Hrnell, which is now a part of 3M, commercialized its very first welding helmet auto-darkening filter in 1981. Twenty-five years later, the technology had established a sound standing for itself in the welding industry. Welding helmets not only provide excellent protection but boost welding performance as well.
In the early years, these auto-darkening welding filters let the welders inspect their work at comfortable light levels while keeping their faces and eyes protected all the time. Today, these filters become dark the moment an arc strikes. It becomes semitransparent again when the welding stops.
The auto-darkening technology also lessens the neck strain linked with helmet nodding. This helps in boosting the precision of the electrode placement and the welder doesn’t have to raise take off the helmet to take a closer look at the progress and lessens the need for rework. The welder can get into tight and cramped space with complete protection and clear view without helmet nodding that makes complicated welds a lot easier.
Advantages of Auto-darkening Welding Helmet
The auto-darkening feature itself is the most important advantage of this type of welding. The lens sits at shade 3 or 4 when the arc is idle, this way the welder can see clearly, and position his torch. When the welder strikes the arc, the lens gets activated changing its shade to a range of 8 to 13 depending on the settings of the helmet as well as its sensitivity settings.
It merely takes a fraction of a second to happen, since the moment the sensors detect the arc, the lens activates to protect the welder. Another main advantage is the stable positioning of these helmets. As you cannot wear the helmet on and off, it stays in position so you stay safe all the time.
Along with safety, it saves you a lot of time too, as you don’t have to reposition the helmet, prevent injuries to your neck, and operate the torch better due to having constant contact. Users have better control of the torch. Welding helmets, like the one at Welding Corner, come in handy as they free the welder’s hand from repositioning it.
Auto-darkening welding helmets are great to work in cramped spaces. Tight places restrict the welder’s movement, so avoiding repeatedly wearing and taking off the helmet makes it a lot easier to do the job.
Auto-darkening vs Passive Welding Helmets
Welders can do the job a lot faster with auto-darkening helmets. These helmets increase the productivity levels in a variety of ways contrary to passive helmets. Due to the presence of ADF, they can get activated and inactivated automatically, making them a better choice. Auto-darkening welding helmets are beginner-friendly, and you would find a wide range of them in the market.
Their major disadvantage compared to passive welding helmets is that they are larger and heavier than passive helmets, which makes it tough to work in closed spaces. On the other hand, for decades, passive welding helmets were the only welding helmets known to welders. They are quite effective, particularly when it comes to protecting the welder’s eye and face.
Passive helmets feature a fixed-shade lens, usually a number 10. But it depends on the helmet model and manufacturer. The lens is made of standard glass with a coating of IR (infrared) and UV (ultraviolet) protection to keep you safe.
So, the benefits of auto-darkening helmets surpass that of the passive welding helmet. They increase the welder’s productivity, finish the job quickly while ensuring maximum protection against face and neck injuries and arc flashes. They are great for those who are just starting. The beginners.
Experienced welders are skilled at operating passive welding helmets, but beginners could find it hard and make errors. This could lead to health hazards. If you are a professional welder, you should get an auto-darkening welding helmet.