The ELF in Cluny has acquired a new welding simulator with funding from the Arts & Métiers Foundation andsponsorship from Comège, a company headed by Thibaut Egeley (Cl,200). This demonstrator aims to introduce students to welding techniques and help them perfect their skills. The simulator is easily transportable, safe, and does not use any raw materials.
Promoting careers in metallurgy
The purpose of the welding simulator is to promote the welding profession to young people who still have many preconceived ideas about metalworking professions, even though the development of Industry 4.0 is helping to improve their image. The aim is to use innovative technologies to increase the attractiveness of these professions, which are in high demand. Indeed, many welders need to be trained to supply industrial sectors such as the lifting equipment and nuclear industries.
It is therefore fully in line with ELF projects, which aim to introduce Arts et Métiers students Arts et Métiers young people visiting the campus (middle school, high school, and BUT students) to the various themes of manufacturing techniques and Industry 4.0.
It complements, without replacing, real training, which allows participants to confront physical phenomena (electrode bonding, UV rays, heat, smoke, etc.) and adopt responsible and safe behavior (wearing PPE).
Its acquisition was financed by the Arts & Métiers Foundation and sponsorship from the Comège company.
Immerse yourself in Virtual Reality
The simulator allows users to learn about welding in complete safety. It is easily transportable, safe, and does not use any raw materials. Learners have access to physical equipment (welding test pieces, torches, welding machines, etc.) onto which virtual models are superimposed using augmented reality. Everything is viewed through a virtual reality headset. The aim is to immerse learners in a world that provides the most realistic perceptions possible, both visually and auditorily. To ensure the most effective immersion possible, equipment from FRONIUS, one of the world leaders in welding equipment, was chosen.
From the very first uses, the simulator allows students to grasp the full complexity of welding. Students thus acquire techniques, such as optimizing the choice of assembly methods, to become managers with in-depth knowledge of this process.
Positive Feedback from Users
The simulator accurately reflects reality, particularly in terms of the precision required for the technical maneuver and the need for extensive training to perform a correct weld. Commissioned in early February 2025 and presented during the Open House (JPO), it is currently used for welding practicals in the first year of the Grande Ecole Program (PGE). One of the first observations made by students, after using the simulator and then practicing in real life, is a clear improvement in the welding trajectory after just 30 minutes of using the device.
Another observation, which also applies to staff at the Cluny campus, is a reduction in apprehension about welding. This fear, which is one of the main obstacles to learning about the process, is overcome by prior simulation, in complete safety.
Some students have already taken advantage of the simulator, including the team in charge of designing and building the venue for the 2025 Grand Gala.
