Welding Mask: types, how it works, how to choose, manufacturers

Welding operations are classified as especially hazardous to health. In the high-risk zone of an occupational injury vision gets. welding mask used to protect it.

They serve as a barrier for optical radiation, molten metal particles and heat.

How does the welding mask?

When performing welding work identified a number of hazards to human health:

• Molten metal particles.
• Thermal radiation.
• Optical radiation.
• Harmful gases.

Therefore welder mask is made of a material that protects against exposure to hot metal and heat factor.

Additional features include:

• automatic adjustment of the dimming glass, sensitivity;
• off filter;
• delayed opening;
• comfortable fixation of the headband;
• the opportunity to wear vision correction glasses;
• ventilation system;
• protection against mechanical damage.

A material used as a filter screen in masks, shields, goggles depends on the manufacturer and model.

Tinted glass in plates and glasses are found so far. They are manufactured by adding metals and are unable to completely protect from exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiations. In such personal protective equipment (PPE) to engage in welding can be short.

Another minus windows - the beginning of the welding. Such a filter is dark at the beginning and it is not visible through the seam location. Therefore, to "aim" the welder raises glasses, plate and starts the operation. At this point, just caught, "bunnies" that lead to retinal edema or cataract. Given this negative, developed a filter "Chameleon".

"Chameleon" presented in the form of complex devices:

• The protective film and the glass. Protection against mechanical impact of molten metal particles.
• Liquid crystals. Arranged between the polarization films.
• Polarizing film.
• Infrared and ultraviolet filter. Pass Only visible rays, protecting it from the harmful effects even when switched off.
• Sensors (2-4 pcs.). Record the occurrence of arcing.
• Power supply (voltage source for polarization films). Lithium batteries or solar or combined version.
• Electronic unit with control system.

The principle of operation of the welding mask "Chameleon": Sensors capture arcing occurrence, transmit a signal to an electronic unit which generates a voltage on a polarizing film, and they act on the crystals. Aligning in a specific sequence, a liquid crystal create darkening required for operation.

If the mask is "Chameleon" to choose a quality, that before the start of the minimum filter is dark, which makes it possible to see the welding place and the tool itself. And at the time the electric arc is automatically dimming.

Types of welding masks

spectacles

One simple PPE of eye glasses are considered to be a welder.

By design, there are three models.

open. Fitting protective goggles with side protection, which is part of the design and, and a separate element. Filter is made from mineral glass, polycarbonate. They are used for auxiliary operations.

closed. Sealed goggles, held in position by a nagolovnym tape. They bow nadglaznitsu so that the light and the radiation penetrates only through the filter and the cover glass.

There are models with a folding light filter that allows you to evaluate the quality of the seam.

chameleons. They can be attributed to the improved model of goggle. In this case, use LCD screens. They can be automatic or manually controlled.

According to the general requirements of the glasses should fulfill the following functions and have the characteristics of:

• Protection against mechanical impacts (industrial dust, hot metal particles by a spark electrodes).
• Robust Color fixation via nagolovnym tape, so its width should be at least 100 mm.
• Filters corresponding to the type of welding. PPE should not be used gas welder welders. These works vary the intensity of UV exposure.
• A broad overview.
• Adhere to the party, without undue pressure.
• The optimum optical class. Poor quality glass threatens the loss of visual acuity.
• Ventilation with which prevents fogging filters.
• The material from which made the product must not cause itching, irritation, allergies.
• A light weight. The thickness of the color filter to 3 mm.
• The availability of replacement glass, batteries.

These models do not cover their faces from the effects of heat and mechanical action. For additional protection, use a cream with UV protection.

Shields and masks

Shields (they mask) have a greater degree of protection than goggles and full face of the welder.

Several distinct types of design features.

With a handle. When working with welding machine It is required to hold the shield in the face. The lenses are made of mineral glass, polycarbonate.

With mounting on a helmet. Performed more frequently in the form of adjacent screen. For these boards fit a certain kind of helmets. Typically, manufacturers produce a whole line in the complex.

In industries with high risk of mechanical injury, a helmet is required PPE. In such cases, use a welder's goggles or shields, but not every model is mounted on the helmet. For this special model has flaps.

headband. Adjusting the model should be carried out and on the circumference of the head, and the parietal part. adjustment step should be up to 10 mm. The tape width of 18 mm.

Universal. They have in their design nagolovnym mount and handle.

Requirements imposed flaps welder as to points, with a few exceptions associated with design features:

• Strong fixation. In the case of a headband adjustment in two directions (horizontal, vertical).
• Protect your neck.
• The distance between the forehead and the helmet is not less than 30 mm.
• The increased gas content conditions to provide forced ventilation system.
• A light weight. Up to 600 grams.

Filters for boards:

• Tinted glass. It is produced supplemented with copper and nickel. The maximum degree of darkening in the range of 10 DIN, 11 DIN, 12 DIN. That corresponds STATE C5 - C7 (applied at a current of 60 to 350 A). The minimum degree of dimming 9 DIN (current intensity 30 A).
• Polymer materials. They have varying degrees of darkening applied in combination with a protective glass as darkening filter.
• Chameleon (AUTO). filtering mechanism based on the polarization of the liquid crystals is considered professional. The minimum degree of dimming from 5 to 7 DIN DIN. Maximum over 13 DIN.

For example: 1/1/1/1, where

• The first figure - optical class. Responsible for clarity. It depends on the protective glass, the film assembly.
• The second - the scattering of light. It shows how the picture will be murky. It depends on the optical quality crystals.
• Third - uniformity. The uniformity of the blackout.
• Fourth - the angular dependence. It shows the degree of darkening of the viewing angle.

The higher numbers labeling the worse or that the quality of the color filter.

Masks for "Chameleon" provides three kinds of performance automatic dimming system:

• Dimming occurs automatically to the desired level of protection in the event of a welding arc.
• With manual adjustment. Models independently dimmed to a minimum value to a maximum when a welding arc welder but has the ability to adjust the degree of darkening.
• With the automatic settings. An improved model, which also regulates the gradation cipher depending on the illumination produced by the welding arc.

Another important characteristic - the switching time. Filters are beginning slowly to work in sub-zero temperatures.

At low temperatures, the switching time may amount to> 100 ms, the negative impact on vision under intensive work.

There are three shift range:

• ≤ 50 ms - for intensive works;
• 51 - 75 microseconds - the average intensity;
• 76 - 100 ms - residential use.

The smaller the switching speed, the lower the probability of the negative impact of welding on vision.

In the guise of "Chameleon", depending on the model, there are 2 types of adjustment: internal and external. Definitely, the outer convenient and allows you to change parameters without removing the mask during operation.

Function welding masks:

on / off system. With the help of the battery, or rechargeable battery. A "grinding" mode appears when disconnecting. A lens becomes transparent. Such a function is not at all the masks.

Adjusting the blackout. automatic settings are adjusted manually.

sensitivity adjustment. The threshold depends on the jobsite.

Adjusting the delay time. On completion of welding, the seam and the adjacent edges continue to radiate invisible IR spectrum. Therefore, the sudden switching in the reverse mode welder vision is exposed to hazards.

Ventilation system. Function mandatory in all masks. Prevents fogging and provides comfort for the employee. In products for use in closed, polluted areas have a separate forced ventilation with air flow control. The masks and the filtration system is provided.

A number of models are equipped with additional illumination.

For all types of PPE are important parameters of the viewing window.

Benefits

Each species has constructive advantages list.

Advantages of welding points:

• Light weight, minimum dimensions.
• Used for welding in confined spaces.
• A wide range of. Models are chosen for a particular type of weld and its intensity.
• The appearance of models with filters "chameleon" significantly expand the range of applications.
• PPE with the lifting mechanism can control the weld quality.
• Using complete with head protection equipment and respiratory system.

Universal shields, hand:

• Complete protection welder face of optical radiation, mechanical and thermal influences.
• Easy replacement of filters.
• Availability for domestic use.
• simple structure makes it possible to control the quality of work.

Helmet visors:

• Intended use in areas where a high probability of mechanical injury.
• There are products with a lifting mechanism.
• You do not need to hold his hand.

Advantages welding mask headband:

• Be firmly fixed by adjusting the straps.
• Complete protection from optical radiation, thermal and mechanical effects.
• It is not required to maintain hand.
• Lifting and locking mechanism visor.
• Easy access to the replacement of filters and protective glasses - the opportunity to use masks for different types of welding.

Advantages of welding masks Chameleon:

• Full face protection.
• Full eye protection at the time of occurrence of the arc.
• Sensitivity adjustment, dimming, delay time will allow to establish the optimal settings for a particular type, intensity, weld, as well as under a specific employee.
• Forced ventilation involves working in a hostile environment.
• Automatically adjusts the dimming provides the ability to control the process performance and the quality of the weld without removing / raising of PPE.
• Adjusting the headband as comfortable as possible under the mask captures the individual characteristics of the welder's head structure.
• Models involve the protection of the neck of optical radiation, mechanical and thermal influence.

In some models, provides the function of opening / closing, which completely removes the shading, that allows the use of equipment and metal cutting and grinding work.

Problems

Disadvantages of welding points:

• No full face protection against heat, ultraviolet radiation, molten metal particles.
• In models with tinted windows high probability of getting a burn of the cornea. Since the filter is dark, visibility of the weld area is minimal and the employee takes aim filter with raised prior to the welding process.

Disadvantages of manual and universal welding masks:

• As is the case with the glasses is a high probability of burning the cornea of ​​sight.
• Welding process itself is complicated, because one hand has to hold the shield.

Disadvantages shields on helmets:

• The probability of getting a burn of the cornea at the time of occurrence of the arc.
• Limiting control the size of welding persons likely gapping.

Disadvantages welding masks chameleons:

• Temperature working range from -10 to + 50 ° C. It is not suitable for use at subzero temperatures. The switching time will increase, decrease the quality of dimming.
• Must not be stored in the sun and in unheated areas, high probability of failure of the device.
• For models with built-in batteries, no opportunity to replace them.
• Costly repairs.
• High price. This applies to professional models with a forced ventilation system.
• Improper ventilation lead eventually to failure of the filter control unit (oxidized contacts).

How to choose a welding helmet?

Before choosing should be defined with the following data:

• The intensity of use. Help decide what line to choose a model: consumer or a professional.
• Where the mask will be used. In the open or in a darkened room.
• Welding process. PPE visual organs for gas welding are not suitable for welding.
• The amperage used in electric welding. It affects the rate darkening filter.
• The probability of an intense mechanical action from outside. Whether shockproof body mask is required.

For rare use of suitable conventional mask or goggles.

When choosing pay attention to such indicators:

• Optical grade;
• light scattering;
• uniformity;
• The angular dependence;
• viewing area;
• protection against mechanical impacts;
• comfort landing;
• for the correction of vision, the ability to wear PPE for optical glasses;
• Certification (protect from fakes).

Important Code letter:

• E - Electric welding,
• G - gas welding,
• B - ancillary work,
• C - marking for filters "chameleon".

When choosing eye protection and breathing, you should pay attention to a number of options.

Power supplies. As a rule, there are two - lithium batteries and solar. When they give a discharged battery light or sound signal. And in the case of a full discharge to one source, the second continues to feed the filter and it will not turn off during operation. It is important to pay attention to the availability of replacement batteries.

Function on / off. This option increases the service life and power, and of the filter and ventilation. When switched off, you can work in a grinding mode.

Location setting unit. It is desirable that he was on the front of the mask. This will allow to adjust settings without interrupting your work.

filtration system. It provides comfort when working and breathing freedom. If welding is done in air pollution areas, selected a mask with a forced ventilation system.

The number of sensorsIt affects the speed of response.

Sensitivity adjustment, the opening time obscuration angle sanding mode provide additional comfort during operation and enhance the scope of application of the mask.

Before the final choice should be to try a mask, check the adjustment of the headband, estimate the area of ​​the viewing window. This will help determine the comfort of PPE.

Be sure to request a certificate, specify the warranty period and which will be the repair of equipment. Ask information about the availability of accessories and the timing of their delivery.

Pay attention to the labeling of the filter and the housing.

The best - it is the equipment that will provide a comfortable working environment.

The choice of design depends on personal preference. The main thing is to choose a product that provides a snug fit, and will not allow optical radiation to penetrate into the gaps. Be sure to pay attention to ventilation.

How to use?

• Before you begin, it is recommended to check the serviceability of the color filter with a lighter. If a blackout occurs, it means that the equipment working. No - check the serviceability of the power supply.
• You can not use the "Chameleon" without protective inner and outer glass.
• When the color filter and protective glass formed scratches and cracks, the equipment can not be used.
• After use, wipe the unit with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasives.
• Mask "Chameleon" should be stored in a dark dry place heated.
• Timely replace power supplies.

Violation of rules of storage may cause a malfunction of the liquid crystal color filter.

Guarantee

The warranty period of the equipment depends on the manufacturer and range from 12 to 24 months.

Repair and replacement of equipment are carried out in the presence of a passport on a mask and pass the check, so be sure to save the document.

Otherwise, the repair fee.

Warranty does not cover:

• Damage resulting from misuse;
• when you try to repair;
• Damage formed during improper storage.

Replacement of filters, protective glasses and lithium batteries can be carried out independently.

malfunctions

If we consider products with conventional tinted glass, the majority of faults stem from mechanical impact. In such cases, make the replacement filter or safety glass (depending on model).

In the case of masks "Chameleon" harder. There are the following problems:

• filter heavily obscured,
• there is no blackout;
• the degree of darkening can not be adjusted.

If the problem persists, contact the service center for warranty.

If the warranty period is advisable to check the contacts. Inexpensive masks are often sealed off or oxidized.

It is necessary to buy spare parts from the manufacturer as other modifications may not be appropriate.

Manufacturers of welding masks

Aurora a group of companies specializing in the production of various equipment, including welding equipment and accessories. Located in the budget segment. It has a widespread service centers. 1 year warranty from the date of sale through the retail network. When repairing the warranty period is extended.

Elitech. Brand, producing budget production. Used for the production of plant-partner. It has more than 200 service centers across Russia and abroad. The warranty period of 1 year.

FoxWeld. The European firm. It specializes in the production of welding equipment. A budget option. An extensive network of service centers. The warranty period of 6 months.

FUBAG. The European company that specializes in the professional production of equipment, including welding. 2-year warranty.

Interskol. Russian manufacturer of tools for public use. Assortment welding masks small. 1 year warranty.

Patriot. American brand. Places plants around the world, including Russia and China. The warranty period of 1 year.

Prorab. Russian firm orders are placed in factories in China. Amateur equipment, budget option. 1 year warranty.

quattro Elementi. The European firm. Production of welding and pumping equipment. The warranty period of 1 year.

Svarog. The Russian representative of the company Shenzhen Jasic Technology CO., LTD. Direction - welding equipment. The range is wide enough. The average price segment. The warranty period of 1 year.

Udarnik. Russian manufacturer. The direction of welding equipment. Budget option for lovers. The warranty period of 1 year.

ROSOMZ. Russian production, specializing in the production of personal protective equipment for industrial companies. Filters are manufactured using a patented Swiss technology. The average price segment. The warranty period of 1 year.

3M. Specialty products for professionals and amateurs, PPE. Line protection for welding, from budget to premium variantov-. 1 year warranty.

Souz. Russian company with factories in China. Specificity of household tools. 1 year warranty.

Spec. Russian firm. The emphasis is on the everyday tool. 1 year warranty.

Wester. This brand has British roots. The direction of welding equipment, including professional. Warranty up to 3 years.

Welding Safety depends on the quality of the filter and the main complaints come on them: a short life span and complexity of repairs. You should not chase the low price, if you want to protect bodies of means for intensive use.