How to choose the right welding helmets for the job can be a daunting question. There are lots of considerations that factor into this decision. A proper fitting product will ensure the user’s comfort. This is essential to maintaining a high level of efficiency. The size of the fit is key to maximizing the user’s comfort. Lenses are another variable, and there are two main types of these. A passive lens is one type of product that is available. The other major classification of lenses is known as an auto darkening lens. A high quality welding helmet will ensure the user’s safety. The lenses are designed to resist the impact of high speed flying metal chips and other debris.
LENSES
A passive lens provides a number of benefits to the welder. These lenses use UV and IR tinted glass. The shades are usually fixed at a #10. These lenses are designed to minimize flash burn. Most of these helmets are designed to be worn in the up position. When the welding begins, these helmets can be snapped down with a quick neck movement.
Many people find this to be troublesome. They have to continually snap the visor down over their eyes. It can also impair the quality of the work. Often, the electrode will move while the helmet is being snapped into position. Sometimes, the helmet will not snap into place properly. This can lead to the painful condition of flash burn.
Auto darkening lenses have been designed to address all of the shortcomings of a passive lens. They start at a #3 or #4 shade, and they will automatically darken, to a #8 to a #13, when the welding begins. This product stays in position the entire time. It eliminates all of the issues that are associated with continually snapping the helmet into position.
There are also many types of the auto darkening welding helmets, and these can influence the decision making process as well. The two main differences in these products is the variability of the shades. There are both fixed and variable shades. A fixed shade darkens to #10 protection. When the same type of welding is done, this is usually the best choice. However, if the helmet is used for a variety of welding, such as MIG, TIG, or Stick, it is a good idea to get a variable shade. These shades can darken according to the amount of light that is emitted during the welding process.
Some of the other factors that should be included in this decision include the size of the viewing area that is offered. Many welders like to have a large viewing area so they can see the work piece and the electrode. There are a variety of offerings on the market. Another thing to think about is the lens reaction time. This is the amohnt of time that it takes for the shade to darken. Most people prefer to have a quick reaction time. This ensures that the eyes are protected from flash burn. These speeds can influence the issue of eye fatigue as well. A beginner’s lens may be adequate at a speed of 1/3,600 of a second. However, this may be inadequate for someone who welds all day. They often require something as fast as 1/20,000 of a second. This can help to minimize the cumulative effect of exposure to the arcs of a welder’s flash.
The number of sensors can also make a difference in the choice of welding helmets. Most professionals prefer four sensors for production and out of position work. A hobbyist may be fine with two sensors. Another variable in these products has to do with a control that can raise or lower the amount of time it takes for the lens to stay tinted after a weld. If there are a lot of tacks being made, most welders prefer to be able to shorten the delay time. This allows them to get the next pieces in position efficiently.
Weight is another thing that is crucial to welding helmets. There are many different products on the market, and many people choose to find the lightest one. This can reduce the neck fatigue that occurs during a full day of welding. There are many different options, and a few ounces can drastically reduce the fatigue that happens after eight hours of work. An industrial welder may also be interested in getting a product that is designed to resist the high heat of their machines. There are several products that feature an aluminum heat shield, and these are a great way to protect the helmet’s lens from the high heat of an industrial welder.
The Miller Welding Black Digital Elite Lens product is a great helmet for a professional welder. There is a variable shade lens that can change from a #8 to a #13. This product has four sensors, and it can easily stand up to the most demanding conditions. It weighs in at only 18 ounces. There is a viewing area of 9.22 square inches. A viewing area this size provides plenty of sight lines for viewing the work piece. The response time for the lenses to darken is a mere 1/20,000 of second. This ensures that welding can be done all day.
Another great helmet is the 3M Speedglas 9100XX. This product features an auto dark lens, and it offers a viewing area of 12.11 square inches. There is a heat reflecting silver front on this helmet. There is a delay function as well as variable shades. For general arc welding, this helmet features shades of #9 to #13. The model with side windows weighs in at 20.1 ounces.
There are many things that factor in the decision to purchase welding helmets. These products can vary in their comfort levels, and this can affect the efficiency. These products are expensive, and it is a smart choice to thoroughly investigate the various products before making a purchase.