Welding helmet is very important device because it protects the operator from ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays emitted from welding arcs. Before buying you should choose and select a proper welding helmet that ensures high quality of welds, high level of comfort and improve your welding ability. However, all welding helmet is not built equally, so choices a welding helmet is quiet confusing. Here we mentioned step by step guide to choose and buy a best welding helmet.
1. Figure out Your Needs
To buy a welding helmet, at first you should figure your needs. Find out all the matters and write it down to make a list. All these finding are help you to make a good decision. But, remember that do not go too far with list, a lot of options may make the selection procedure harder. You should identify only most important features you needs.
2. Set Your Budget
After figure out the needs, you should set a specific budget for your welding helmet. For choosing a right welding helmet, the cost of the helmet plays a determining role. There different kinds of welding helmet are available in the market with different price.
3. Consider different factors:
In the time of buying a welding helmet you should consider several factors such as auto or passive darkening lens, number of sensors, helmet weight, viewing size, fixed or variable shade, lens reaction time, national safety standards adjustable delay and sensitivity controls and battery life etc.
3.1. Auto or Passive Darkening Lens:
There are two types of lens available in the market. One is Auto-darkening lens and another is Passive or Standard darkening lens. The viewing lens of a welding helmet is a dark tinted glass pieces with UV and IR coating. The shade numbers of the lens determine the ability of the lens to filter light. Usually, an auto-darkening lens has 3 or 4 shade number which indicates it’s easy to use, easy to see through this lens like sunglasses. This type of lens helps the operator to clearly see his torch or gun to the material he is joining. On the other hand, Passive or Standard welding helmets are just popular as they were long time ago. These helmets are cost effective because they are made from molded plastic instead of thick leather. The viewing lens or filter had ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) coatings. The passive darkening lens has usually #10 shades and has been widely used for its affordability.
3.2. Helmet Weight:
You should choose a lighter welding helmet to reduce the risk for neck fatigue and discomfort and increase your welding ability.
3.3. Lens Reaction Time (Switching Speed):
Auto-darkening helmet features different lens switching speed. It indicates the how fast the lens will switch from its natural light state to darkened shade during welding. The quicker a welder lens is shaded from the high intensity light, the better. Too slow switching speed may cause eye discomfort that feels like a dry scratchy sensation.
3.4. Viewing Area size:
This is fully depends on your personal preference. It you are working on a large size of metal, the large viewing field is recommended for you. The Viewing area sizes are usually from 6-9 sq. in.
3.5. Helmet Fit:
It is another important factor to consider. You should buy a helmet that best fit for you. Any exposed skin from welding helmet that doesn’t fit properly could be from UV rays or spatter.
3.6. National Safety Standards:
National Safety Standards ensure the product is prepared properly with maintained proper procedure. It ensures your safety from hazards.
3.7. Sensors of welding helmet:
The more sensors mean that better coverage. Usually, typical number of sensors of welding helmet ranges form 2-4.
3.8. Adjustable sensitivity and delay controls:
Sensitivity adjustment is need on low amperage welding such as TIG process. On the other hand, delay control is very helpful for operator at the time of high amperage welding.
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