Some Valuable Tips to Help You Pick a Welding Helmet

Date Posted:20 February 2023

Selecting the proper welding helmet is crucial for shielding your eyes and face from the hazardous ultraviolet and infrared rays released during welding, which can be a problem whether you're doing routine maintenance, making repairs, or working on do-it-yourself projects. We have a variety of welding helmets and helpful hints to get you started on your path to welding greatness.

There are two primary types of welding helmets, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

There are two types of helmets: a) passive helmets with a predetermined level of darkness and b) electronic auto-darkening helmets with a range of brightness levels.

You may improve your output, weld quality, safety, and comfort by using a welding helmet designed for the task at hand. Factors like the needed viewing area and lens shade range should be considered when choosing a welding helmet.

Passive Welding Helmets

The lenses in passive welding helmets are permanently coloured to protect the wearer's eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays.

Passive helmets typically have a clear outer shell and a flippable container for the shade lens. Before beginning to weld, you can inspect the area to be worked on through the transparent glass by flipping down the shaded lens holder. Because of the helmet's dark lens, the operator must lift the visor before inspecting the weld.

Typically, passive welding helmets don't weigh too much. However, welders can get tired from constantly flipping their helmets up and down to adjust the electrode and inspect the weld area.

Furthermore, the user may be exposed to harmful light if the helmet is not flipped down before welding.

Electronic Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets

Sensors in electronic welding helmets can tell when a weld has begun, and the lenses will darken correspondingly.

The auto-darkening lenses of today's electronic helmets allow the welder to see clearly and assess the weld without taking off his helmet. Productivity, accuracy, and security can all improve as a result. They come in both constant and variable shading options.

Even when the helmet is turned off, the user's eyes will still be shielded from harmful UV and IR rays in a high-quality auto-darkening helmet. However, a helmet with a response time of 4/10ths of a millisecond is optimal for both safety and comfort. Comfort levels are highest when response times are less than a millisecond, which is imperceptible to the human eye.

Is It Better to Buy an Automatic Welding Helmet with a Fixed or Variable Shade?

Auto-darkening welding helmets have a predetermined shade that darkens when they detect an arc. A fixed-shade helmet may be appropriate for use with a single welding process on materials of uniform thickness and limited amperage variation.

A variable shade lens will provide superior protection if you intend to utilise multiple welding methods (such as MIG, TIG, and arc or stick welding) or if you intend to change the amperage and, consequently, the brightness of the arc.

What Is the Optimal Lens Shade Range?

A welding helmet's shade number indicates the degree to which the lens blocks out sunlight. A higher shade number indicates a darker lens with a higher protection rating.

Choosing a welding helmet compatible with your machine is crucial, as each welding technique has its own recommended optimal shade range. If you're going to be doing any sort of welding, you should get a helmet that's designed for it.

Conclusion

Choosing a helmet that serves its job while also being comfortable is crucial. You should think about how long one weld will require you to wear your welding helmet. Increased efficiency and less weariness are also benefits of a well-fitting helmet. When shopping for a welding helmet, it's crucial to look for accessories like an adjustable harness that can help spread the weight over the head.

Spend some time doing research to find the best helmet for your needs. Welding helmets inspire confidence in their wearers because they are tested and certified to meet Australian and New Zealand Safety Standards AS/NZS 1338 and AS/NZS 1337, guaranteeing protection from harmful levels of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light that can cause cataracts and retinal damage.

If you are looking for a great source of Miller welding helmets in Australia, look no further than our high-quality selections here at National Welding and Industrial Supplies. We are the leading welding equipment supplier in Australia, and we offer high quality industrial tools and welding equipment that will suit all your welding requirements. Check out our other categories above for more of our welding accessories and their prices.

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