For arc welding processes including shielded arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding, the welder will often use a welding helmet. Welders should always wear protective gear, such helmets, to avoid getting “arc eye,” an inflammation of the cornea caused by welding sparks.
Avoiding retinal burns is important since such damage may result in either temporary or permanent vision loss. Arc eye and blindness are both caused by the intense ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation emitted by a welding arc. Melbourne sheet metal fabrication – Austgen
The skin is also vulnerable to the UV rays that are released, so be sure to protect yourself. You’ll have a sunburn appearance on your skin after only a little bit of welding time due to this. It’s not only the radiation that poses a threat; nearby gas leaks and splashes may also irritate your eyes and skin.
What Are the Modern Helmets?
In 1937, The precursor to modern motorcycle helmets. These welding goggles include a shaded lens and a see-through glass. Welders can see well through the shade since it has a filter. Tinted glass, tinted plastic, or a variable-density filter with two polarised lenses are all viable materials for window construction.
The International’s groundbreaking work allowed for the production of auto-darkening helmets, which are now commonplace. They have a built-in filter that makes everything darker automatically. Electronic LCD shutters in these helmets automatically close when light sensors detect the brightness of the welding arc.
Welders can now keep their heads level while working thanks to auto-darkening filters. It saves a tonne of time and effort by removing the need for tweaks. In fact, the welder may change the focus of these lenses to better suit the material they’re joining. Together, they safeguard against unnecessary exposure.
What Is the Best Welding Helmet for a Budget?
Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet – Best Overall
Lincoln has a solid track record of quality helmet designs, and the Electric 3350 is a prime example of this. This lens’s 4C technology, which displays true colours instead of the usual green haze, makes up for its exceptional optical clarity rating of 1-1-1-1. You’ll be able to see more detail in the weld pool and have a better overall idea of what’s going on while you weld.
Lincoln’s headgear in this helmet is similarly well-executed, managing to be both shockingly lightweight and remarkably comfortable. The best helmets tend to shine in one area while lacking in another. The Lincoln 3350 series succeeds in offering a wide variety of options, which is one of the reasons we enjoy it so much. A convenient bag is included for transport.
Instead of a curved frame and broad field of vision like the ESAB or 3M Speedglass, this one has a tall viewing area that makes the window size very large, making it ideal for seeing what’s immediately in front of you. It has flawless optical classification, a quick lens response time, and four arc sensors. In addition to being very light and comfortable, this helmet also has superb clarity.
While it isn’t waterproof, it can deal with a lot of perspiration on the inside, making it a good summertime option.
Even so, this is a top pick among auto-darkening welding helmets for 2020. (TIG, MIG, etc.).
Esab SENTINEL A50 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
The Esab SENTINEL A50, which takes design cues from the Halo series, has lightweight, adjustable headgear with a transparent lens rated at 1-1-1-2. When welding, the lens’s high level of clarity might make it seem like the shading isn’t deep enough. To the untrained eye, it seems transparent, yet it provides the same level of protection for your eyes as the corresponding shade in a different helmet. The helmet comes with its own carrying case.
There’s something awesome about the massive front lens. It can be swapped out in seconds, but it’ll set you back quite a bit to replace, and it doesn’t protrude from the helmet at all, making it an easy target. Protecting the high-tech components from rough use, the remainder of the hood is tough and one-of-a-kind in its design.
The multicoloured LED touchscreen may save your preferences so you can easily recall them for use on subsequent projects. Under the hood is where you’ll find the touchscreen. Maintaining the hood’s protection when switching between welding and grinding is facilitated by a grind button located on the outside of the helmet.
The sensors are this helmet’s biggest design issue. For the most part, high-quality helmets contain four of them. However, they are set so far back that they won’t always catch the arc and darken your lens if you’re welding off to the side without being able to swivel your head completely.
The big, curved window on this futuristic helmet makes it easy to see out of. The external grind mode button is clearly displayed up top, making it easy to switch between operations. Internally, there’s a one-of-a-kind touchscreen panel where you can adjust things like brightness, sensitivity, latency, and store settings for various operations. It’s a nice touch, although I can see how it could be difficult to use if you have large hands or are wearing gloves. With its five-point headgear, it conforms to any size or shape of head, and its front lens can be swapped out in a jiffy.
Antra AH6-260 Welding Helmet – Best Value
Due to its low weight, wide range of shade settings (4, 5, 9, and 13), and overall effectiveness, we judged the Antra AH6-260-0000 to be among the finest welding helmets for the money. It protects your face and eyes from the elements without breaking the bank, which is precisely what a simple hood should accomplish.
It is not the most flexible helmet, therefore it will not deflect away from a blow to the head, but it can take one without breaking. The ocular clarity of this headwear is 1-1-1-2, which is on par with that of the Esab SENTINEL. Compared to the Esab SENTINEL and the Lincoln 3350, this Antra model is a step down, but if you only need a basic helmet at a reasonable price, it’s a great choice. Keep in mind that it is not designed for heavy-duty usage and comes with just a one-year guarantee.
For its price, the Antra Welding Helmet provides superior protection and is often considered the industry standard. In terms of quality, it scores high marks for its optical glass, lenses’ response times, and tonal range. It’s also been upgraded with a grind mode and sensitivity controls. Due to its modest weight, it is ideal for sustained welding sessions, although it is not the greatest option for heavy welding tasks or welding from above. The limited field of vision is the biggest drawback. Although it’s not as spacious as the Lincoln 3350, the viewing space is still fine. If you’re just getting started welding or are a hobbyist on a budget, the AH6-260 is the best welding helmet you can buy.
3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet
The flexible side windows of the 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 allow you to adjust your field of view as needed while still maintaining a comfortable fit. In most cases, welding is better done with the windows closed, since strong current may burn the weld if it is exposed to air. The windows in this helmet are a wonderful feature for cutting, grinding, or just seeing about while wearing the helmet.
The hood is lightweight and designed to fit the heads of most individuals. Although not everyone finds it to be effective, its ergonomic design performs a fantastic job of relieving the discomfort of weld-neck after a week spent under the hood. No solar power generation capacity is available. Though it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, the lens may be resized to bring the cost down. Not only does this helmet have a wider range than usual, but it can also be used to TIG at currents as low as one amp, which is a definite plus. There is a 3-year guarantee on it.
This is without a doubt one of the finest welding helmets available; it is well-designed, easy to keep clean, and has a wide field of vision. The side windows are the helmet’s finest feature, allowing you superb peripheral vision and making it easier to enjoy the weld. And it’s cosy, too, thanks to the thoughtful design. It’s got a cushioned headband and a swivel-mounted, smooth ratchet mechanism, and it’s not too heavy. The well-considered design of the helmet ensures that it is pleasant to wear for extended periods of time, and it is suitable for heads measuring 50 to 64cm in circumference. The Speedglas 9100XX may be used with Stick, MIG, and TIG welding, and it incorporates exhaust vents to keep things from becoming too hot or steamy. The comfort and visibility offered by this helmet are top-notch. Check out Austgens METAL GUILLOTINING
Miller Digital Elite Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Despite its poor headgear design and fragility, the Miller 281000 Digital Elite is an excellent lightweight TIG, MIG, and grinding helmet. It has a clarity rating of 1-1-1-2. Clearlight lenses eliminate the normal green hue of sunglasses to improve contrast and let in more of the surrounding light.
It has four different settings: welding, cutting, grinding, and a “X” setting. Variations in tone are present in each. An ingenious and one-of-a-kind function is the X-mode, which filters out glare from the sun so that you can see well when welding. When compared to other helmets, this offers some of the best mode options.
Miller consistently turns out high-quality goods, and this is no exception. It’s lightweight and has an adjustable headband, making it ideal for prolonged periods of welding. Welding, cutting, grinding, and X-Mode are the four options. Light obstructing X-Mode and low-amperage lens opening are also things that may be avoided. On the inside, you’ll find a digital display that’s both practical and straightforward. The ClearLight technology included into the lens enhances visibility and colour contrast.
The top of the helmet doesn’t live up to the quality of the rest of it. It’s convenient, but the hood has a hard time staying put when it’s not being used. If you need to leave your helmet up for a time in between welds, this is a major hassle. Greatness is shown when the hood is down. We really like the strategic positioning of the sensors. Even if an arc is out to the side, it might still darken due to proximity to the hood. There is a 3-year guarantee on this head protection.
It’s important to keep this helmet out of harm’s way while it’s not in use, since the lens is easily broken and costly to repair.
Jackson Safety BH3 Welding-Helmet
The expensive Welders at a more advanced skill level will appreciate the superior lens quality of the Jackson Safety BH3 helmet. The optical clarity is 1-1-1-1, and it comes with a 3-year guarantee. Unfortunately, you can’t properly grind or TIG weld at low amperage with this headgear since it doesn’t meet the same criteria. This solar-powered device does not accept batteries. Due to several problems with the headgear, this helmet is not the most comfortable option. The sharpness of the wide lens, however, is unmatched by other hoods.
The recessed rear lens is a nice touch that helps prevent lens damage and extends the life of the shell. The creators of this helmet clearly concentrated their efforts on its lens and shell, and those decisions were not wasted. It would be one of the best helmets on the market if it had a few more sensors that could provide a reliable reading of your arc under challenging conditions, such as when you’re shooting through obstacles.
Jackson is so confident in the quality of their product that they provide a lengthy guarantee of five years. With its solar-cell-only energy source, battery replacement is unnecessary. Batteries are something I like to have available, but that is of course up to the individual. You can adjust the distance between your eyes and the lens, which is helpful if you wear glasses, the hood can be raised and lowered, and there is a knob on the rear that you can turn with your gloves on, for maximum comfort. It is disappointing that there is no grinding mode and just two sensors available. The lens is rated 1/1/1/1 for superb clarity, and the helmet is light and comfortable to use.
Hobart Impact Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
The solar-powered Hobart Impact Variable Auto-Dark Helmet features a tough shell that provides enough protection and includes a breathing mask compartment. Although it provides excellent protection, the bulk of the helmet might make it difficult to manoeuvre in confined situations. As with most conventional lenses, the field of view is adequate, however the lens’s diameter isn’t particularly generous. The on/off switch is convenient and helps save battery life. The device seems to power down without a visible switch, however it can be turned off manually.
The shade range is large, but the sensitivity dial is quite sensitive, making it difficult to select the optimum range. A grind mode is included, which is always a plus. Bear in mind that the settings may change if exposed to direct sunlight.
It is not safe for use with low-amp TIG welding, but it can withstand most types of high-amp welding. It’s cheaper than most helmets, but it’s no better than the similarly priced Antra AH6-260-0000 model.
The Hobart Impact Variable, like the others in the middle price bracket, is a fantastic value and an excellent choice for prolonged periods of welding because to its low weight and lightning-fast lens response time of 1/25,000 of a second. Despite its lightweight design, this polyamide helmet will withstand repeated impacts. The shade may be used for a variety of purposes, since it can be anywhere from #8 to #13. It’s soft and pliable, yet it won’t slide off your head, and it has several places of adjustment. The primary drawbacks are that it requires one battery and has a rather small viewing area.
Instapark GX-500S Welding Helmet (Auto Darkening)
The Instapark ADF Series GX-500S may be the most aesthetically pleasing option, but it cannot compare to the best helmets on the market. The lens has a 3.63-inch width and a 1.65-inch height, covering a somewhat smaller area than typical hoods and allowing for a more nuanced variety of shading effects. Features such as a built-in grinder, removable lithium batteries, and solar power are helpful for cutting expenses.
In my opinion, the best feature of this helmet is its low cost. It’s possible it will outlast the one-year guarantee period, but if not, you may get it replaced without any hassle. Be warned, however, that many buyers have suffered eye injuries without recognising it since the lens wasn’t functioning properly. Make sure you know what a properly working lens looks like in this helmet before you use it.
What to Consider in Choosing a Welding Helmet?
A variety of welding helmets with built-in shaders are available for your consideration. It’s not always easy to decipher the pricing differences between products that seem to be the same but really have significantly different features and capabilities. The size of the field of vision, the quality of the sensors, and the kind of optics should all be taken into account. In this article, we will discuss the best 10 auto-darkening welding helmets on the market today, as well as the factors we used to choose them.
Helmet Weight & Comfort
It’s crucial to consider the weight of your welding helmet if you want to use it for long periods of time. Heavy welding helmets, even though they don’t seem heavy at first, will increase tension to your neck and become rather unpleasant. Wearing a lighter helmet for extended periods of time might also lessen the risk of stress damage. It’s important to think about how you’ll feel while welding, and a lightweight, cushioned helmet may make a big difference. Try to find one that will wrap around your head without falling off. Having to constantly readjust a helmet that doesn’t fit snugly may be a major distraction while welding.
Viewing Area
If you do a lot of welding while standing in awkward positions or need to see a large area, the viewing area size is crucial. The viewing area of some helmets is much larger than that of others; for example, a helmet with a viewing area of 4 inches by 3 inches (or even larger) would be considered to have a large viewing area, while one with a viewing area of 3.5 inches by 1.75 inches would be considered to have a small viewing area. However, this is a matter of personal opinion and the nature of the task at hand; I personally prefer helmets with a viewing area higher than 2 inches. Working in a confined place calls for a big viewing area since it’s inconvenient to constantly shift your body position in order to see well.
Optical Class
Lenses on auto-darkening welding helmets are evaluated and categorised according to their optical quality. This is in keeping with the crispness of one’s view through the glass. The clarity of auto-darkening lenses is ranked from best to worst over four distinct scales, each of which ranges from 1-3. Because of this, the optimal optical rating is 1/1/1/1. While the clarity difference between a 1/1/1/1 and a 1/2/1/2 isn’t huge, a skilled welder will detect it quickly.
Arc Sensors
When looking for an auto-darkening welding helmet, it’s important to take into consideration the amount of arc sensors it has. While you’re working, the helmet’s sensors will pick up on any flashes and instantly darken it. Lower-priced options often feature two or fewer sensors, while more costly ones have three or four. It’s possible to weld successfully with two sensors, but doing so raises the possibility that one of them may miss the flash if you’re not in the ideal position. There is less of a chance of the helmet missing a flash if there are four sensors instead of two, since this is the case when the sensors are blocked by, say, pipes.
Helmet Power Source
Welding helmets may run on lithium batteries, solar panels, or a combination of the two. In most cases, combining the two is preferable since it both increases the welding helmet’s runtime and ensures that you will have power even if one source fails.
When shopping for a welding helmet that runs on batteries, it’s most important to be sure that the batteries can be easily swapped out. To start welding right away, it’s helpful to have a welding helmet that just requires new batteries. It is imperative, however, that you always carry spare batteries. If your welding helmet can be charged by the sun, it may save you money in the long run since you won’t need to buy batteries. Most high-quality auto-darkening helmets come with a handy function called auto-off. This aids in automatically shutting off the power, which extends the life of your battery.
Sensitivity Control
The threshold of brightness below which auto-darkening welding helmets activate is often adjustable. When welding at low amperage, higher sensitivity may be required, therefore having this manual option is helpful. It’s particularly helpful if you share your workspace with other welders and use a lot of arcs. In this section, you may adjust the sensitivity so that it will not be triggered by the arcs of other players.
Lens Shade Options
The lens of an auto-darkening welding helmet may be adjusted to a variety of intensities. As a result, the wider your palette, the more varied your possible uses will be. Shade choices are especially useful if you often switch between different settings and procedures. While a 9-13 shade is typical, a 6-13 shade might be useful when working at lower amperages when it’s more difficult to see the arc.
Lens Reaction Time
A lens’s response time is the amount of time it takes to go from being transparent to opaque after the arc has been struck. The fastest professional lenses may switch focal lengths in as little as 1/20,000 of a second. A quick lens response time is especially useful if you weld regularly. In order to prevent eye strain, you should have the light go out as soon as possible after you begin an arc, since the incremental increase in exposure to the arc each time might add up over time.
Personalisation
Various welding helmets are available, some of which have designs that may be used as a means of self-expression. In addition to the standard black and grey, there is a much wider range of colours to choose from. Popular forms of welding helmets include flags, eagles, and flames, all of which may be found as other colour choices when shopping for a helmet like the DEKOPRO. Quality helmets may be found across a number of different manufacturers, so if you have a preference for, say, Lincoln or Miller, you can remain with these products without worry.
Safety Standards
Welding helmets must meet or exceed all applicable American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements. In order to meet ANSI national safety requirements, a welding helmet must be put through a battery of tests for things like UV, infrared, impact, and temperature resistance. The most up-to-date set of safety guidelines, ANSI Z87.1 – 2003, may be found on the market.
Price
Welding helmet prices vary from roughly $40 (at the low end) to over $800 (at the high end). Having a price range in mind may help narrow down the options, but in general, the more costly helmets are the safer choice. We’ve categorised helmets from the most affordable to the most expensive to accommodate a wide variety of budgets. According to our research, all of the helmets we’ve mentioned that fall within a given price range are both reasonably priced and among the finest on the market.
Why Should You Look for a Welding Helmet That Will Keep It Covered?
The effects of IR on the skin are similar to those of sun exposure. A little amount is OK, but you shouldn’t leave it on your face for too long. A quality welding helmet will shield your face and neck from infrared rays. Verify that your helmet offers enough protection from ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays.
Conclusion
Arc eye, an inflammation of the cornea caused by welding sparks, can be prevented by wearing protective gear by welders. Retinal burns can also be prevented. Auto-darkening helmets, with a built-in filter that automatically darkens everything, were made possible by the International’s ground-breaking work. Lincoln’s 3350 Welding Helmet, with its 4C technology that shows true colours rather than green haze, is the best welding helmet for the money. The Lincoln 3350 series, with its lightweight, adjustable headgear and 1-1-1-2 rated transparent lens, is a top pick among auto-darkening welding helmets for 2020. The optical classification is spotless, the lens response time is lightning fast, and it has four arc sensors.
The helmet has a large front lens that can be easily replaced and it also comes with a carrying case. In addition to being hardy and one-of-a-kind, the hood’s multicoloured LED touchscreen allows for the storage of preferences for later use. Welding helmets can vary greatly in quality, but the Antra AH6-260 is among the best for the money due to its light weight, adjustable shade settings, and overall efficiency. It adjusts to fit any head size or shape, and the front lens is easily removable and replaceable. Its optical glass, lens response times, and tonal range are frequently cited as the industry standard, and it offers superior protection.
Nonetheless, it has a limited one-year warranty and isn’t made for persistent use. The 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 is a high-quality option for welders thanks to its adjustable fit and clear, movable side windows. Its ergonomic design eases the pain of weld-neck after a week under the hood, and it’s lightweight and adjustable to fit most people’s heads. It can be used with Stick, MIG, and TIG welding processes and accommodates heads with a circumference of 50 to 64 centimetres. With a 1-1-1-2 clarity rating and a 3-year warranty, you can buy with confidence.
Miller’s Jackson Safety BH3 Welding-Helmet is typical of the high-quality products the company produces. Welding, cutting, grinding, and a “X” setting are just some of the functions available. Lenses with ClearLight technology enhance visibility and colour contrast thanks to the X-mode filter’s ability to reduce glare from the sun. The helmet’s top isn’t as well made as the rest of it, and the hood often comes loose when it’s not in use. Because of how easily the lens breaks and how much it would cost to replace it, you should store this helmet safely when it’s not in use.
The wide lens’ sharpness is unparalleled by competing hoods, and it’s guaranteed for three years. The recessed rear lens on the Hobart Impact Variable Auto-Dark Helmet protects the lens from damage and extends the life of the shell. It’s easy to hold and manoeuvre, but it’s missing a grinding mode and a couple of sensors. Although it can withstand high-amp welding, it cannot be used with low-amp TIG welding. It’s less expensive than most helmets, but it doesn’t offer any advantages over the Antra AH6-260-0000.
Since it weighs very little and has a lens response time of only 1/25,000 of a second, the Hobart Impact Variable is an excellent option for sustained welding projects. Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing choice is the Instapark ADF Series GX-500S, but it still falls short of the industry standard. It only takes one battery, but the screen size is rather restricted. This helmet’s low price and one-year guarantee are its best features, but buyers should be aware that many have sustained eye injuries without realising it. Choose a welding helmet based on the size of its field of view, the accuracy of its sensors, and the quality of its optics.
If you intend to use your welding helmet for extended periods of time, it is crucial that you take its weight into account. A helmet that can securely wrap around your head and provides some padding could make a big difference. Some helmets have a much larger field of view than others, while others have a very limited field of view. The optical quality of the lenses in auto-darkening welding helmets is measured on a four-point scale that ranges from excellent to poor. The ideal optical rating is a 1/1.1.3.1.
Despite the fact that a competent welder will notice the change between a 1/1 and a 1/2/1/2 immediately, it is still advisable to use arc sensors to confirm the difference. One must think about the number of arc sensors when purchasing an auto-darkening welding helmet. In general, the more expensive options have three or four sensors, while the less expensive ones have two. Solar panels, lithium batteries, or a combination of the two can be used to power the helmet. The power can be turned off automatically with the auto-off feature, and the sensitivity can be changed as needed.
The greater the range of available lens shades, the greater the range of effects that can be achieved. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) stipulates certain minimum performance standards for welding helmets, including resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared (IR), impact, and temperature. Pricing for customization starts at $40 and goes up to more than $800. For what reasons should you seek out a welding helmet that will keep it concealed? A good welding helmet will protect your face and neck from infrared radiation, which has an effect on the skin similar to that of the sun.
Content Summary
- For arc welding processes including shielded arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding, the welder will often use a welding helmet.
- Lincoln’s headgear in this helmet is similarly well-executed, managing to be both shockingly lightweight and remarkably comfortable.
- The Lincoln 3350 series succeeds in offering a wide variety of options, which is one of the reasons we enjoy it so much.
- In addition to being very light and comfortable, this helmet also has superb clarity.
- Even so, this is a top pick among auto-darkening welding helmets for 2020.
- Due to its low weight, wide range of shade settings (4, 5, 9, and 13), and overall effectiveness, we judged the Antra AH6-260-0000 to be among the finest welding helmets for the money.
- For its price, the Antra Welding Helmet provides superior protection and is often considered the industry standard.
- It’s also been upgraded with a grind mode and sensitivity controls.
- The flexible side windows of the 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 allow you to adjust your field of view as needed while still maintaining a comfortable fit.
- The hood is lightweight and designed to fit the heads of most individuals.
- The side windows are the helmet’s finest feature, allowing you superb peripheral vision and making it easier to enjoy the weld.
- Despite its poor headgear design and fragility, the Miller 281000 Digital Elite is an excellent lightweight TIG, MIG, and grinding helmet.
- Welding, cutting, grinding, and X-Mode are the four options.
- The top of the helmet doesn’t live up to the quality of the rest of it.
- The expensive Welders at a more advanced skill level will appreciate the superior lens quality of the Jackson Safety BH3 helmet.
- The recessed rear lens is a nice touch that helps prevent lens damage and extends the life of the shell.
- You can adjust the distance between your eyes and the lens, which is helpful if you wear glasses, the hood can be raised and lowered, and there is a knob on the rear that you can turn with your gloves on, for maximum comfort.
- It is disappointing that there is no grinding mode and just two sensors available.
- The lens is rated 1/1/1/1 for superb clarity, and the helmet is light and comfortable to use.
- The solar-powered Hobart Impact Variable Auto-Dark Helmet features a tough shell that provides enough protection and includes a breathing mask compartment.
- The on/off switch is convenient and helps save battery life.
- The Hobart Impact Variable, like the others in the middle price bracket, is a fantastic value and an excellent choice for prolonged periods of welding because to its low weight and lightning-fast lens response time of 1/25,000 of a second.
- In this article, we will discuss the best 10 auto-darkening welding helmets on the market today, as well as the factors we used to choose them.
- It’s crucial to consider the weight of your welding helmet if you want to use it for long periods of time.
- If you do a lot of welding while standing in awkward positions or need to see a large area, the viewing area size is crucial.
- Lenses on auto-darkening welding helmets are evaluated and categorised according to their optical quality.
- When looking for an auto-darkening welding helmet, it’s important to take into consideration the amount of arc sensors it has.
- When shopping for a welding helmet that runs on batteries, it’s most important to be sure that the batteries can be easily swapped out.
- A quick lens response time is especially useful if you weld regularly.
- Having a price range in mind may help narrow down the options, but in general, the more costly helmets are the safer choice.
FAQs About Metal
Why Is a Welding Mask Important?
A welding helmet, commonly referred to as a “hood,” is one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment that a welder must have. An adequate helmet protects the eyes and skin not only from severe sparks, but also from potentially vision-damaging ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted by the arc.
How Does Welding Affect the Eyes?
Visible light from welding processes is very bright and can overwhelm the ability of the iris of the eye to close sufficiently and rapidly enough to limit the brightness of the light reaching the retina. The result is that the light is temporarily blinding and fatiguing to the eye.
What Are Welding Risks?
Health risks include respiratory irritation, metal fume fever, lung cancer, skin cancer, damage to the nervous system, asphyxiation, and other health risks. Safety hazards associated with these processes include burns, eye damage, electrical shock, cuts, injury to toes and fingers. Fires and explosions may also occur.
What Are Welding Masks Made Of?
Made of thermoplastic material, strengthened by special glass fiber with high heat and mechanical resistance, complete with headgear, the typical helmet for welders.
What Should Welders Wear?
Clothing for welders should be made from cotton or wool of a dense weave, preferably treated with flame-retardant coatings. Polyester, acetate or acrylic clothing (or combinations of these) with cotton or wool should not be worn as these materials are flammable and will melt onto the skin while burning.
