Developing Next Generation
Training Tools for Welders
Nate Ames, EWI Business Development Manager
Over the past two years, EWI has been involved in several workforce related programs. From an industry standpoint we are working with the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) on a natural gas specific study titled “Securing Our Future: Developing the Next Workforce - An Analysis of Risk and Recommended Strategies for the Natural Gas Pipeline Industry” and a “Critical Skills Assessment”. The INGAA study Securing Our Future is now available online via INGAA’s website (www.ingaa.org), with work continuing on the Critical Skills Assessment.
EWI has also been actively focused on development of training tools for welder education through our Cooperative Research Program (CRP). The CRP initiative officially kicked off in July of 2007 with the initiation of project 50818GTO “Exploration of New Welder Training Aids”. In this program, EWI evaluated current techniques and methodologies utilized for training of welders and highlighted their advantages and perceived short-comings. Parallel to this effort EWI investigated recent developments in motion tracking and sensory based feedback. Based on the outcome of the studies, a new methodology for training was conceived, which incorporated a multi-stage developmental process that meshes with the Generation Z’s “virtual” or computer based educational experience. The first stage was designed to build torch manipulation skills under no arc conditions, while the second works towards the proper development of weld pool manipulation skills (with an arc on condition). At the conclusion of this work, EWI used the available technologies to design and build an α-prototype system for use as an initial stage training aid.
In the second year of the CRP work, EWI launched project 51543GTO “Advanced Welder Monitoring and Training Technology”. In this phase of the program (currently underway), EWI has designed and fabricated the latter stage prototype system for use in an arc-on training situation. Subsequently, EWI is working to evaluate and validate the systems in real world welder training environments.
With both systems in hand, EWI recently worked with George Baldree of Kepel Amfels to unveil the two training tools to welder training centers in southern Texas. "The educational institutions in the Rio Grande Valley wish to lead the way in welder training. They are willing to look at any and all technologies and are willing to work with any institution that is willing to work with them. I think that EWI and schools should work together on educational research projects; it’s a hand in glove fit. The current prototype will help speed student learning and is only the tip of the iceberg,” said
Baldree.
Mr. Baldree has been leading a charge to change the way we train welders and add efficiencies to the process for the past two years. With his help, EWI and Kepel Amfels conducted a demonstration seminar illustrating the new training tools methodology and prototype equipment to representatives from Kepel Amfels, Texas State Technical College, San Benito CISD, Los Fresnos CISD, University of Texas Brownsville, Weslaco CISD, PSJA CISD, and Miller Electric. EWI and Kepel Amfels are now working diligently to insert components of the training tools into the existing programs at one or more of the institutions noted in order to conduct a comparison of the existing and next generation training aids.
If you have any further questions or would like more information, please contact Nate Ames at 614.688.5135 or nate_ames@ewi.org. |
