the correct materials on proper welding machines.”
Student welders at SWDT typically start on Level 2 courses and the AR technology can be utilised from the very beginning of the learning journey through to Level 3 and beyond.
Gary said: “By the time you are out on the shopfloor, to actually do the job, you have an understanding of what is happening because of what you have experienced on this piece of equipment.
“Without this, student welders might weld 2 or 3cm before blowing a hole in it, so they’d have to start again. With this, if you get to the point where it is no good then you are resetting the machine, saving time, materials and effort.”
Darlington-based student Thomas Lally, currently studying fab and welding at Level 2, has already experienced the benefits of the AR technology at SWDT.
The 17-year-old said: “When you are just starting out in the industry like I am, it is very helpful because it tells you what’s wrong, what you need to do and the results.
“There are different difficulty levels settings so you can make things harder.
“There is no doubt that this definitely prepares you for when you go into the workshop, you have a strong idea of what it feels like. It has helped me already.”
For further information on welding opportunities check out swdt.co.uk or other courses at bishopaucklandcollege.ac.uk
