For instance, you can not use the shade fixed for TIG in GTAW which requires low amperage. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. On the other hand, the one with solar power lasts for several years. Fieldwork, pipelining, and high amperages are places where helmets with fixed shade rule. To be confident with your choice, I compiled a some useful information on the topic to make the selection easier for you. If you really want to do it, like for watching a solar eclipse, you should get the darkest shade possible, and thats shade 14. Unsurprisingly, the more arc sensors on the helmet, the less chance of the helmet failing to darken at a crucial time. Its entirely up to you to decide which one you prefer. Stick Welding vs. MIG Welding. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Therefore it is not recommended to use 8 for long welding. Auto-darkening shade lenses come with a better facility that helps everyone-from beginner to professional welders. Lens shade numbers 4 to 8 are useful for low light intensity welding & cutting activities such as gas cutting, brazing or soldering, etc. Engweld welding lenses range includes clear lenses, cover Lenses, plain glass lenses, and plastic lenses for use in front of the shaded lens to help protect the shaded lens from welding spatter. 14 is usually the highest available shade number. If you are under 40, this is usually +1.75, with people age 40+ choosing a higher level. They are shaped to protect the face, neck, and ears from direct radiant energy from the arc. Now also a web designer and a blog owner. Looking at the other end of the range, if you are barely seeing the weld puddle and feeling a headache after your shift, you probably should consider leveling down a shade. Most welding helmets of this kind come in the classic shape, but you have also probably seen pancake helmets. The two sensors work independently and react fast enough that youll never feel any eye strain. Take your time, think about your welding environment, and find a helmet that will suit your needs. Just read this article, and it will all be clear. TIG welding requires shades between 9 and 11. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 2 For example, a shade range of 10 to 13 is advisable for MIG welding. AmeriArc has fulfilled its vision to provide affordable and high-quality welding equipment by creating this 2 x 4, HD auto-darkening welding filter. You can order online for delivery or click and collect from your nearest store -Store Locator. As stated by Lincoln Electric, this well-known lens technology can eliminate imperfections, a serious factor that contributes to eye strain, enabling you to work longer without feeling any discomfort. Theyre shipped in just a plastic bag, so they might get damaged during transport. The light state is usually a shade 3-5, but there are a few high-end helmets, like the Optrel Crystal 2.0, that have a shade-2 light state. Welding Helmet, Auto Darkening True Color Welding Mask, Solar Powered While all good welding filters will block out 100% of harmful UV and infrared light, certain types of welding, brazing or torch-cutting will produce electromagnetic energy (often referred to as radiant energy) at wavelengths and intensities that can cause damage to your eyes. The Miller Electric auto-darkening welding lens is one of the top choices among experienced welders, including myself. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Best Fixed Shade Welding Lens - Welding Headquarters We devote all our efforts to provide each end-user high quality welding lens, ensure safety and greatly improve work efficiency. What do Welding Shade Numbers Mean? What Shade is Safe? When the sensors detect the arc, they activate the LC cells, so that less light can pass through. However, you must be very careful with it, because the thin gold coating can get scratched very easily, making the lens practically unusable. Log in. If the amperage is from 200 to 500, you will need to use a shade number of 12 and 13. The amperage guides most shade level charts and in combination with material welded and the welding process used, will give you a good indication of how much you should set your shade knob on your welding helmet. Compare that with todays Miler Elite welding helmet that has 1/20 000 of a second or Optrels Crystal that goes from light to dark in 0.100 ms. They are not cumbersome and will fit well inside the helmet. This article will try to be the best of both worlds, to cross that divide. Your welding helmet should allow you to adjust the light sensitivity. Welding is a dangerous task that makes you vulnerable to many serious risks. If you have read from the beginning to here, you are supposed to know everything about shade lenses for welding. If you liked this article, have a look at my other articles I wrote about the topic! Item removed from wishlist. If you're simply in the market, here are our recommendations. Its quality and the number of colors that can be seen besides green vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The intense light produced during the welding process is bright enough to blind a person watching with naked eyes, especially at a close range. In Low Amp TIG welding, the shading level will be extremely low (din number #8), and corresponding to the amperage, the light that the welding arc emits will lower, causing less strain on your eyes and letting you use an above sad lower shade number. In general, stick welding produces brighter arcs, so darker shades are required, usually between 10 and 13. From the stone age of auto-darkening welding helmets to the present day, the modern variable shade lenses and technology that powers them have drastically improved. The way they work is very simple. Lens shade numbers 4 to 8 are useful for low light intensity welding & cutting activities such as gas cutting, brazing or soldering, etc. Others (usually old-school welders) prefer a smaller welding lens which lets them focus only on the weld. glass window through which the welder observes the work in the area of the arc. On this list, Ive included both types of lenses because its a matter of preference, so there are options for all welders. The more sensors there are, the better the coverage of a welding space and the lesser chance of some obstruction interfering with the auto-darkening process. There might be affiliate links in this post. This lens is compatible with Jacksons 409P and 411P welding helmets, but it will also fit most helmets that use 2 x 4.25 size lenses. Amperage or the strength and brightness of the welding arc have the most effect on the shade number. Welding lenses should be purchased only from suppliers who can be depended upon to furnish quality products. Why is that good? Except for lenses that are ground for correction of vision, their flat surfaces should be smooth and parallel. But it can be very dangerous for your eyes as welding arcs emit UV and IR radiation. The darkening occurs the moment the weld sparks and should be extremely fast in order to protect the eyes from any exposure to radiation. It's a piece of glass (or plastic) with a dark coating for UV and IR protection, and that's it. When selecting the right shade for you, it's best to find the perfect balance between protection and comfort, as you want to be protected from eye strain while still retaining a clear view of your work. Welding Helmet, Auto Darkening True Color Welding Mask, Solar Powered Large Viewing Welder Mask, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4~5/9-9/13 Welder Helmet with Replacement Lens for TIG, MIG, Arc Weld Grinding. As a rule of thumb, the simpler helmets will have a reaction time near 1/3,600 of a second, and the more robust versions can get up to speeds of 1/20,000 of a second. Keep your eyes adequately covered, and you shouldn't have a problem. Low amp TIG welding, manufacturing, and production are places that you will have the most use from a variable shade lens. At the same time, the UV/IR filter is active to shield away harmful radioactive emissions. Who's Got the Lightest Welding Helmet? | WelditU Disclaimer Weldingpros.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Above 100, you need to use 12 and 13. Simply put, a high shade number will provide a high level of darkness and will be suitable for welding that produces a very bright arc. Welding Goggles: Auto-Darkening, Shades, Plus the 5 Best For around $10, you will get two hardened glass, gold-coated welding lenses. The 2 x 4.25 lens will fit all welding hoods that use this size, and its very thin so it leaves plenty of room in case you want to use a cheater lens. As you can notice, shade number depends on: For example, a gas cutting will require usually a lens shade of 4 to 8 numbers while gouging by air carbon requires a higher number of lens shades, usually 12 to 14 numbers. I sincerely hope this information was beneficial to you. The lens is made of 6 layers, one UV/IR interference filter, three polarization filters, and two liquid crystal cells. If you only work with one welding process, be it TIG, MIG, or stick welding, you need only one shade number. It also has 2 types. Welding Lens - Tefuawe They are also passive helmets, and all of these helmets, despite the price and lack of advanced protect your eyes from all harmful radiations ionization of shielding gas and are under the ANSI standards. 10 Best Welding Goggles to Keep Your Eyes Safe in 2023 - DIYS.com The size of the cartridge, 2 x 4.25, makes it compatible with most helmets that use this site, and you can additionally fit a cheater lens on some helmets. But, they are one of the most affordable lenses on the market so you can always have an extra pair on the bottom of your toolbox or workshop drawer. We respect your privacy and promise not to spam. How to test your auto-darkening welding helmet. So what is the right lens shade for TIG welding? As mentioned before, the safest shade for welding can be determined by the type of welding you're performing. The lens will not switch from a light state to a darken state. There is no technology in them so there is nothing to go off when you wet the helmet or when you drop it. And to convince you of the quality of their products, they have a 3-year warranty on all of their welding lenses. The three polarization filters work just like sunglasses, they darken the light that passes through them. What is the right welding helmet is a debate in which every welders got something to say. 08999815 | VAT No. Forney Industries, as one of the longest family-owned operating companies, has created one of the best hardened-glass lenses that suits almost every helmet. You are free to manage these via your browser settings at any time. This welding lens fits any helmet that uses 24, but some welders find it difficult to install a cheater lens due to its thickness. Please SignIn or create a NewAccount to leave a reply! Again, a matter of preference and old-school vs new. Considering that for a successful weld, a welder must have a steady arm and good eyesight. As youve probably understood, ADF helmets sport a number of sensors that detect the weld spark, which starts the darkening process. While immersing myself in this wonderful hobby, I've learned from hands-on experience what welding gear works and what doesn't. Is Welding Dangerous? The available shades range from 5 to 14, with 5 being more like sunglasses and NOT SUITABLE FOR TIG WELDING! If you arent sure which type of lens best suits your needs, I have included a short explanation for each, and that might help you decide. How To Reduce Spatter When Flux Core Welding. Welding helmets come in all sorts of styles and designs, and while the look of a helmet might be what draws you in, the protection it provides should be your top priority. * Good arc sensors and new technologies like true color filter relay come in to play on shade 9 for low amp TIG welding on stainless steel or aluminum. What Shade Lens Do You Need in Welding Goggles? Best Over-the-Glasses (OTG) Safety Glasses, Home> Blog> Eyewear Safety Regulations. Most likely, the reason behind this is the fact that the arc of a TIG torch isnt as bright as it is during stick welding, so the sensor doesnt pick it up. Of course, if you already have a helmet, you can just buy the lens that fits it. It gives you the ability to see the weld, arc, and material around it much better, even on the highest shade setting. The arc was to bright and hot, melting arc sensors on our welding hoods. TIG Welding In Food And Beverage Industry, TIG Welding (GTAW) For Restoration And Preservation, TIG Welding (GTAW) In Oil And Gas Industry, TIG Welding In Shipbuilding And Marine Applications, TIG Welding For Custom Motorcycle Parts And Fabrication. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, 2006 - 2023 WeldGuru.com - All rights reserved -, how auto-darkening welding helmets work here. Skip to content. Some welders might find themselves in need of darker lenses, while others prefer something lighter, but no one size fits all when it comes to eye protection. Stainless Steel Cleaning & Etching Systems, Inside Cover Lens For Esab Eco-Arc Helmet Packet Of 10. The number, position and sensitivity of these sensors are important in order to be sure the helmets aware of surrounding light levels at all times, and darkens which its supposed to. The reason for that is they make high-quality welding lenses with superior clarity. In short, gold-coated lenses do a better job at blocking UV/IR radiation and block out the bluest, brightest rays that cause the most damage. TW Supply, 2 pieces Shade 10 Glass Gold 2 x HOUSE Glass Gold 2x4.25 Fixed shade (Shades 9-12). On the other side, if the shade numbers are too high for the amperage used, you wont be able to see the weld pool and the arc path, making you prone to mistakes (and ridicule by other welders), So proper shade is essential. But if you are doing it professionally, I would recommend you make a good investment. Compare. Between 5 and 100 amps, use the number from 9 to 10. It will remain dark. PDF Eye Protection against Radiant Energy during Welding and Cutting in I however prefer auto-darkening. The only way to make the lens unusable is by scratching or breaking it. You can leave a comment in the comments section below, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. If these hoods are under the ANSI Z87.1 standard, then they are tested and safe to use. Lens shades are classified in numbers that determine the amount of brightness they filter. Most old-school welders still use this type of helmet and dont even care about trying auto-darkening. This power source combines the best of both worlds the ability to charge the battery cells through the solar panels, as well as the ability to switch batteries instantly when needed. In light state, the lens is fixed at shade 3 so you can see your surroundings, as well as the base material, very clearly. If you are doing simple welding, 2 sensors are enough. Basically, you can let some helmets choose the shade number for you based on what the sensors readings are picking up from the arc. The best practice is using the one with both lithium batteries and solar power. How to Set Your MIG Welding Helmet Shading If you either notice that the weld is too bright and your eyes are strained after a while, level up a shade. What Shade Lens Is Used For Welding? - Complete Guide - Mechanicalgiants We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Another improvement and a point for an auto-darkening helmet is the auto shade setting feature. Since variable shade lenses are more expensive than their fixed shade counterparts, you shouldnt spend the extra money when its not necessary. Auto-darkening helmets have many advantages such as automatically darkening when a welder strikes an arc. What Shade Lens to Use for MIG Welding - WaterWelders Those are a bit pricey, but they are worth the money. 1 As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark, then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. While the shades from 9 to 13 are mainly used for different welding processes. This welding lens is designed with special attention to the shape, creating precise edges to allow a safe and proper fit to window sizes 4.5 x 5.25. Sign up and join 10,000+ other learners and get free welding articles and tips sent straight to your inbox. Your helmet's filter lens will protect your eyes if you use the proper minimum shade and if you view the radiant energy source ONLY through the filter. The fixed shade Harris Welding Hood Lens is suitable for every welder. My advice would be to always choose a lens with a solar strip, not only because of the cost of buying new batteries every few weeks but also because used batteries are very bad for the environment if theyre not disposed of properly. This supports your workflow by allowing you to keep your helmet on for post processing. The gold filter plate has the ability to reflect the most infrared rays that are harmful to your eyes and allows you to spend many hours of carefree welding. Weight: 8.4 oz. If you are doing MIG welding with argon as shielding gas, you may use 10 and 11 under 200 amps. Metal Numbers, Codes, Classifications & Designations, Common Types of Welding (FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, SAW), What You Can and Cannot Cut With a Plasma Cutter, How to Convert 3 Phase Welder to Single Phase. 0 light state - see clearly what happens before,. In other words, the more light required to complete the task will result in a darker lens. This particular shade-10 welding lens has an amber tint that allows you to see both the arc and the puddle clearly, minimizing the possibility of mistakes. A welding helmets job is to protect you from radiation (ultraviolet and infrared), sparks and spatter, and a myriad of other hazards often found in a welders environment. Welding lens shades numbers are listed from Number 4 to number 14 in AWS Z49.1.Lens shade numbers 4 to 8 are useful for low light intensity welding & cutting activities such as gas cutting, brazing or soldering, etc. This is what causes the lens to darken, but only to a specific shade (thus, fixed shade). It is not a replacement for manufacturers directions and is only to provide reminders for experienced welders. the 30 hour review A game changing lens for Tig welders!! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com 2023 Mechanical Giants. It is solar-powered and you wont have to waste any time changing batteries. The more the better saying can go when a number of sensors are in question. The fixed-shade lens is enough for a particular form of welding. This was a quick overview over how and why I would choose my lens shade for TIG welding. The problem is that shade number 4 is still too high and the hood can be utilized only in a well-lit room or good lighting. Divide between charts and personal comfort, to help you make a better and more informed judgment for safe and productive work in the future. Emitted radiation from the TIG arc is UVA, UVB and UVC. And as you have to use higher amperage, you need to use a darker lens. Theyre also cheaper in the long run as you dont have to spend money on new batteries. There are safety standards set in place from ANSI for all welding helmets. If the sun is not available, it wont work. You need to use 11 for up to 150 amps, 12 for the range from 150 amps to 250 amps, and 13 for above these levels. The lens costs less than $10 and its made from hardened glass which is quite strong and durable. If you use CO2 as shielding gas, under 150 amps, use 10, 11, and 12 according to your preference. In this regard, you must wear a helmet with a lens. Crystal lens technology with shade 2. When your nose if basically touching the weld puddle, you might consider decreasing the shade strength. According to OSHA's Fact Sheet, MIG welding (GMAW) or flux-cored welding (FCAW) using currents of 60 to 500 amps requires a minimum lens shade level of a DIN number 10. Before you consider any of this information from the charts, make sure your vision is not impeded somehow and that you can see well. Passive welding lenses usually come in shades 9-13. Keep in mind that the price for welding helmets varies greatly, from 500 USD to 30 USD, and cheap welding helmets also claim extreme reaction time speeds but most of them do no deliver. However, in their infancy, the first auto-darkening helmets were of poor quality with horrible reaction time, two sensors of low quality, and were short-lived batteries. To understand a bit better what you are protecting against, here are some details about the emitted radiations you are protecting against while TIG welding. Will I be switching between welding processes. What Shade Is Safe for Welding? If youre going to be welding only a single material using a single process, then a fixed-shade will suffice. It is a more expensive method. GB226381611 | Registered in England and Wales | Unit 6, Union Court, Union Road, London, SW4 6JP. How To MIG Weld Stainless Steel: A Beginners Guide. A helmet-type head shield, as shown in below Figure is standard equipment for protecting the welders face and eyes from the direct rays of the arc. The truth is that both exhibit many merits and flaws and are suitable for one work or another. They also allow you to see through the arc so you can better focus on the puddle. High-light intensity welding processes such as plasma arc welding or PAW, need a high number of shades, mostly 12 to 14 shades numbers for the right protection. To make it clearer: the larger the fraction number is, the faster the lens reaction time. Please confirm the subscription Email in your inbox. If you cant find what you are looking for or have any queries, pleasecontact us and we will be more than happy to help! Among your arsenal of safety tools, a good auto-darkening welding helmet is probably the single most important item and for good reason. You also get a 2-year warranty for the lens. View All GAS EQUIPMENT; . How Dangerous It Is? Welding Helmet Lens Shade Guide With Tables and Explanations And in welding, that is not a good thing. Occasionally, you may have welders whose eyes are too sensitive to take the bright light from MIG welding completely despite using a shade 13 lens. In comes the welding helmets corrective lenses for every diopters. Yet more significant problems are to the naked eyes and the permanent damage from viewing arc light unprotected or through a faulty helmets lens. Fixed-shade helmets can only darken to a single, pre-defined shade (usually a #10 shade), while variable-shade helmets can darken to a number of shades, depending on the welding process being used and materials being welded. Shade Lens For MIG: If you are doing MIG welding with argon as shielding gas, you may use 10 and 11 under 200 amps. What shade of lens for TIG welding? And with variable lens shade, you can use it for almost all purposes. Material thickens around 4.5 to 6 inch. What then is the appropriate lens shade for TIG welding? Buy View Add to wishlist. Your face, especially, your eyes are very prone to severe damage. Conversely, a low number will provide a brighter view, which will allow a high degree of visibility that will be ideal for welding with a duller arc. PROS (What we liked) You dont need to spend money on batteries or hold your helmet in a dark place to protect the solar cells from fast degrading. ADF stands for Auto-Darkening Filter. For oxyfuel gas cutting, the gas lens depends on the material thickness to be cut, and the same for OFW Welding where the thickness to be welded decides the lens shade. And the other can offer variable shades. But the problem is that sometimes it becomes hard to see what you are welding. Some shades protect your eyes, even before activating your helmet. There are, however, two types of fixed shade welding lenses: passive and auto-darkening. The color of the puddle is green and because of this eye-soothing color, the eye-straining effect is minimized. Disclaimer: Weldguru.com is based on information from multiple sources, including AWS Handbooks, U.S. Army Operator Circulars, O.S.H.A and our own first-hand experience with welding. In this article, Ill talk about those points which will ease your selection of a perfect shade lens for welding. While some helmets will list their shade level from 9 - 13, others will provide a wider range like 5 - 13, but what does this mean, and what shade do you need for welding applications you'll be doing? What shade lens should I use for welding? It has become a bit of a pet project, as I want to learn more about the details about welding. When in dark state, youll be able to see the arc and the puddle very clearly with an amber tint thats comfortable for your eyes. TIG Welding Stainless Steel: A Beginners Guide. Passive welding helmets were the only choice for decades. This is especially true for passive helmets that need to be head nodded up and down constantly throughout the day, but ADF helmet users will also feel the effects over time. Passive helmets are a bit old-fashioned and some difficulties while welding. To get a better idea of the shade you should be using for your welding, match your welding application and amperage to the graph below. They use a simple tinted piece of glass of a single shade (most of the time, DIN number default is #10) instead of the ADF filter. Typically ranging anywhere from a shade of 8 to 13, these are the shade levels to consider when purchasing new equipment. The QHRM Welding Glasses have impressive capabilities in terms of the shade level. Passive welding helmet has a different set of advantages compared against the helmets with variable shade lens. The way auto-darkening lenses work is quite ingenious, and if you want to know more about the technicalities, this article will be useful. To address some of the questions I frequently got asked or was wondering myself during my job, I started this blog. Its much more convenient when you have to turn around and look for a tool or something. This site also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. The way they work is very simple. Shop our range of Welding Lenses today | Next day delivery is available | Weld UK . Copyright 2023 !www.materialwelding.com! This lens provides you with ultra-clear HD quality, but the fixed shade 9 is really only useful for working at low-amperage TIG welding. What Shade Lens for MIG Welding? The Easy Way to Be Safe The ArcOne T240-10 is about half the price of the Jackson Solera, so if youre on a tight budget, dont hesitate to give the T240 a try. The lens comes with two sensors, which function independently. Although the price is a bit high, this lens is guaranteed to last for a long time, keeping your eyes safe along the way. Jackson Safety has built up almost a century of experience in making welding lenses, among other welding products. If youre looking for a great bargain, then the TW Supply, 2 pieces would be the right choice. Looking directly at the welding arc without protection or let us say, failure to observe this rule can result in various degrees of eye burn. The helmets weight is a crucial comfort factor and should not be ignored. On many auto-darkening welding helmets, light state is actually a shade number 4. But this should not discourage you. Jackson Safety Solera 16376 - Fixed Shade 3/11, ArcOne T240-10 Tradesman Auto-Darkening 2x4.25. Lens Shade Level Lens Reaction Time Power Source Features Weight Warranty Best Pick Tekware Moto 90 Large Viewing True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Check Price on Amazon 110 X 60mm Shade 11 lens. Just type your email below! Type of Welding: Amperage: Lens Shade: TIG - Mild Steel: 5 to 20: Shade 9: TIG - Mild Steel: 20 to 30: Shade 10: TIG .
what shade lens for tig welding