Welding helmets are in charge of protecting your eyes, face, and head from the intense light and heat produced by welding arcs. In this post, we’ll share key information about the role of welding masks as well as the most important features to look for, based on your budget and preferences, to stay comfortable and safe at all times.
The Importance Of Protection
The intense light and heat generated while welding can cause severe damage to your health. Sometimes, the use of a helmet can be ignored by those who don’t know the risks associated with welding, which is why we listed down the most important jobs your welding hood is in charge of:
Eye Protection
Welding arcs emit harmful UV and IR radiation that can result in severe eye damage, including a painful condition known as “arc eye” or “welder’s flash”. A quality face shield, preferably an auto-darkening helmet with UV protection, protects your eyes from immediate and long-term damage.
Head and Face Protection
Your headgear not only protects your eyes, but also your face and head from sparks, spatter, and debris, crucial for preventing burns and other injuries. A welding helmet will protect you from high temperatures and ensure your skin and hair are safe.
Respiratory Protection
Apart from protecting your eyes and face, some welding helmets feature integrated respiratory protection. These helmets have built-in respirators that filter out harmful fumes and particles generated during welding.
Key Welding Helmet Features To Look For
Choosing the right welding helmet involves more than just basic protection. Modern welding helmets come with a variety of features designed to enhance both safety and comfort. In this section, we’ll explore the key helmet features you should consider when choosing a face shield.
Auto-Darkening or Fixed-Shade Helmets
Lens technology has advanced a lot during the past few years, and a top example of this is auto-darkening helmets that automatically adjust the lens shade based on the intensity of the welding arc. They provide continuous protection and remove the need to flip the helmet up and down between welds.
Fixed shade helmets, on the other hand, have a fixed shade lens that is simpler to use and more affordable to obtain. They require manual adjustment, though, which can be less convenient and potentially less safe.
Viewing Area
Welding helmets with large viewing areas provide better visibility, allowing you to easily do more precise work and techniques. Further, it reduces the need to adjust your position frequently, which can improve your efficiency.
Helmet Material
Welding masks are made from durable materials like polycarbonate, which offer excellent protection without becoming too heavy. The material impacts the durability and resistance to high temperatures and the impact of the piece, as well as the helmet’s weight.
When looking to buy your headgear, make sure it is made with quality materials that follow the highest standards according to the law. Pay attention to helmet comfort as well, as you’ll be wearing it for long periods.
Popular Helmet Brands
With numerous options available on the market, selecting the right welding helmet can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the top brands well-known for their quality, durability, and advanced features.
- Lincoln Electric. Offers a wide range of welding helmets made with quality materials and excellent features. Popular models you should check out include the Lincoln Viking series, which features a large viewing area and top-class optical clarity.
- Miller Electric. Another excellent choice for welders, with models like the Miller Digital Elite series that offer auto-darkening lenses, multiple shade options, and comfort.
- 3M Speedglas. Their helmets are renowned for their high-end features, excellent protection, and comfort as well. The Speedglas 9100 series, for example, are favorite models amongst welders.
Final Words
Protection is key in welding, and if you’re new to the welding world, this article will come in handy for choosing your new—and highly necessary—headgear. At Eureka Oxygen, we have a robust supply of welding equipment, including high-quality face shields, heat-protective gloves, fire-resistant clothing, and more. We also deliver gas cylinders to different locations such as Eureka, Lake County, Petaluma, and Ukiah.