Learning tools, machines and solutions for the metal sector

More than a thousand visitors over two days. That's the fine balance of  Welda's annual demo days that took place on Oct. 18 and 19. During the two-day event, customers, schools and those interested in the metal industry were able to attend seminars, attend demos and ask questions about the Belgian welding and machinery specialist's extensive range of products and services.

The Welda Academy has ten separate welding booths equipped with state-of-the-art welding equipment and fully automatic grinding and welding fume extraction.

The Welda Demo Days have become a household name in the industry. During two long days, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., more than a thousand visitors across the floor to see the various products, tools, machines and solutions for the metal sector. In order to provide maximum information to those interested, many suppliers will also be present to present and demonstrate their products. "These demo days are a great opportunity for our suppliers to have direct contact with their end customers," says Frede De Witte, marketing manager at Welda. "Cooperation with our partners and suppliers is hugely important."

Everything for the customer
Much attention is also paid to customer relations at Welda. "Our customers know they can always come to us with their questions," says De Witte. "We advise them on the purchase of the right metalworking machine or the correct welding equipment. We also make a difference with our comprehensive service and short follow-up. If a customer calls to report that his machine is broken, we immediately go on site to repair it. If the machine should be unavailable for a longer period of time, we even provide a temporary replacement machine. With our customer service, we are strongly committed to long-term cooperation." That this approach works is proven by Welda's recent expansions. Today, the new offices, above the existing retail space, are being finalized. Last year, the company buildings were greatly expanded with a new 1,500 m hall². It is in this demo center that the various metalworking machines and welding equipment were displayed during the demo days. Welda is continuously innovating its range of products and services. Customers can not only buy the welding equipment and metalworking machines from different suppliers such as Weco, Kemppi, Nedermann, Macc and Baykal, but also rent on a short-term basis or lease on a long-term basis. "This way we want to provide our customers with new solutions to help them grow," said De Witte

A visitor practices his welding skills on a virtual workpiece created by the Soldamatic using augmented reality.

Welda Academy
New to the offering is the Welda Academy which offers professional and reliable training opportunities for businesses and schools. In doing so, Welda is responsible for facilitating the training space. "We offer the place and state-of-the-art tools to teach both basic and more specialized knowledge and practice. Since early October 2018, the VCL (Continuation Center for Welders) has been organizing their welding training and certification for the East Flanders region here. "The short travel times and certification as well as the possibility for targeted customized welding training are the assets here," says Alain Van Kerrebroeck. The Welda Academy has ten separate welding booths equipped with state-of-the-art welding equipment and fully automatic grinding and welding fume extraction. There is also the opportunity to learn welding skills through the Soldamatic with augmented reality (AR) where participants practice on an augmented virtual workpiece. During welding, you will receive real-time instructions on the correct welding position. After the exercise, it can be analyzed in detail based on various parameters such as speed, working angle and weld quality. "Thanks to virtual welding, trainees learn the correct knowledge and welding posture while limiting the risks of physical injuries. Moreover, no gases or welding materials are wasted. So this technology is very cost-effective." In addition, the rooms can also be used for other metal or machine training separate from welding technology. Channel Z also took a keen interest in Welda and its comprehensive service. During the Demo Days on Oct. 18 and 19, the film crew from "All things in a row" stopped by to make a report. You can find the result in a video on the website www.welda.be.