Having the right tools is vital to your welding's safety and efficiency. For instance, welding helmets are a must-have when considering personal protective equipment. They will protect your skin and eyes from the sparks produced during welding. In addition, welding arcs emit infrared and ultraviolet rays that could have vision-damaging effects. Therefore, investing in a good welding helmet is crucial. Auto-darkening welding helmets are among the more popular ones you will find. As the name implies, these helmets adjust automatically from light to dark shades during welding. They are more efficient, safe, less-straining, and more productive. However, you must purchase the correct one for the best results, and here is a simple guide to help you choose.
Consider The Shade Type
Auto-darkening welding helmets are available in fixed and variable shade options. As the name suggests, fixed-shade options will darken to a single or fixed-shade when an arc is initiated. This is usually perfect when working on the same material or welding something with the same thickness. However, if you move between applications or have to adjust your welding machine's voltage and change amperage settings, etc., you will need a more flexible option. A variable-shade auto-darkening welding helmet will be the better option for such applications. It allows you to switch shades to suit your varying application needs. It would help to consider a variable-shade auto-darkening welding helmet's variable shade range when selecting one. Helmets with a wider range are best for greater comfort and efficiency when working on several applications.
Think About The Controls
Auto-darkening welding helmets feature a range of controls that make them more functional and efficient. When considering controls, think about the kind of control features you need and the location of these controls. For instance, delay and sensitivity controls are worth having on your welding helmet. The delay control allows you to shorten or lengthen the time it takes for your helmet to adjust to normal after completing your weld. Setting your delay control for long is ideal for heavy welding applications that may take relatively longer to cool. On the other hand, sensitivity controls enable you to control how reactive your helmet is to arcs. This is helpful if your workshop has other welders. That way, you can reduce your helmet's sensitivity to prevent it from being triggered by arcs from the other welders, especially when you need it to be in a light state.
Controls can be internal or external. External controls allow you to adjust settings without removing your helmet. However, they can be damaged more easily. In contrast, internal controls offer more protection from damage. However, you have to take your helmet off to change settings, which may be less convenient depending on your application.
Consider Lens Reaction Time
How quickly does the lens on your helmet darken when you initiate an arc? Welding produces high-intensity light, so you will be better off with a lens that shades your eyes from such light the quickest.
For more information on welding helmets like Speedglas Adflo helmets, contact a company near you.
