QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDING: AN INTERVENTION IN WELDING TRAINING

This study evaluates the welding skills of students in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) 1G position after undergoing an intervention using Augmented Reality (AR) Welding. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, comparing the welding proficiency of students in a control group and an experimental group. The control group received conventional SMAW training, while the experimental group underwent training using AR-based SMAW simulations. To assess their competency, both groups participated in actual pre-tests and post-tests in the 1G welding position. The welding outputs were evaluated by three welding experts—two licensed engineers and one PWS-certified welding inspector—using the AWS D1.1 Table 6.1 Visual Inspection Acceptance Criteria from the AWS Structural Welding Code for Steels. The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the control and experimental groups, demonstrating that AR-assisted training effectively enhances students’ welding skills. This study highlights the potential of AR technology as a valuable tool in technical education, providing an immersive and interactive learning experience that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By integrating AR into welding instruction, educators can offer a more efficient, cost-effective, and engaging training method that improves students’ performance and readiness for industry demands.