Welding helmets are an essential part of any welding process. Here are two different types you may need to consider for your next project.
1. Standard Fixed Lens Welding Helmets – Provides the best visibility with a large field of view.
2. Auto-Darkening Variable Lens Welding Helmets – Gradually darkens the vision as needed, providing excellent versatility and safety at all times.
Standard Fixed Lens Welding Helmets
Standard Fixed Lens welding helmets are cheap and are a beginner’s choice as they are simple and come with easy adjustments. They are popular as they render a proper working process. However, the lens it includes is an issue for some users.
These welding helmets are typically used for mild to high-intensity welding. However, some of them are designed for welding in extreme conditions. The ultimate disadvantage of using a standard fixed lens helmet is its count of lenses.
Advantages of Standard Fixed Lens Welding Helmets
1. Cost-Effective
Standard fixed lens welding helmets are the most cost-effective ones; only an occasional adjustment is required for welding in any temperature or light conditions.
2. Safety
With just one fixed, clear lens, it renders a clear view to ensure maximum safety for the user. Even if the conditions are changing(low light, high heat), the fixed lens can be adjusted according to users’ needs.
3. Long Life
Standard helmets are made with a strong, durable frame. It can withstand any impacts while working on a project or while going from one place to another. The lifespan of a standard helmet is higher compared to other helmets.
Uses of Standard Fixed Lens Welding Helmets
1. Mild to High Intensity
Fixed lens helmets are used for all types of welding, be it an initial heat, cutting, or MIG/TIG/FCAW. Moreover, standard helmets have the ability to cover a large area.
2. Extreme Conditions
Standard lens helmets are ideal for various uses, from automobile to aerospace industries and much more. Some standard lenses can be used in extreme conditions, such as high-altitude submarine welding.
3. Used for Inspection
Fixed lens helmets are widely used in inspection because of their view. They are also used for painting, grinding, and other similar tasks.
Auto-Darkening Variable Lens Helmets
While standard fixed lens helmets don’t allow you to control the amount of light that’s visible, auto-darkening helmets do. The helmets have an auto-darkening feature that automatically darkens when a certain amount of light is detected. When the process is over, the helmet returns to its original state. They also provide an adjustable field of view.
Auto-darkening helmets have two different lenses; standard lenses and photochromatic lenses, which is the most common type. The standard lenses must be manually adjusted to a certain amount of light. The photochromatic lenses automatically adjust to the amount of light they detect. The lens shade allows light to pass through and fall onto your eye, blocking ultraviolet light and harmful rays from sources such as welding lights or sunlight when worn outdoors. In addition, the material of the lens used in auto-darkening helmets is polycarbonate, a type of plastic that has been annealed to make it more flexible and durable than standard helmets.
Auto-darkening variable lens helmets have several advantages over the standard fixed lens ones, but it’s not suitable for all welding applications. They cost more than the standard fixed lens helmets and are more durable. Standard fixed lens helmets may be better for those who only do occasional welding since they can be bought for a lower price, but it’s not recommended for regular users.
Advantages of Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets
1. Easy to Use
Auto-darkening helmets are easily adjustable. You can simply change the helmet’s lens shade position to get the desired quality of light.
2. Safety
With auto-darkening helmets, there is no need to adjust the lens constantly. As long as the helmet is adjusted correctly, it will give you a clear view of your work.
3. Quality of Light
As auto-darkening helmets automatically adjust, they can switch from a clear view to a limited or dark view based on the amount of light.
Uses of Auto-Darkening Helmets
1. Bright Light to Dark
Anybody who works outdoors under bright sunlight will need an auto-darkening helmet with photochromatic lenses. They are the most popular type of welding helmets used in outdoor construction.
2. Dark to Bright
These helmets are also used for other settings, such as under a welding hood or other similar work settings. The lens will darken to a certain point whenever the light is strong and allow welders to see clearly.
3. Low Light Conditions
If the user is going to work in a poorly-lit area, an auto-darkening helmet is a good choice as it senses the presence of light and adjusts its shade. However, if the environment has moderate lighting, a standard fixed lens would be more efficient.
Differences Between Standard Fixed Lens & Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets
The main difference between the fixed and auto-darkening lenses is the flexibility aspect. Auto-darkening lenses are more flexible with a wider diameter. For example, the lens in a standard fixed lens helmet can only focus on objects up to about 10 feet away, whereas the one in an auto-darkening welding helmet can focus on things up to 85 feet away. The auto-darkening lenses are also better at blocking intense light and intense heat. Unlike standard fixed lens welding helmets, they are used for outdoor activities because they automatically adjust to the amount of light available.
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Conclusion
Auto-darkening helmets are the best type of helmet you can get as a welder because they render multiple benefits, such as a darker shade than the standard fixed lens helmet. They have better safety standards, levels of protection and are more convenient to use because of their flexibility and functionality. In conclusion, auto-darkening welding helmets are much better than standard and people like using them for many different purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I get auto-darkening lenses?
A. Auto-darkening lenses are available from welding stores and are slightly more expensive than the standard fixed lens helmet.
Q. Is an auto-darkening helmet better than a standard fixed lens helmet? What are the features that make them so unique?
A. Auto-darkening helmets have many benefits over the standard fixed lens helmet. They can always be adjusted and switched to suit your needs. Also, they’re much safer for outdoor activities and welding because they have a wider viewing angle and filter out UV rays.
Q. Can I use an auto-darkening helmet for overhead welding?
A. Auto-darkening helmets can be used for overhead welding; however, it’s not the best choice if it has a narrow field of view and good heat resistance.
Q. What are the different types of welding?
A. The different types of welding are:
1. Arc Welding
2. Tig Welding
3. Stick Welding
4. Mig Welding
5. Miller Welding
6. Automatic Welding
7. Tack Welding
8. Spot Welding
Q. How many types of arc welding are there?
A. There are several types of arc welding
1. Flux-cored Arc Welding
2. Shielded metal Arc Welding
3. Electric Arc Welding
