# Portable VR Welding Simulator
## 4 Results  
The ready-to-use VR welding simulator underwent tests by welding trainers. They had no previous experience with using welding simulators based on VR. The full hardware version of the simulator, i.e., the VR set, the 3D-printed customized welding torch, and the 3D-printed customized welding coupons, was used. The objective of the tests was to gather opinions regarding the perceived usability of the presented solution. Observations and interviews were carried out. The ultimate objective was to identify whether and in what way the VR welding simulator should be refined before testing by trainees. The tests were organized with the intention to include the experience of both a trainee and a trainer in training with the VR welding simulator. To meet this objective, the following measures were taken:  
* The tests took place in a room equipped with a display TV on which the view from the VR goggles was shown. * The tests were carried out in two-person teams of welding trainers--one of them took on the role of a trainee who carried out the welding task with the use of the simulator and the other one took on the role of a trainer who observed the trainee during this training session; next, the test participants switched the roles. The following tasks were carried out by each test participant:  
* Joining two plates with a fillet weld in horizontal vertical position. * Joining two plates with a butt weld in vertical position. * Joining two pipes with a butt weld in horizontal position. The actual testing was preceded by the delivery of introductory information about the VR welding simulator and a short set of instructions regarding the use of the system, covering its software and hardware components. The trainers invited to perform the tests were informed about the scenario and the objective of the tests. The idea of playing the role of a \"trainer\" and of a \"trainee\" was particularly explained. The test participants were also asked to immediately report any inconvenience or difficulties experienced while carrying out a welding task as a \"trainee\" or while observing the \"trainee\" carrying out a welding task as a \"trainer\". No problems with the use of the 3D-printed customized torch were observed. The test participants expressed their positive attitude to the proposed solution and shared remarks about improvements that should be introduced. They also expressed willingness to test the refined version of the VR simulator during the welders' training at their facility. The test participants confirmed the great potential of the VR welding simulator as a tool for training welders. In their opinion, it could contribute significantly to reducing the costs of training, especially in the case of novice welders. The trainers found the possibility to observe a trainee and to see the view from their VR goggles (e.g., shown on a screen or a computer monitor) at the same time very useful. In their opinion, they felt this could enable them to identify the trainees' errors immediately and give relevant feedback and instructions to them. The assessment of a trainee's performance provided in the simulator was found to be reliable and helpful. The possibility of using the 3D-printed customized  
Figure 15: Three-dimensional models of the components to be 3D-printed: (**a**) parts of the customized welding torch; (**b**) an example of a customized welding coupon. welding coupons was perceived as contributing to the impression of welding on a real training stand. The test participants raised the issue that achieving the required values of the parameters could be too challenging for beginner welders and proposed adding lighter tasks as an optional first step of training when using the VR welding simulator. It was also indicated that once the welded plates were placed vertically, the informative label in the current location was disturbing, as it obstructed the view of the welded objects. Improving the smoothness of the welding simulation was another recommendation.