How to choose a welding helmet: their types and important characteristics, what to look for when choosing, rating

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In this article we will look at the features and types of welding helmets, as well as what to look for when choosing

The electric arc emits bright light and ultraviolet rays that can burn the cornea of ​​the eye. To protect your eyesight and clearly see the processes occurring in the weld pool, you need a high-quality welding mask. What they are, how they differ and what to look for when choosing, we will consider in this article.

What is a welding helmet for?

First of all, a welding helmet is used to protect the welder's eyes. When welding, the eyes are exposed to ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The welding mask is also designed to protect the skin of the face. During welding, hot sparks spread in different directions, which can cause a huge number of burns to the master. A well-chosen mask will help you avoid all these problems. It will allow the welder to do his job calmly and not worry about his safety.

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions and weight affect ease of use. A heavy, bulky device will complicate the work and affect quality. This is especially true for weight, since during welding work a large load falls on the neck. The lighter the product, the more convenient it is to use.

The only case where weight can be neglected for the sake of a low price is the rare use of welding.

Lens distortion

This parameter determines the degree of distortion of light passing through the glass. The lower the indicator, the more delicate work can be done. Indicator 1 is suitable for working with thin seams, but such a mask will be impractical when welding large pipes and other large objects.

Sight dimensions

The size of the viewing slit directly affects the view. Standard models have a 90x40 mm window, but you can find devices with a 120x60 mm window.

Material

The cheapest means of protection are made of the simplest plastic, the more expensive ones are made of heat-resistant plastic, resistant to high temperatures and mechanical stress. In the first case, the products will not last long.

Types of light filters:

• A regular light filter with tinted glass. To work without a welding arc, you will need to remove the mask.
• The chameleon darkens automatically when a welding arc appears. In the absence of an arc, the glass of the mask is transparent.

Types of construction and “grinding” mode

A mask with a “grinding” mode will be useful for those who usually, after welding workpieces, engage in their further processing. They have a switch from welding to grinding position. In the “grinding” mode, the filter is constantly light and does not react to sparks from the grinder. As a result, the welder can clearly see everything and at the same time his eyes are reliably protected. Thanks to such masks, there is no need to exchange them for glasses.

There are also grinding masks that have a folding top, for example, PREMIER Favorit SOMZ or ESAB ECO-ARC II 110*90. In such models there is a filter with a constant degree of darkness. However, it is located in a cassette that flips up. It is convenient for a welder to work in such a mask.

Kinds

Special masks for welders protect against damage to the face and eyes. They are available in two types: with a fixed degree of darkness or with a chameleon filter.

• Reliably protects the face and eyes during welding. It is made of high quality plastic that is resistant to mechanical damage. The products are equipped with an adjustable headband, which is easily fixed to the desired size. This mask has a folding glass, which allows you to evaluate the work without removing the entire protection. In addition, if necessary, the screen can be quickly and easily replaced.
• The mask with a chameleon light filter is made of impact-resistant plastic. It is characterized by a high level of protection of the face and eyes from splashing sparks during welding. In addition, the chameleon welding helmet has an automatic darkening of the screen when a welding arc appears and returns to a transparent state after 0.15 - 0.8 seconds, so it does not need to be removed every time in order to look at the seam. Also, some models of chameleon masks have two standard operating modes - welding and grinding. Thus, they do not darken during grinding, and the eyes and face are reliably protected from dust and small debris. The light transmittance of such products varies in the range from 9 to 13 DIN. Detailed descriptions, characteristics and prices of chameleon welding helmets are available directly in the product cards.

In addition, you can choose masks with external and internal regulator. Products with an external regulator are equipped with 2 photosensors, and with an internal regulator - 3 photosensors.

In addition, our website presents electric welder shields, which also provide reliable protection when performing welding work. Inside the product there is a Euro-mask with a headband. If necessary, it can be fixed to the desired size.

Classical

The simplest protective equipment for a welder.
The body is made of cheap plastic or thick cardboard. Equipped with dark glass. Pros:

• Low price.
• Ease of use.
• Possibility of replacing glass with a different tint level.
• Good eye protection.

Minuses:

• Heavy weight.
• Fragility.
• Poor fixation on the head.

Chameleon

A more advanced version of the classic model.
The body is made of lightweight and durable plastic; Instead of glass, a liquid crystal panel is used, which reacts to flashes of light and becomes lighter or darker. This helps you see the result of the work without removing the product. The panel is powered by a battery or accumulator. A special slider allows you to independently adjust the degree of darkness. Pros:

• High level of ease of use.
• Stays well on the head.
• Practicality.
• Durability and reliability.
• High degree of eye protection.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Problems with the LCD panel when working in cold weather.

With ventilation

A professional device designed to work in extreme conditions.
Combines the functions of a chameleon mask and a respirator. It is equipped with a special motor, powered by a battery, which pumps air and passes it through a filter, removing harmful particles. A highly specialized means of protection. Pros:

• Tightness.
• Air cleaning.
• High degree of eye protection.

Minuses:

• Very high cost.
• It is necessary to constantly change the battery.
• Bulky and fragile design.

Light filter

The main protective part of the mask is the light filter. In fact, it is glass with a black coating. Made with the addition of nickel and copper. In some models, it can be folded up to check the quality of the seam without removing the shield. This is convenient, but such products are heavier. A more “advanced” filter is made from polymer materials.

Professional "Chameleon" provides auto-dimming. Consists of two glasses, with liquid crystals between them. In the non-working position, they are perpendicular to the glass and a person can see as if through sunglasses. Principle of operation. After the arc is formed, the sensors detect it and send pulses to the electronic unit. The latter creates voltage on the polarizing films. As a result, the crystals rotate 90 degrees. The panel dims.

The filter parameters are indicated in the marking with four numbers, separated by a fraction. For example: 1/1/2/2. Their meaning (in order):

• Optical class – image clarity.
• Light scattering - cloudiness of the picture.
• Uniformity, i.e., uniformity of darkening.
• Angular dependence - how darkening changes with a change in viewing angle.

The lower any number, the better. Optimal: 1/1/1/1.

Rating of budget welding masks

The list includes welding masks costing up to 1,000 rubles.

1st place: START Active with ASF 777

START Active mask with ASF 777 for welding work using MMA, Plasma, MIG-MAG technologies. The design includes a comfortable slatted headrest that will help you adjust the position of the mask and its fit. The device is powered by a replaceable battery and a solar panel. It is possible to install lenses with diopters.

Characteristics:

• Price - 998 rubles;
• User rating: 4.1;
• Type - chameleon automatic;
• Shading degree - DIN 4/9-13;
• Viewing window – 96×39 mm.

Advantages:

• Good quality plastic case;
• High dimming speed;
• Availability of replaceable battery.

Flaws:

• Insufficient sensitivity adjustment;
• Uncomfortable headband.

2nd place: SPEC WM-400

SPEC WM-400 is a welding helmet from a Russian manufacturer. It can be used over a wide range of currents. It has two sensors. The power source of the device is a solar panel and a lithium battery, and a grinding mode is provided.

Characteristics:

• Price - 995-1990 rubles;
• User rating: 4.1;
• Type - chameleon automatic;
• Shading degree - DIN 9-13;
• Viewing window - 92x42 mm.

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Fast response;
• Adjustment of dimming and sensitivity.

Flaws:

• False positives are possible;
• Additional batteries are not removable.

3rd place: RESANTA MS-6

Welding helmet RESANTA MS-6 with a high level of protection; the device is equipped with an automatic Chameleon light filter with a degree of darkness in the range of 4-11 DIN. The screen goes dark in 1.2ms. The viewing window measures 90 X 35 mm. The model is powered by a solar battery.

Characteristics:

• Price - 850-1253 rubles;
• User rating: 4.1;
• Type - chameleon automatic;
• Shading degree - DIN 4-11;
• Viewing window – 90×35 mm.

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Timely automatic response;
• Availability of solar battery.

Flaws:

• There is no possibility of regulation;
• Thin plastic.

4th place: SPEC WM-300

Welder mask SPEC WM-300 protects the operator’s face and eyes from radiation and hot splashes. The product can be used to perform work with a wide range of current values. The mask has two sensors; they are recorded from a CR1025 lithium battery and a solar panel.

Characteristics:

• Price - 741-1555 rubles;
• User rating: 4.4;
• Type - chameleon automatic;
• Shading degree - DIN 11;
• Possibility of dimming adjustment - no;
• Viewing window - 93x43 mm.

Advantages:

• Timely response;
• Low cost;
• Pleasant to the touch plastic body.

Flaws:

• Difficulty replacing the battery;
• The rim presses;
• Slow to fire in dark conditions.

Quattro Elementi Delta

Budget model with minimal characteristics. Dimming occurs automatically, and this function cannot be turned off. Therefore, working with an angle grinder will be problematic, as you will have to deal with constant blinking. The viewing window is not large (90x32 mm), but it is normal for a model of this class. Cost – 1000-1200 rubles.

Pros:

• Light weight (400 g).
• Low price.

Minuses:

• No adjustments.
• Inconvenient fixation at the head.

Owner reviews.

It has weak characteristics and is not suitable for professional welding. However, the low price and passable quality make the product one of the best among budget models. Excellent option for periodic welding.

Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert

The model has good visibility. When turned off, the glass dims only 3 units - this allows you to see the results of your work without removing the device. This feature is used to work with an angle grinder. The case material is highly impact resistant. The dimming is adjustable from 4 to 13 units, which is a lot. Suitable for all types of welding work. There is a function to check the battery charge. However, all adjustment sliders are located inside, so for any changes you need to remove the product. Cost – 5000-5200 rubles.

Pros:

• Wide range of settings.
• Great review.
• Strength and durability.

Minuses:

• Inconvenient settings.
• High price.

Owner reviews

The model is durable, comfortable and reliable. It can perform any type of welding work thanks to its wide shade range. However, all settings are located inside the device, so the operating speed is reduced. In addition, the price is one of the highest among analogues.

Manufacturers of welding masks and filters

Which brand of Chameleon mask is better to choose and what can the manufacturing companies offer? The most famous manufacturers of welding helmets with the required certificates of conformity:

Svarog (Russia)

Well-known Russian manufacturer of welding equipment. Masks produced by Svarog allow you to manually change the filter, there is automatic dimming, as well as a device that supplies air.

FoxWeld (Italy)

This manufacturer combines all the best qualities of European companies. FoxWeld welding helmets are non-conductive and dual-powered: replaceable batteries and a solar panel under protective glass.

ESAB (Sweden)

ESAB masks have headbands that are considered the most comfortable. And ADF filters in their masks provide the most natural color reproduction.

Rating of the best welding helmets in terms of price-quality ratio

The TOP 3 includes welding masks costing up to 3,000 rubles.

1st place: Fubag Optima 9-13

Fubag Optima 9-13 is a welding helmet that reliably protects the operator in two modes: welding and grinding. A special fastening system significantly reduces the load on the neck.

When open, the center of gravity of the mask shifts to head level. It is possible to adjust the degree of sensitivity of the delay time

Characteristics:

• Price - 1,983 - 2,890 rubles;
• User rating: 4.5;
• Type - chameleon with manual adjustment;
• Shading degree - DIN /9-13;
• Viewing window – 95×36 mm.

Advantages:

• Wide temperature range, can be used in frosts down to -5 degrees;
• Fast response;
• Fixed in a raised position;
• Goes down smoothly.

Flaws:

Difficult battery replacement.

2nd place: RESANTA MS-2

The protective welding helmet RESANTA MS-2 reliably protects the worker from harmful radiation. The weight of the model is only 470 g, which greatly simplifies work and transportation. The filter throughput varies from 4 to 12 DIN.

Its response time is only 0.02 ms. The device runs on a CR2450, CR2032 battery or solar panel. There is a grinding mode, adjustment of sensitivity and delay time.

Characteristics:

• Price - 1,940 - 2,714 rubles;
• User rating: 4.5;
• Type - chameleon;
• Shading degree - DIN 4/9-13;
• Viewing window - 92x42 mm.

Advantages:

• Light weight;
• Sits comfortably on the head;
• Low price;
• Fast dimming.

Flaws:

• Insufficient transparency of the filter;
• There is no adjustment wheel on the outside.

How to use it correctly

The use of a mask begins with the obligatory study of the instructions. The new mask is inspected for damage and defects. The film is removed from the protective plates and returned to its place.

An important step is the settings:

1. Adjustment of special locking nuts, on which the process of raising and lowering the mask depends.
2. Tilt angle adjustment. The desired position is secured by a limiter.
3. Checking filter sensors. Directing the glass of the welding helmet towards the bright light of the lamp will cause darkening - this is a signal from the sensors.
4. Set the dimming level according to the selected mode.

Charging the welding helmet depends on the batteries of the model. Equipping with solar panels requires good luminous flux for efficient power supply. Built-in batteries require connection to an electrical outlet. Combining two batteries involves both types of recharging.

The need for repair most often arises due to battery failure. Replacing with an analogue with higher power allows you to use the mask longer.

Another cause of problems lies in the malfunction of the light filter, which makes the mask unsafe. It is better to entrust the removal of plates and diagnostics to the service center specialists, so as not to damage the product through negligence.

All care procedures require care. Do not use oils or aggressive cleaning agents. Maintenance is recommended to be carried out regularly. You can remove dirt and dust from the cartridge using a clean cloth. It is important not to deform the electronic cable connecting the control unit to the light filters.

How to choose the right welding helmet?

Before you buy a welder’s mask, you need to familiarize yourself with all the types of this equipment. Over the past 20 years, progress has stepped forward several steps. If previously masks were ordinary shields with tinted glass, now they have a lot of innovations that make it possible to create all the necessary conditions for effective work. The main requirements for any masks are:

• safety;
• Ease of use;
• comfort.

What to look for when choosing?

• Possibility of dimming adjustment for comfortable work;
• The large number of light filter sensors in the chameleon mask provides greater comfort during the work being carried out;
• The viewing angle depends on the width and height of the viewing window;
• The presence of a GRIND mode on the mask increases safety during operation.

Safety

This parameter is one of the most important when choosing a shield. The welder's vision safety directly depends on the type of shade chosen. Nowadays, the following variations of masks are presented:

• welding helmets with a fixed light filter;
• chameleon welding helmets.

Fixed options are the basic choice for welding. They do not have a dimming function, so their use is quite limited. Chameleon masks are a more advanced version. They are able to vary the dimming, which allows them to adapt to certain working conditions. Please note that there are chameleon masks with an automatic dimming system that independently adjust this parameter. These options are an ideal choice for beginners or people with little experience in this field. More experienced welders should give preference to masks that have a manual adjustment type.

Convenience

Convenience is a key parameter for quality work. The best welding mask is the one that allows the welder to quickly and fully complete all assigned tasks. For example, if you have to frequently adjust the dimming, then you need to choose a mask that has an external switch for this parameter. This will avoid constant removal of the mask, which significantly delays the welding process.

Comfort

The head parameters of each person are individual, so you need to choose a welding helmet based on your own preferences. There are masks with manual adjustment of fastener fixation. This allows you to select the optimal position that will ensure a comfortable and tight position of the mask on your head. Please note that the shield should be comfortable in both the raised and lowered positions. This condition is achieved exclusively by correct balancing of the mask.

content

1. The best manufacturers of welding masks
2. Operating principle and design of a welding helmet
3. Types of welding masks
4. Welding helmet selection options
5. Which welding mask to choose - expert recommendations
6. How much does a welding mask cost?

The best manufacturers of welding masks - which company to choose

Currently, there are a huge number of welding helmet models on the market from a variety of manufacturers. When choosing such a tool, you should give preference to products from well-known, reputable manufacturers of construction equipment, as well as those companies that are specifically engaged in the production of professional welding equipment. In general, we can recommend products from the following manufacturers for purchase:

1. Patriot
2. Force
3. Fubag
4. Bison

Understanding and choosing the best option is not difficult. All you need is to carefully study the characteristics of a particular model and determine whether it suits your operating conditions or not.

Operating principle and design of a welding helmet

A welding helmet is a special protective device designed to perform a number of protective functions:

1. Protecting the cornea from flashes of bright light and ultraviolet rays, which, with constant exposure, can lead to deterioration and even loss of vision;
2. Eye protection from scales formed during metal welding in the form of small slag particles;
3. Protection of the eyes and respiratory system from caustic and toxic gases released during the welding process;
4. Thanks to the fixation on the head, a correctly selected mask frees up the welder’s second hand, which makes the welding process much more convenient and handy;

The design of any, even the simplest, welding mask includes two main elements:

1. A special casing that covers the welder’s face, head and part of the neck while working;
2. A special viewing window with an installed light filter that protects against ultraviolet radiation, bright flashes and rebound scales. Its design is such that the welder has the opportunity to observe the process - he sees the seam itself, as well as the contours of the surfaces being welded;
3. Depending on the design of a particular model, the manufacturer can install many additional functions, the most significant of which are:
4. A control element that regulates the degree of darkening of the filter;
5. Anatomical fixing element for mounting on the head;
6. A special panel designed to charge the built-in batteries from the flash during welding;

Prices for welding masks

The times when a welding helmet looked like a bulky helmet with a small tinted glass are long gone. A modern welding helmet is an easy-to-use and functional accessory, different models of which may have their own characteristics.

When choosing a welding helmet, first you need to decide what exactly you need - a full mask, a shield or goggles. The last two options are lightweight and small in size, but this mask protects the welder’s eyes and face. At the same time, using a mask is also good because both of your hands will be free.

One of the most popular and effective options for welding masks is the chameleon mask. The name of the variety indicates that its glass automatically darkens when welding begins. When choosing such an accessory, you need to pay attention, first of all, to its manufacturer. If it is not indicated, then most likely you have a product of very questionable quality.

Most modern chameleon welding helmets have the ability to adjust the dimming as well as the sensitivity. In addition, some models are characterized by a short delay between the completion of welding and opening of the filter. It is also worth considering that when working in the cold this time increases.

Another important parameter of a welding helmet is the comfort of wearing it. If you do welding work often and for a long time, then this parameter is decisive for you. The mask should sit comfortably and securely on your head, without being too tight or too heavy. If you choose a mask that completely covers your face and throat, it will be more convenient to work if such a model has a ventilation system. This will especially help when working in the hot season.

Important parameters for a welding helmet are also the minimum and maximum degree of darkness. It is these characteristics that determine what types of welding you can work with. A mask that will be comfortable for working with argon-arc welding is also perfect for stick electrodes.

Remember that the more settings and adjustments the mask you choose has, the wider the range of conditions in which you can work in it. Professional welders know that each type of welding requires its own degree of darkness, so when choosing an accessory for regular welding work on various machines, try to provide all the options. External adjustments are much more convenient than internal ones, since they can be adjusted directly during work. A professional welding helmet always has three darkening parameters - filter opening delay period, sensitivity and degree of darkening. The adjustment can be smooth or stepped.

The larger the size of the visible area of ​​a mask, the more convenient it will be to work in it, so you should also pay attention to this parameter

In this article:

Welding masks are made from fiberboard and fire-resistant plastic. The first option is easier and cheaper. But the cardboard gradually loses its shape, the helmet warps, and may come apart at the corners (assembled with brackets). Cardboard is able to absorb moisture if the personal protective equipment is stored in a room with high humidity of 70-80%.

Plastic masks differ in material thickness and composition, which affects weight. Cheap models may melt or stick if accidentally placed on a hot surface (such as a newly welded seam). Expensive plastic masks are completely non-flammable and can withstand high temperatures. They are resistant to moisture and do not deform during use. For infrequent use, you can save money and buy a cardboard shield. If you plan to cook regularly, choose a plastic option.

View window size

The size of the viewing window for welding helmets can be minimal - 89x39 cm or maximum 110x90 cm. There are many intermediate options: 100x60, 90x60, 110x60, etc. If you have to weld small parts only in the lower position, any viewing window will do.

It is more convenient to carry out work on large structures that require numerous seams in masks with good visibility. Then you won’t have to twist your neck, but just turn your eyes slightly to see the joint clearly. Such masks are useful for welding pipes close to a wall, floor, and making ceiling seams. In this case, pay attention specifically to the size of the light filter, and not the outer glass, since the outer screen can be much larger than the viewing window itself.

Filter type

The filter, which protects the eyes from harmful radiation, can be permanently darkened for conventional welding helmets or automatic. In the first case, black glasses are used, each of which is assigned a number indicating the strength of the darkening. Almost nothing is visible through them until the welding arc is lit. This makes it difficult for the electrode to accurately hit the joint; you can miss and leave marks nearby on the front side, which will then have to be cleaned up. After welding, the quality of the seam is not visible through the light filter and the helmet is raised to inspect the connection.

Automatic darkening is implemented in chameleon masks. They use liquid crystals and sensors that respond to an electric arc flash. In the cleared state, the crystals are located across the cross section of the glass and provide acceptable visibility to the welder. Using the mask, you can accurately point the electrode or torch at the joint, examine the quality of the seam, assemble simple structures and immediately proceed to tack welding.