A MICROCOMPUTER-CONTROLLED WELDER TRAINING SYSTEM

The authors developed a single-chip microcomputer-aided system for shi elded metal arc welding (SMAW) training. It can be used to teach first -time welding students the proper techniques and procedures that must be followed to get good welds. It can show poor techniques so the stud ents can learn to recognize when they are doing something wrong. It ca n also be directed toward broadening the skills of experienced welders and for retraining or recertificating welders. The system makes it po ssible to use fewer instructors and fewer supplies to train more welde rs to a higher and more uniform level of competency.