MeltView® APEX3 welding camera

Welding education made clear

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Select a camera model according to the features below. Click on your desired optics to see available lenses and cables. Click here to select from a complete list of part numbers.

Optics
Lens
Cable
Price Price $4,900.00
Price Price Sale price $4,900.00
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SKU:  MT339934
Part Number:  A3-CVAR
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Use for GMAW
Use for FCAW
Use for GTAW
Use for SMAW

Description

The third-generation MeltView® APEX3 is an innovative welding camera specifically engineered to be a leading educational tool for the safe and effective demonstration of welding processes. Measuring at a compact 36 x 36 x 78 mm (1.4 x 1.4 x 3.1") and weighing only 180g (0.4 lbs), the APEX3 allows instructors to easily set up and operate the camera, transforming a small, hard-to-see weld puddle into a large, crystal-clear display for the entire classroom.

By utilizing the APEX3, instructors can ensure every student gets a front-row seat to the welding process, significantly improving learning outcomes while maintaining a safe distance from fumes and arc flash.

Like other MeltView® SDI Direct-Display welding cameras, the APEX3 utilizes High-Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging to capture both the blinding intensity of the welding arc and the critical details of the surrounding weld pool with high resolution.

  • Seamless Transitions: The camera automatically switches between arc-on and arc-off modes.
  • Direct-to-Monitor Viewing: Students can see the magnified weld at 1920 x 1080 HD resolution. No separate computer or software is required, just a large monitor. A framegrabber is included in the APEX3 kit for ease of recording video.
  • Near-Zero Latency: HD-SDI output provides a direct-to-monitor setup for immediate, real-time display.

Built for the dynamic environment of a welding lab, the APEX3 is versatile. It is designed to be easily mounted directly to a GTAW or GMAW torch, a welding bench, a swing arm, or a gantry. The camera features interchangeable lenses (including micro and varifocal options), allowing instructors to dial in working distances ranging from 2" to 78" (51 to 1981 mm). Furthermore, the camera is available in color for select welding processes or monochrome for all open-arc processes.

Key Features:

  • Educational Focus:
  • Image Quality: Full HD (1920 x 1080) video for livestreaming, demonstrating and recording welding techniques for all open-arc welding processes including GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and MMAW
  • Optics: Automatic switching between arc-on and arc-off modes
  • Flexible Mounting: Small, lightweight (180g) body allows for mounting to torches, benches, or swing arms
  • Adjustable Focus: Interchangeable lenses allow working distances from 2-16" (micro lens) up to 16-78" (varifocal lens)
  • Plug-and-Play Setup: Displays directly to an HD monitor, no PC or software required.
  • Integrated Protection: Built-in protection from spatter and High-Frequency (HF) interference

Note: The APEX3 camera requires a MeltView® PXCC8 controller and X-coded camera cable. The APEX3 camera operates safely in environments up to 50°C (122°F) where cooling is not required.

We have created a welding instructor educational kit called our MeltView® APEX3 welding education camera kit. Click here to learn more.

Specifications

Temperature rating
0° - 50°C (32° -122°F)
Consumption
150 mW
Power
12 VDC
Video output signal
HD-SDI
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Illumination
External LED
Operating environment
85% RH. Max, non-condensing
Weight
180 g (0.4 lbs)
Dimensions
36 x 36 x 78 mm (1.4 x 1.4 x 3.1")

Video Resources

MeltView® APEX3 MMAW SMAW stick welding fillet joint

MeltView® APEX3 MMAW SMAW stick welding fillet joint

Teaching TIG fillet joint with MeltView® APEX3 welding camera

Teaching TIG fillet joint with MeltView® APEX3 welding camera

MIG welding technique: Cursive "E" with the MeltView APEX2 welding camera

MIG welding technique: Cursive "E" with the MeltView APEX2 welding camera

MeltView® APEX3 GTAW Aluminum Demonstration

MeltView® APEX3 GTAW Aluminum Demonstration

MeltView® APEX3 GMAW steel with overview camera

MeltView® APEX3 GMAW steel with overview camera

MeltView® APEX3 camera with overview camera

MeltView® APEX3 camera with overview camera

Frequently Asked Questions

The APEX3 captures the live weld puddle in high definition and displays it on a large monitor, allowing an entire classroom of students to safely observe proper torch angles, travel speeds, and puddle manipulation in real-time, eliminating the need for students to crowd around a single welding booth.
Yes. Because of its compact and lightweight (180g) design, the APEX3 can be mounted directly to welding torches, giving students a “first-person” view of the weld as the instructor performs it.
No. The MeltView® APEX3 is designed for instructors as it features a simple plug-and-play, direct-to-monitor setup via an HD-SDI output. Simply plug the camera into your HD display to instantly view the zero-latency 1920 x 1080 resolution feed. A frame grabber (supplied in the APEX3 kit) and computer can be used for streaming and recording welds.

Recommended Solutions

MeltView® APEX3 X-coded System

X-Coded Camera cables Recommended

Cameras with an X-coded cable connector can only operate using X-coded cables. X-coded cables are offered with straight or right angle connectors and with standard or drag chain options. X-coded extension cables are also listed.
X-coded camera cable
X-coded camera cable

SKU: MT122399

X-coded camera cables provide power, control and video signals from our MeltView® SDI welding cameras to our compact or advanced camera controllers. Standard lengths shown Right angle up connectors available in some lengths... View product
from $200.00
X-coded extension cables
X-coded extension cables

SKU: MT122335

X-coded extension cables have male and female connectors and can be used to extend the main male/male X-coded camera cable. Extension cables save time by eliminating the need to re-run the main cable down cable tracks if a f... View product
from $40.00

Controller: X-coded Recommended

X-coded camera controllers can be used for cameras with an X-coded cable connector. Compact controllers are offered for X-coded camera systems.
Compact camera controller for X-coded cables
Our PXCC8 compact camera controller is recommended for systems with a single camera. This controller is for X-coded cables with a maximum length of 25 m (82') and provides HD-SDI video output. The camera controller provides ... View product
$1,800.00

PIXI camera mounts Recommended

Listed are different mounts for the PIXI camera. The HF isolation mount can be used with all listed mounts and is highly recommended to electronically isolate and protect the PIXI camera.
HF isolation ring mount
HF isolation ring mount

SKU: MT339594

Isolation ring mount for the PIXI and APEX3 welding cameras. Phenolic ring electrically isolates camera from welding equipment 30 mm ID Model HF0R3T is compatible with our free arm camera mounts; mounting screw 1/4-20 UNC M... View product
$128.00
Free arm camera mount (1/4" adapter)
Free arm camera mount (1/4" adapter)

SKU: MT155041

Our free arm camera mount in four lengths allows for precise camera positioning. Mount with magnet base or torch clamp Adapter works with MeltTools' isolation blocks (DART, DART2) or isolation ring mount (PIXI, APEX3) Exten... View product
from $360.00
Fixed arm mounts, single
Fixed arm mounts, single

SKU: MT155149

Our fix arm camera mount in multiple lengths provides adjustable positioning of the camera along the arm axis. Phenolic material electrically isolates camera Available in 150 mm (6") or 250 mm (10")  Easily slide camera al... View product
from $250.00
Fixed arm mount, double, with torch clamp
Fixed arm mount, double, with torch clamp

SKU: MT151021

Our double fix arm camera mount provides additional length and stability compared to our single fix arm mount, and the option to add one or two laser diodes in line with the camera or additional sensors.  Electrically isola... View product
from $440.00

Monitors

Monitors that can be used with our direct-display camera system. BNC cables are used to connect the camera controller to the display monitor.
BNC male/male coaxial cable
BNC male/male coaxial cable

SKU: MT122262

BNC cable to display SDI video to SDI monitor BNC cable to supply video to SDI framegrabber Compatible with advanced and compact camera controllers
$20.00
15.6" monitor
15.6" monitor

SKU: MT133069

This 15.6" HD-SDI monitor is encased in a durable metal housing. It features an HD-SDI loop-out, allowing for integration with other devices. As a simple yet effective display solution, this monitor is perfectly sized and di... View product
$730.00
21.5" 3G SDI Quad-split broadcast monitor
This 21.5" quad-split broadcast monitor can be used to monitor 1, 2, 3 or 4 1080P video signals, making it easy to monitor multi-camera systems at a single source.
$820.00
7" HDMI 3G-SDI Sunlight readable monitor
This 7" monitor has been engineered for outdoor settings / high-brightness environments with a 1800 nit panel. It features a 4K HDMI 1.4 input, 3G SDI and pass-through options for compatibility with a range of devices and sy... View product
$400.00
7" Dual SDI monitor 3RU rackmount
The dual 7" SDI rackmount monitor is a compact unit for dual weld monitoring. It features 2 x 7" IPS panels with independent HDMI and 3G SDI connectivity, and it is mountable in a 19" 3U rack system.
$600.00

Spare Parts

MeltView® APEX3 Replacement Parts

APEX3 microlens front cover
Front cover for APEX3 microlens. The front cover screws on to secure the replaceable plastic spatter guard. Diameter: 27 mm (1") Thickness: 13 mm (0.5")
$24.00
APEX3 sealant glass lock ring
Sealant glass lock ring for APEX3 microlens. Diameter: 20 mm (0.8")
$14.00
APEX3 sealant glass
APEX3 sealant glass

SKU: MT339288

Anti-reflective sealant glass for APEX3 microlens. Diameter: 20 mm (0.8") Thickness: 1 mm (0.05") Approximate weight: 1.5 g (0.05 oz)
$15.00
APEX3 plastic spatter shield
APEX3 plastic spatter shield

SKU: MT339388

Replaceable plastic spatter shield for APEX3 camera microlens. Dimensions: 26 x 21 x 1 mm (1 x 0.8 x 0.03") Approximate weight: 2.5 g (0.01 oz) Material: Polycarbonate
from $40.00
C-mount varifocal lens
C-mount lens with a focal length of 13-130 mm (0.5-5.1"). Lens is compatible with the MeltView® APEX3 camera. Diameter: 50 mm (1.9") Length: 100 mm (3.9") Approximate wei... View product
$280.00

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