While the world scrapes the bottom of the barrel for raw materials, TAFE Queensland is turning to new technology to train the state's future and current tradies.
Apprentice boilermakers are using augmented reality (AR) — similar to virtual reality — which allows the users to see digitally designed 3D imagery on top of real-life benches, workspaces and machinery.
The technology allows welding courses to be taught through AR, which means wasting 68 per cent fewer materials than in the past.
How it works
With a screen inside the helmet, the user can position their virtual welding torch against a plastic board shaped at a right angle or curved joints.
TAFE Queensland's business development manager Mandy Elliott says the user then presses the torch trigger down like they would with a real torch, and can see sparks and welds being made through the screen.
"The screen lights up green when you're on the correct angle and you have to follow the lines to complete the full weld at a certain speed," she said.
Ms Elliot said that although beginner apprentices could use AR, the technology was more useful for specific welds that were of greater difficulty and led to more material wastage in practice.
"The specific weld is called ISO9606, which is a certification of welding over a five-day course, mainly used in the defence arena," she said.
Ms Elliott said that other TAFE courses have also been using AR to teach specific tasks.
"In health, we have goggles that our students can experience what a patient might be going through. That's one example," she said.
"AR is something that TAFE needs to invest in. We need to build our capability."
Scraping the barrel for raw materials
ANZ Commodities analyst Daniel Hynes says that raw materials such as iron ore and coal demand have sky-rocketed since the pandemic.
"China is really searching for any raw materials to feed their steel industry," Mr Hynes said.
"Because supply is well below the normal levels, that's pushing prices higher for Australians."
My Hynes said industries such as construction have had to find creative alternatives during the materials shortage.
"[Along with AR] we've also seen many companies incorporate scrap into their process," he said.
Ms Elliott says there are currently 10 AR welding machines in Northern Queensland.
Although the AR technology has been showcased in Mount Isa this month, TAFE Queensland only has the courses available in Townsville and Cairns but has the potential to expand.
