There are different types of welding helmets available in the market and the auto-darkening welding helmet is just one of the different types. How do auto-darkening welding helmets work? What features should you consider before buying one? These questions and more are what we will consider in this article.
Welding involves melting metal under high pressure and/or heat and can be a dangerous process if you don't have the right equipment and take the best safety precautions. Flying sparks, bright lights from torches and other things can cause problems if you're not careful. They can lead to corneal damage and other types of eye problems. Read on to learn more!
Welding Helmet
Welding helmets are designed to protect the user from harmful rays, both visible and invisible, during the welding process. When welding, welders are often exposed to infrared and ultraviolet rays. Welders are susceptible to different types of welding accidents.
The shade number of the lens refers to its ability to filter light. This means it filters harmful UV and IR rays that start at number 8 (for low current applications) up to number 13 (for high current applications). For Miller welding helmets used for cutting and grinding, they also have an additional range from #3-#8. When the sensor detects the start of an arc, the lenses darken within a fraction of a second. This is extremely beneficial to the automatic protection of the welder's vision.
Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
A welding helmet with a fixed shade darkens to a fixed #10 shade when the sensor detects an arc. This fixed shade helmet is suitable for those working in a limited amperage range. This involves similar thicknesses and materials. For those using different amperage levels, welding helmets with variable shades help protect the eyes with a #9 to #13.
Observation of size is also an important consideration when purchasing a welding helmet. When working with light loads, a 6-square-inch helmet is the right choice. On the other hand, the 9 square inch is used for industrial work. The sensors provide better coverage and are either three or four. Three sensors are used for production work and four sensors are used for manufacturing and out-of-place work.
Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Most experts you meet will tell you that welding helmets are the most important piece of protective equipment you can have. When it comes to welding, there are different types of helmets. First, there are passive lens helmets, and then there are auto-darkening options.
Passive welding helmets come with glass lenses that are coated with infrared and UV protection for general welding. On the other hand, auto-darkening helmets are options that will change immediately when light is sensed.
Therefore, auto-darkening helmets would be the preferred helmet for experts. Although they are more expensive than other types of helmets, they offer more protection. They also have other advantages. For example, in natural light, they turn back to clear, which allows you to see the results of your welding without having to take off your helmet.
