Real Tools. Real Feedback. Real Results. The Lincoln Electric® Instruct Arc™ Extended Reality Welding Trainer (K5630-1) is the next generation of Lincoln welding education and the successor to the VRTEX® 360. Instruct Arc uses extended reality (XR), a blend of augmented and virtual reality, so students set up real Lincoln Electric guns, torches and machine parameters, then complete weld practice in an immersive environment that looks, sounds and feels closer to live welding. Designed for high schools, technical colleges, workforce development and career training programs, it supports GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW and oxy-fuel cutting across all skill levels, with built-in curriculum, real-time coaching and performance tracking that help students build technique, muscle memory and confidence before they strike an actual arc. The Instruct Arc Hub (K5631-1) is required for the full LAN-connected experience and is sold separately.
Availability: Pre-orders open November 12, 2026. Target ship date is early January 2027, with the official launch in January 2027.
- Real Lincoln Electric Welding Tools - Students train with a real MIG gun, stick electrode holder with retractable stinger, TIG torch with filler and wireless foot pedal, and oxy-fuel cutting torch, helping them transition to the booth faster.
- Extended Reality (XR) Training - Combines augmented and virtual reality to simulate live arc welding with a reactive weld puddle and realistic welding sounds.
- Pass-Through Mode - Lets students move between the virtual and real world to set up welding parameters on the machine using Lincoln Electric's user interface.
- Built-In Curriculum - Includes 50+ industry-aligned Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and teaching resources for SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW and oxy-fuel cutting, supporting beginner through advanced learners.
- Real-Time Visual and Audio Cues - Coach-like narration and in-the-moment prompts reinforce travel angle, travel speed, distance and position so students can self-correct and stop bad habits before they form.
- Five-Variable Scoring - Scores and analyzes travel speed, CTWD/arc length, joint position, travel angle and work angle for objective, measurable feedback.
- Precision Motion Tracking - Advanced tracking technology monitors body positioning and weld angles for reliable feedback and less downtime.
- All Positions and Joints - Adjustable welding pole accommodates 1G-6G and 1F-4F, with magnetic flat, T-joint, lap, V-groove and 6 in pipe coupons, plus a removable work area for pole or table-top use.
- Oxy-Fuel Cutting Standard - Oxy-fuel cutting simulation is included, with no separate upgrade kit required.
- Connected Classroom - Connect units through the Instruct Arc Hub (K5631-1) LAN for centralized data collection, instructor dashboards, performance tracking and analytics.
- Fast Setup, Portable Design - Go from unboxing to first arc simulation in minutes with automatic calibration. Packaged in a 2-piece rolling travel and storage case with drawers for classrooms, labs and mobile CTE programs.
- Tutorial and Exhibit Modes - Tutorial mode helps users new to VR get started, and Exhibit mode is ideal for demonstrations and trade shows.
- Reduce Training Costs - Practice more while using less wire, gas, electrodes and steel, and free up booth time for advanced students.
- Three Languages - Available in English, French Canadian and Spanish.
- Warranty - 3-year warranty on the machine; 1-year warranty on the VR headset and tools.