Welding helmets are an essential piece of gear for anyone who does welding. They protect your eyes and face from sparks, heat, and other debris that may come your way while you’re welding.
There are many different types of welding helmets on the market, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of each type of welding helmet and help you choose the right one for your needs!
What is the main purpose of a welding helmet?
The main purpose of a welding helmet is to protect the welder’s eyes and face from the sparks, heat, and other debris that can come their way while welding.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a welding helmet is what type of welding you will be doing. Different helmets are better suited for different types of welding.
For example, if you are doing a lot of heavy-duty welding, you will want a helmet that has a dark lens so that you can see clearly. On the other hand, if you are doing more delicate work, you may want a lighter lens so that you can see the weld more clearly.
Another factor to consider is the size of the helmet. If you are working in a tight space, you will want a smaller helmet so that it doesn’t get in your way.
Some helmets have special features, such as an auto-darkening feature that darkens the lens automatically when it detects sparks. This can be very helpful for welding beginners who may not be used to the bright light of welding.
No matter what type of welding you are doing, there is a helmet out there that is perfect for you!
Types of Welding Helmets
When it comes to welding helmets, there are many different types available on the market. It can be difficult to decide which one is right for you, as each type has its own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular types of welding helmets and help you choose the right one for your needs!
Passive welding helmets
The most common type of welding helmet is the passive welding helmet.
This type of helmet uses a filter to protect your eyes from the bright light and sparks produced during welding. The filter is usually made of glass or polycarbonate and is dark enough to block out the majority of the light.
Passive welding helmets have a few disadvantages.
- First, they can be very uncomfortable to wear for long periods because they are so heavy.
- Second, they can make it difficult to see your work area, which can lead to mistakes.
- Finally, the filters can become damaged over time, making them less effective at protecting your eyes.
Auto-darkening welding helmets
An auto-darkening welding helmet is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used to protect the welder’s eyes and face from the arc rays while welding. It is one of the most important pieces of PPE for welders.
Auto-darkening welding helmets are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices. Some features to look for when choosing an auto-darkening welding helmet include:
- The size and weight of the helmet
- The type of lens (e.g., fixed or adjustable)
- The shade of the lens
- The price
When choosing an auto-darkening welding helmet, it is important to consider the welder’s needs and budget. Active helmets are typically more expensive than passive helmets, but they offer more features and benefits.
Some of the pros of auto-darkening welding helmets include:
- They protect welders from arc rays.
- They are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices.
- Some models have an adjustable shade lens.
Some of the cons of auto-darkening welding helmets include:
- They can be expensive.
- Some models are heavy and can cause neck fatigue.
If you are in the market for an auto-darkening welding helmet, be sure to compare different models and prices to find the best one for your needs. You can also read online reviews from other welders to get their opinion on a particular model of helmet.
The solar-powered lens helmet
The solar-powered lens helmet is powered by a solar panel that is built into the helmet. The solar panel charges a battery that powers the lens.
The benefits of this type of helmet are that it is very lightweight and there is no need to worry about changing batteries. The downside to this type of helmet is that it can be expensive.
The battery-powered helmet
Is the newest type of welding helmet on the market. It is also the most expensive. The battery-powered helmet has a sensor that automatically darkens the lens when it detects an arc.
The main advantage of this type of helmet is that the welder does not have to flip the lens up and down.
The disadvantage is that the batteries need to be changed frequently. Another disadvantage is that battery-powered helmets are not compatible with all welding machines.
The fixed-shade lens welding helmet
The fixed-shade lens welding helmet is the most common type of welding helmet. The fixed-shade lens has a permanently darkened lens that is used to protect the welder’s eyes from the bright light of the welding arc.
The shade number of the lens indicates the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the lens; the higher the shade number, the less light that is allowed to pass through.
A typical shade number for a fixed-shade welding helmet is #11.
The biggest advantage of a fixed-shade welding helmet is that it is very affordable; however, it does have some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the welder cannot see clearly when he or she is not welding, so it is important to have a separate set of safety glasses to wear when not welding.
Another disadvantage is that the welder cannot see the weld puddle clearly, so it is more difficult to make sure that the weld is being made in the correct location.
A fixed-shade welding helmet is a good choice for someone who is just starting welding or for someone who does not weld very often. If you are going to be doing a lot of welding, or if you are going to be doing any welding in low-light conditions, then you may want to consider another type of welding helmet.
The variable-shade lens welding helmet
The variable-shade lens welding helmet has a clear lens that becomes darker when you arc weld. The advantage of this type of welding helmet is that you can see clearly to set up your welding equipment and position your materials before you start welding. You can also see clearly to inspect your work after you finish welding.
The disadvantage of a variable-shade lens welding helmet is that it can be difficult to see through the dark lens when you are welding. This type of helmet also does not provide as much protection from sparks and spatter as some other types of helmets.
Pancake Welding Helmet
Pancake welding helmets are the most common type of helmet. They are made of a hard hat with a clear plastic face shield attached to the front. Pancake welding helmets offer good protection for your head and face, but they can be a bit hot and uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
If you are looking for a welding helmet that is comfortable to wear and offers good protection, a pancake welding helmet is a good option. However, if you are looking for the best possible protection, you may want to consider another type of helmet.
Leather Welding Mask
A leather welding mask is a traditional type of welding helmet that has been used for many years. They are made from thick, durable leather and provide good protection from sparks and heat.
Leather welding masks are usually less expensive than other types of welding helmets, but they can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Helmet
Choosing the right helmet is a critical step in protecting yourself while welding. There are many different factors to consider before purchasing a helmet, such as the types of welding you’ll be doing, the types of metals you’ll be working with, and your budget.
Cost
The cost of welding helmets can range from very cheap to quite expensive.
The more expensive models usually have better features, such as a larger viewing area or more comfortable headgear. However, the cheaper models can still do a good job of protecting your eyes and face from the welding arc.
When choosing a welding helmet, it is important to decide what features are most important to you and how much you are willing to spend. Once you have an idea of what you need, you can start shopping around for the perfect helmet.
Purpose
The most important factor to consider before purchasing a welding helmet is what you will be using it for. If you are only going to be doing occasional welding, then a less expensive model might be all you need. However, if you are going to be doing a lot of welding, then you might want to invest in a more expensive model that has better features.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the viewing area. If you are only going to be doing small welds, then you probably won’t need a very large viewing area. However, if you are going to be doing larger welds, then you will want a larger viewing area so that you can see what you are doing.
Power Source
There are three primary power sources for welding helmets: batteries, solar cells, and a combination of the two.
If you plan to do a lot of welding, you’ll want to choose a helmet with long battery life.
Solar cells can be a good option if you’re worried about batteries running out in the middle of a project.
Safety Standards
The most important factor to consider before purchasing a welding helmet is safety. All helmets must meet the minimum safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
There are two types of standards that welding helmets must meet: ANSI Z87.
- The first standard, ANSI Z87, covers the basic impact and penetration resistance.
- The second standard, ANSI Z87+, adds requirements for UV and IR protection.
Welding helmets that meet only the ANSI Z87 standard are designed for light-duty applications and offer less protection than those that meet the ANSI Z87+ standard.
When choosing a welding helmet, it is important to read the label carefully to make sure that it meets the safety standards that you require.
Comfort and visibility
There are two other factors to consider when choosing a welding helmet: comfort and visibility.
Comfort is important because you will be wearing the helmet for long periods, and visibility is important because it allows you to see what you are doing while welding.
Some helmets have features that can help with both comfort and visibility, such as air-purifying respirators and auto-darkening filters.
When choosing a welding helmet, it is important to consider your individual needs and find a helmet that meets those needs.
Choosing the Right Helmet
When it comes to choosing the right welding helmet, there are a few factors you need to consider. The first is what type of welding you’ll be doing. If you’re going to be doing mostly stick welding, then you’ll want a helmet with a larger viewing area so you can see what you’re doing. If you’re going to be doing mostly TIG or MIG welding, then you’ll want a helmet with a smaller viewing area so you can see the weld puddle better.
The next factor to consider is how much money you want to spend. Welding helmets can range in price from around $100 up to $1000 or more. If you’re just getting started in welding, then it’s probably not necessary to spend the big bucks on a top-of-the-line helmet. But if you’re going to be doing a lot of welding, then it’s worth investing in a good quality helmet.
Finally, you need to decide what features you want in your helmet. Some helmets have auto-darkening lenses that automatically adjust the shade of the lens based on the arc brightness. And some even have cooling fans built in to keep your head from getting too hot while you’re welding.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, then it’s time to start shopping around for the right welding helmet for you.
There are a lot of great options out there, so take your time and find the one that’s perfect for your needs.
What other factors do you think are important when choosing a welding helmet? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to check out our Best Welding Helmet for more information on different types of welding helmets.
What Do Weld Shade Numbers Mean?
Welding shade numbers refer to the darkness of the lens. The higher the number, the darker the lens. For example, a #14 shade is much darker than a #11 shade.
The darkness of the lens is important because it protects your eyes from the bright light that is produced when welding. It is important to choose a welding helmet with the correct shade number for the type of welding you will be doing.
If you are not sure what shade number to choose, ask your supervisor or another welder for advice.
Are our welding helmets bad for your eyes?
Welding helmets are necessary for protecting your eyes from the intense light and heat of the welding arc. But, are they bad for your eyes?
There are three main types of welding helmets: passive, auto-darkening, and powered. Each type has its pros and cons that you should consider before deciding which is right for you.
- Passive welding helmets are the most basic and least expensive type. They protect your eyes from the welding arc, but they don’t do anything to reduce the intensity of the light. This can make it difficult to see what you’re doing, and it can be hard on your eyes.
- Auto-darkening welding helmets are a step up from passive helmets. They have a filter that darkens automatically when the welding arc is struck. This makes it easier to see what you’re doing and protects your eyes from the bright light.
- Powered welding helmets are the most expensive type, but they offer the best protection for your eyes. They have a battery-powered fan that blows air over the lens, keeping it cool and reducing the intensity of the light.
So, which type of welding helmet is right for you? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the best protection for your eyes, a powered helmet is a way to go. But if you’re on a budget, a passive or auto-darkening helmet will do the job.
No matter which type of welding helmet you choose, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable to wear. A good fit is important for protecting your eyes and keeping you comfortable while you work.
Can welding helmets block UV rays?
Most welding helmets will protect your eyes from the bright light of the welding arc, but they will not necessarily protect you from ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you are looking for protection from UV rays, you may want to consider a welding helmet with an auto-darkening filter (ADF). ADF filters can be set to darken automatically in response to the intensity of the UV radiation, providing continuous protection for your eyes.
Do keep in mind that even with an ADF filter, you should still take breaks from welding every 20 minutes or so to give your eyes a chance to rest.
And always make sure to wear proper eye protection when working with any type of power tool.
Are Cheap Welding Helmets Any Good?
You might be tempted to buy a cheap welding helmet to save money, but this is not always a good idea. Cheap helmets often have poor visibility and do not offer much protection from UV rays.
If you are serious about welding, it is worth investing in a quality helmet that will last longer and provide better protection.
How Long Does a Welding Helmet Last?
The lifespan of a welding helmet will depend on the type of helmet and how often it is used. A basic welding helmet made of fiberglass or plastic can last for several years with proper care.
A more expensive, higher-quality helmet made of Kevlar or carbon fiber may last for up to ten years.
A welding helmet should be replaced if it is damaged in any way, as this could affect its ability to protect your eyes and face from sparks and heat.
If you are a welder who works frequently, you may want to invest in a higher-quality welding helmet that will last longer. However, if you only weld occasionally, a less expensive option may be sufficient. It is important to choose a welding helmet that fits your needs and budget to get the most out of it.
Conclusion
No matter what your welding needs are, there is a welding helmet out there that is perfect for you. Do your research to find the one that fits both your budget and your requirements. And always remember to weld safely!
Do you have any experience with welding helmets or tips for choosing the right welding helmet? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about choosing the right welding helmet, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help!
