CLEVELAND - Dec. 8, 2020 - In collaboration with The Harris Products Group - a Lincoln Electric Company and the leader in cutting - Lincoln Electric® introduces the VRTEX® OxyFuel® Cutting feature, bringing welding and cutting together for education by enabling users to practice torch cutting safely and virtually.  From setting up the torch to executing the cut, each tack is designed to simulate real-world cutting applications.  Exclusive to Lincoln Electric, the VRTEX® OxyFuel® Cutting feature is available on VRTEX 360 and Transport models.

The VRTEX 360 provides a best-in-class, advanced-level virtual reality welding simulation training experience for educational or industrial environments. It can be used for fundamental welding training, skill enhancement, diagnostic testing and instructor preparation. Virtual reality arc welding trainers provide a powerful, cutting-edge solution for cultivating welding talent quickly and resourcefully. Together with the MIG, Stick and GTAW devices, they simulate the look, feel and action of actual guns and torches.

VRTEX training offers welders a variety of benefits, including:

• Faster Training
• Increased Certification Rate
• Reduction in Training Costs
• Streaming Capabilities for Remote Learning

“The Harris Products Group and Lincoln Electric collaboration raises the bar by offering the best state-of-the-art welding simulations,” said Ira Bennett, Director of Marketing for The Harris Products Group. “The addition of OxyFuel to Lincoln’s VRTEX 360 and Transport models offers instructors and students an all-encompassing welding simulation experience.”

Instructors can use the VRTEX OxyFuel feature for an introduction and reinforcement of cutting practices. VRTEX offers the ability to connect to the user’s fuel of choice, Propane or Acetylene, and properly set fuel and fuel pressures in proper safety sequence. Users follow a step-by-step torch lighting sequence, following safety protocols and reinforcing the importance of reading the flame, and displaying proper torch shutdown sequence.

OxyFuel Cutting is also applicable for students to learn application, evaluation and improvement of cutting. Visual cues will help the learner with proper technique by indicating proper aim, angle, distance and speed. VRTEX products reinforce the importance of heating the plate and cutting accuracy with realistic separation of the cut, and provide users with feedback.

“Lincoln Electric is committed to continually offering best-in-class, innovative, virtual learning experiences for new and seasoned welders alike,” said Jason Scales, Business Manager, Education for Lincoln Electric. “The VRTEX OxyFuel Cutting feature allows users a lifelike simulated cutting experience that will prepare them to apply their skills in the field.”

For more information about Lincoln Electric and its virtual welding simulators, visit www.lincolnelectric.com.  Or, contact your local Lincoln Electric representative for information about adding the feature to your VRTEX 360 or Transport welding simulator.

About Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of arc welding products, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 59 manufacturing locations in 18 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries.  For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at www.lincolnelectric.com.

About The Harris Products Group

The Harris Products Group, a Lincoln Electric company with headquarters in the U.S., is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of cutting, welding, brazing, and soldering equipment, consumables and gas distribution systems. The Harris Products Group products are sold and used in more than 90 countries.  For more information about The Harris Products Group and its products and services, please visit the Company's website at www.harrisproductsgroup.com.

Media contacts:

Janel Hlebak - jhlebak@werefalls.com or 216.696.0229

Elizabeth Barry - Elizabeth_barry@lincolnelectric.com or 216.383.2527

Ira Bennett - ira_bennett@lincolnelectric.com or 678-928-3772

Members of the media may access this release, register for RSS communications and more at newsroom.lincolnelectric.com.