How does a chameleon welding helmet work?

Welding mask

There are working professions that require the use of various equipment that is not entirely safe for human health. This category includes the specialty of a welder. When working with welding machines, the use of special protective equipment is required. A welding helmet is the most important device that can protect the health and life of a worker.

What is a welding helmet

This is a means of protecting the face and eyes of the welder while working with professional equipment. The design of the mask is thought out in such a way as to protect the face to the greatest extent from molten metal and protect the eyes from the effects of the welding arc.

Modern manufacturers are continuously working to improve the protective properties of welding helmets. So, now you can buy masks that not only protect your face from metal splashes and sparks, but also protect from exposure to ultraviolet and infrared rays. One of these products with improved qualities is the Chameleon welding helmet.

What is a Chameleon mask?

This type of mask differs from standard models by its automatic and customizable light filter. This means that the built-in filter screen changes light transmission depending on external operating conditions.

The Chameleon welding helmet is made of durable and lightweight plastic, thanks to which the worker can perform professional functions for a long time without unnecessary fatigue and a feeling of physical heaviness. As a result, labor productivity increases. After all, working in such masks is not only safer, but also more comfortable.

Such features are very important for many industrial enterprises. Therefore, the Chameleon welding helmet is actively used by specialists working with metal.

Characteristics of the mask

The Chameleon welding helmet provides darkening of the filter screen at high speed. This ensures safety for the welder's eyes.

Most Chameleon models are solar-powered. This is very convenient and practical since there is no need to change the power source. In addition, this feature has a great economic effect.

The glass for the Chameleon welding helmet is equipped with an auto-replaceable light filter, which consists of several liquid crystal polarizing films and a filter against infrared and ultraviolet radiation. It may also contain, depending on the model, from 2 to 4 welding arc detection sensors.

All manufacturers of welding helmets strictly adhere to generally accepted regulations that govern the design of this protective mechanism. According to the standards, the welding helmet must be made of heat-resistant, durable material. The housing must contain a screen that provides high protection and good visibility. Depending on the model, the Chameleon mask may also have a head mount, a protective screen for the hand, additional light filters and other elements.

Types of Chameleon masks

Currently, manufacturers of protective devices produce a wide range of masks. The only characteristic that experts pay attention to is the speed of change of the light filter.

The “Chameleon” light filter for a welding helmet is considered the most important part, the characteristics of which distinguish all existing varieties of this protective device. For different working conditions, masks are produced with different filter response speeds.

According to this principle, “Chameleon” masks are conventionally distinguished with low (up to 1/5000 s), medium (1/5000–1/10,000 s) and high (from 1/10,000 to 1/35,000 s) darkening speeds. Of course, masks with a high speed of filter change are considered the most reliable.

They are the safest for eyesight and are recommended for long-term welding work.

Areas of application

The “Chameleon” mask is designed to protect the specialist’s face and eyes while performing welding work. The protective mask is used in all industries that use semi-automatic and argon-arc welding. In addition, “Chameleon” has the ability to install magnifying glasses, which is why this mask is widely used for performing high-precision and small-scale work.

How to choose the right protective mask

The efficiency and quality of work largely depends on how the Chameleon welding helmet is selected. Which one to choose? To answer this question, you need to have a good understanding of all the modifications of masks existing on the market and their design differences.

When choosing a mask, you first need to consider the conditions under which the welder will work and for how long. After all, the danger of welding work increases from the possibility of injury, poisoning from dangerous fumes, or getting burns to the eyes and face.

Main selection indicators

1. Brand – a quality mask should indicate the optical class, certification and the company that manufactured it. The absence of this information may indicate the low quality and dubious origin of the protective mask. The product must also come with a warranty.

   A high-quality Chameleon welding helmet must meet these requirements. The instructions for the product must contain information on operation and the full address of the manufacturer.

2. Possibility of adjustment and its types - professional masks have the ability to adjust sensitivity, degree of darkness, opening delay time after welding is completed.
3. Visibility in a mask – the larger the visible area, the more convenient it is to work.

   But we must take into account that filters of this design are less strong.

4. The weight of the mask and the design of the headband - the welding helmet should be comfortable and not interfere with professional work.
5. What type of welding is the built-in light filter intended for?

Additional selection criteria

In addition to the above parameters, the buyer may also be interested in other characteristics:

1. The degree of darkening depends on the angle of incidence of the radiation. Good masks should have several layers of quality filters.
2. The opening and closing time of the filter should not exceed 2 milliseconds. As a rule, all masks on the market meet this requirement. But during operation, malfunctions may sometimes occur. So, in cold weather, the response time of the filter slows down a little. This feature must be taken into account when working in cold weather.
3. The presence of a battery - it is designed to turn the filter on or off.
4. Certification – very often welding helmets are designated with the CE symbol. It means that one sample was tested before sales. The DIN marking provides information that the product is tested every two years in the amount of 10 samples. And DIN plus means that the same number of samples pass the test, but every year.
5. Arc detection method - in most cases, the optical method is used for Chameleon type welding helmets. To do this, special infrared sensors are installed in the mask.

These are the main parameters that it is recommended to pay attention to when you need a Chameleon welding helmet. The seller can help you which one to choose. He has the most information about all the new products and can successfully select a high-quality and comfortable mask.

Well-known manufacturers of welding helmets

Although there are many manufacturers of welding helmets on the market, not all of them produce truly high-quality products. You can name only a few companies that have gained credibility among buyers. These are the Swedish company Speedglas, the Swiss Optrel and the Slovenian Balder. They make the best Chameleon welding helmets.

Among Chinese-made masks, the most popular are products from the Tecmen factory. He produces good masks at an affordable price. The world leaders also include the Korean company Otos. The products of this manufacturer combine all the important qualities - reliability, excellent performance, comfort and affordable price.

Setup and repair instructions

A high-quality branded mask should always be sold with instructions. In the product documentation, the manufacturer provides a brief description of the product, a diagram of its structure and operating features. The instructions must also indicate how to set up the mask and precautions. All this information allows the buyer to learn how to properly use the protective element of a particular modification and prevent typical breakdowns.

If the user follows all the manufacturer's recommendations, the number of breakdowns will be reduced to a minimum. The only problem that can render the mask inoperative is the need to change the batteries in the battery.

But sometimes more complex situations occur when a part needs to be replaced or a malfunction needs to be repaired.

In the product instructions, manufacturers strongly recommend not to repair Chameleon welding helmets yourself, but to contact service centers only.

User reviews about the “Chameleon” mask

Among all the protective elements on the market, the most popular is the Chameleon welding helmet. User reviews are mostly positive. Specialists who work for a long time wearing a protective mask of this type note its reliability and comfort. User opinions differ slightly regarding the manufacturer and cost.

Many people want to buy a reliable mask with a high filter speed, but at a low price. Such buyers often opt for well-advertised Chinese goods of dubious quality. In order not to pay twice, it is better to read the opinions of other users and thus decide what kind of Chameleon welding helmet you need.

Customer reviews are sometimes more valuable than advice from a top seller.

Source: https://www.syl.ru/article/182768/new_svarochnaya-maska-chameleon-instruktsiya-otzyivyi-sovetyi-po-vyiboru

Welding helmet Chameleon. How to choose?

Since childhood, the light of welding has always seemed so alluring to us, because it is bright, shiny, bewitching, but for some reason everyone around us forbade us to admire it, saying that it was very harmful to the eyes. If you look at welding for a long time, your eyes begin to water, and a feeling of sand and pain appears in them.

If we talk about welders, then without special protective masks they can earn serious eye burns (1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree). A 4th degree eye burn is considered incredibly serious, because it is characterized by necrosis of the eye tissue, and this process is irreversible.

Today we will find out which Chameleon welding helmet to choose and how much its price will be.

Operating principle of the Chameleon welding helmet

There are many types of welding helmets. However, the Chameleon welding mask has long been the most popular among welders in all countries. Despite the rather simple device, it perfectly performs all its functions.

The operating principle of the mask is based on the polarization of liquid crystals. A layer of such crystals is located between two special films (polarizing). Under the influence of voltage, such a layer is able to block part of the light that passes through it. Depending on the level and price of the mask, there may be not one, but several such protective layers.

In addition, filters that protect the eyes from infrared and ultraviolet radiation provide additional protection. At first glance, it may seem that such a number of protective layers will be very dense and heavy. In fact, everything is completely different. The protective part is thin (up to 10 mm) and truly light.

So, which Chameleon welding helmet should you choose? By answering this question, you will protect your eyes and your health from serious damage while working.

Criterias of choice

If you go to the store to choose a Chameleon mask for yourself, be sure to read all the selection criteria so that your mask can perform at its best.

1. One of the most important indicators that you need to pay attention to is the filter response time. It is very important that this indicator is no more than 1 millisecond.
2. The next parameter is the size of the visible area. On the one hand, a large visible area makes your work more comfortable, but on the other hand, large filters are very fragile and prone to destruction.
3. Each type of welding has its own light filter, take this into account when choosing. One of the most versatile options is a light filter for argon-arc welding. It also fits most other types.
4. All Chameleon welding helmets differ in size and weight. Be sure to try on the mask before purchasing; it should be comfortable for you and not cause discomfort. It’s great if the mask is adjustable to fit your head. It can change, for example, the angle of inclination or the depth of planting, so you can find the best option for yourself.
5. Each mask has three numbers, for example, 2/3/1. These are its optical characteristics. The first digit is responsible for the transparency coefficient. The second tells us about radiation scattering. The third is an indicator of the degree of homogeneity of radiation.

How to set up a Chameleon welding helmet?

When purchasing a mask, you may notice that it has some adjustment capabilities. Let's figure out what adjustment options there are and why they are needed.

• Eclipse adjustment . One of the most important types of adjustment, therefore it is present in almost all models. If you are considering an option without this option, it is better to give preference to something else. As a rule, in its normal (undarkened) state, the filter has a darkening degree of no more than 3-4 DIN, and the maximum darkening is 9-13 DIN.
• Adjusting sensitivity . This feature allows you to raise or lower the filter's sensitivity threshold and avoid unnecessary filter triggering.
• Adjusting the opening delay time . This feature is necessary to protect you from opening the mask too early, when your eyes may still be at risk.
• Filter cut-off adjustment . This feature is rare. Choose a mask with this feature if you also plan to work with an angle grinder.
• Other types of adjustments . This includes functions that are very rare, such as tack welding mode or changing the sensing angle.

Certification

Since the Chameleon protective mask is an important protective attribute of the welder, he must be certified. There are several different types of certification for a given product, but three are the most common. This or that type of certification can be determined by the letter mark on the product packaging.

The mark with the letters “CE” means that one of the samples of the series was tested immediately before the product went on sale. The "DIN" marking tells us that testing is carried out once every two years. In this case, ten masks are taken for testing.

In addition, the testing process takes place in working conditions. And finally, the “DIN plus” marking is an indicator of the highest level of reliability.

In this case, ten masks are also tested under working conditions, but such an experiment is required to be carried out annually.

Producing countries

Based on the country of origin, all Chameleon welding helmets can be divided into four main groups.

• Masks made in Taiwan and China. The main advantage of these products is their price, which is significantly lower than that of all other manufacturers. However, the quality fully corresponds to the price. Such masks may, for example, operate with a delay or even open spontaneously during operation.
• Masks made in Russia. Their quality is much higher than Chinese, they work stably, but some defects sometimes still come across.
• Masks made in Korea. The problem with such masks is their filter. It can delaminate, leading to stains and cracks.
• Masks made in European countries. This is protective equipment for professional welders. As a rule, they consist of three or more protective layers and are of the highest quality, but their price is also high.

Price and useful tips

There are also a number of nuances that many novice welders may not pay attention to. At first glance, they all seem insignificant, but in fact, they play an important role. A few useful tips will help you not make a mistake when choosing.

• Before purchasing a mask, be sure to check the availability of consumables and additional light filters for this model. The best option is that consumables come with the mask.
• Also, before purchasing, carefully check all its documents, in particular, the warranty period and certification. If there is no data in the documentation, this is a reason to doubt the quality of the mask.
• The price of Chameleons varies greatly. It can start from 1000 rubles and exceed 7000 rubles. If you plan to weld professionally, you should not skimp on your protective equipment.

Now you know which Chameleon welding helmet to choose and you can safely get to work.

Source: https://proinstrumentinfo.ru/maska-svarshhika-chameleon-kak-vybrat/

How to choose a Chameleon mask and how to check it when purchasing

Date added: 11/13/2017

A welder's mask is necessary for anyone who uses welding equipment. From this article you will learn: how to choose a “Chameleon” welding helmet and how to test it without welding before purchasing, what to look for when choosing and much other useful information.

Before purchasing a mask, you should carefully read its passport. Even a very simple mask with an automatic light filter (ASF) has a passport, which indicates its degree of darkness, recommendations for the type of welding (MIG, MAG, MMA, TIG) and the type of battery.

How to choose a welding mask? Read more about all the intricacies of choice further in our article.

What is a “Chameleon” welding mask and how is it different from a regular mask?

The welding helmet protects the worker from IR and UV radiation, high temperature, harmful smoke, gases, sparks and metal droplets during the entire welding process. Ordinary masks are inexpensive and practical, but less convenient to use. Unlike a regular mask, which always has the same degree of darkness, the Chameleon can automatically change it based on sensor signals.

It is important to know that an automatic light filter only dims the normal brightness of visible light. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation are blocked by special protective layers and film filters.

Advantages of the Chameleon mask compared to a conventional welding mask:

• The work efficiency of a welder wearing a mask with ASF increases significantly. The worker manages to do more work in the same amount of time. It more accurately controls the welding arc from the very beginning of its combustion and the relative position of the parts during the welding process.
• A worker with a Chameleon has both hands free during welding. There is no need to wear another mask if you need to perform metalwork work - cut an edge, fit sheets of metal more tightly, clean a seam.
• There is no need to change filters, as when working with a regular mask, when the current changes significantly, or when choosing a different welding mode.
• The Chameleon dims automatically - you don’t need to put on or take off the mask, everything is clearly visible in it.

After weighing all the factors, decide for yourself what is better for you - a regular mask or a “Chameleon”.

Chameleon mask device

The mask consists of a body, a block of light filters, batteries, dimming adjustment knobs and a headband.

part of the Chameleon mask is a block of light filters, which consists of several layers of polarizing crystals placed in a vacuum. Light filters can change their light transmittance depending on the level of voltage applied to them.

There are several sensors on the outside of the mask that measure the brightness of the light and instruct the filter to close.

General recommendations when choosing a Chameleon welding helmet

It is best, of course, to focus on the opinions of real people who use such masks. We recommend listening to the recommendations of real welders, not salespeople from stores. Welders work with masks every day and have a better understanding of what they are talking about. When choosing a Chameleon welder’s mask, their reviews about the comfort of long-term work, the ease of switching settings and the practicality of using the mask are especially valuable.

The presence and number of adjustments of the light filter greatly influences the price of the Chameleon welder’s mask. There are masks with smooth and step adjustments, without adjustments, with manual adjustments of sensitivity and delay of dimming after the arc has died out. The delay allows you not to strain your eyes from the glow of the molten metal of the weld pool immediately after the arc breaks. The degree of darkness is adjusted automatically within a given range, depending on the brightness of the arc.

Internal adjustments are less convenient; to change them you will have to interrupt the welding process. External ones (on the outside of the mask) are more convenient; they can be adjusted during welding, but the settings may be lost if the mask is dropped or if it is accidentally touched. This is important to know if you are trying to choose the right Chameleon welder mask for yourself.

How to choose a Chameleon welder mask for safety and autonomy

There are several types of power supply for the mask filter:

• From a battery (battery or accumulator). It would be better if it is removable and to replace it you do not have to disassemble or replace the entire internal filling of the mask.
• From solar panels . Used in more expensive models of masks.
• Mixed . Battery together with solar battery.

It would be good if the mask had a low battery indicator. Then you won’t have to, having done half the work, urgently look for and change the batteries in the mask.

When choosing a welding mask, it is important to know about the number of sensitivity sensors. The more there are, the better. One sensor may not work due to a layer of soot, contamination, poor location, or it may be blocked by some object or obstacle.

For entry-level masks, 1-2 sensors are usually sufficient, for example, START-TREND with ASF 300. On professional masks there are 3-4 of them, as in the START-ARGON mask.

The sensors are located in different corners of the filter block of the mask, at the maximum distance from each other.

A good mask ensures high injury safety for the worker. The aerodynamics of good mask models are designed so that the fresh air that the worker breathes enters the space under the mask from the area as far away from the working area as possible. This reduces the amount of harmful gases that the welder breathes.

How to choose the right Chameleon mask for welding work based on ease of use

Some masks have a number of features that significantly increase the welder’s comfort and influence the choice of a chameleon mask.

• Possibility of installing additional diopter lenses directly on the light filter, as in the START-MASTER mask with ASF 605. Experienced welders often need to work in glasses in order to clearly see the welding site. Diopter lenses in the mask allow the welder to work without glasses, and he is not distracted from the welding process.
• Comfortable ergonomic headband. This is the most important indicator when choosing a Chameleon welding mask. Adjustments to suit head size are required. Wide and soft pads. Possibility to change the planting depth and adjust the distance from the eyes to the viewing window. Relevant for workers wearing glasses.
• Adjusting the angle of the mask at which it begins to lower. Possibility of fixing the mask at different angles.
• Smooth lowering of the mask after nodding the head.

Chameleon welding helmets, how to choose based on reviews

Typically, the best reviews come from masks in the upper price range. Positive reviews are influenced by the following features:

• Mask weight and size . The smaller and lighter the mask, with the same functional parameters, the better.
• Viewing window size . The most common sizes are 91 mm x 39 mm and 96 mm x 39 mm. The maximum size of the viewing window is 100 mm x 60 mm for the START-ARGON model with ASF 705. A large viewing window is more convenient.
• Switch welding or machining . Its presence is assessed very positively in most reviews regarding the choice of a chameleon welding helmet. Before and after welding is completed, there is often a need to carry out mechanical processing of a seam or part. Cut out the fistula, sand down the defects of the lower layer, beat off the slag crust, grind off the influx. This switch disables the darkening of the mask from stray sparks during mechanical work. Most welders note in their reviews that such a switch is very convenient and saves time. Its presence has virtually no effect on the cost of the mask.
• Mask material . Our masks are made only from high-quality plastic. Bad plastic can burst from overheating in the sun or at low temperatures.

How to choose a Chameleon welding mask by price

Click to enlarge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgCWzMFkQEw

Budget models of masks cost from 950 rubles. These are quite simple but reliable masks that are quite suitable for household use when welding with low and medium currents in the MMA mode. The adjustments are stepwise, powered by solar panels, the quality of the plastic is average.

When choosing a Chameleon welder mask at a price in the range of 1.5-2 thousand rubles, you can count on more serious models. Such masks are suitable for welding with consumable electrodes at high currents, MIG-MAG and Plasma modes. They already have a combined filter power supply system, the ability to install diopter lenses and smooth external adjustments. Typically, masks of this price are used in workshops, garages and small construction sites.

If the price of a chameleon welding helmet is more than 2000 rubles, then our recommendation is START-OPTIMA with ASF 615 or START-ARGON with ASF 705. The masks in the upper price segment have everything: they are suitable for working with any currents in all welding modes (in including TIG welding), smooth dimming and delay adjustments, excellent aerodynamics, large viewing window, 4 sensors and several dimming ranges, durable and lightweight plastic.

How to check a Chameleon welding helmet when purchasing

The peculiarity of the operation of light filter sensors is that they react only to sudden changes in high-intensity lighting. There are several ways to test a mask. First you need to turn on the filter, and then:

1. If you look at the sun in a mask, the filter will close once and open almost immediately, since there is a constant light flux from the sun. Try opening and covering the sensors from the sun several times. The filter must be closed every time.
2. Look at a regular incandescent lamp in the mask. The filter should close and not open all the time while the lamp is shining near the mask. In a household network there is alternating current, which changes its direction 50 times per second. This is invisible to the eye, but the sensors must react.
3. Another way to check a chameleon welder’s mask without welding is to strike a lighter in front of the mask several times. The filter must be closed after each use.
4. Use your smartphone's flash. The filter should close with minimal delay, this is normal. You may notice a small bit of flash early on before the filter closes. The welding arc does not light up immediately, a spark appears first, the sensors react to it, and when the arc lights up a little later, the filter is already closed. And the flash goes off immediately at maximum brightness.

If none of the methods for checking a Chameleon welder’s mask upon purchase worked, it’s worth checking and replacing the batteries. If the mask has solar panels, leave the mask in the sun to charge them.

Several important features of Chameleon masks for welding

• Chameleon masks have restrictions on working at low temperatures. Typically the operating limit is -5-10 °C. The response time of automatic dimming can increase significantly as the temperature drops. Some insurance in this case is the proximity to molten metal at a high temperature and the hot breath of the welder while working. In the vast majority of cases, this is enough for the mask to work properly even at such temperatures.
• It is best to store the mask with ASF in the switched off state, so as not to discharge the batteries. You should not place the mask with the light filter down, as scratches and abrasions on the glass can then limit visibility and make work uncomfortable.
• Some expensive mask models have a forced ventilation system to prevent fogging of the viewing window. This is especially useful if work is carried out in closed and poorly ventilated areas.
• Filter response time. The shorter the response time, the less tired the welder’s eyes are. Normal time is considered to be from 1/10000 of a second to 1/35000 of a second.
• Trigger sensitivity. The operation of the light filter is influenced by many factors: welding mode, welding currents, level of sun illumination, reflected light, influence of welding arcs of other welders.

This is all important to consider if you are thinking about how to choose a Chameleon welding helmet.

We recommend investing once in good equipment that will ensure high comfort for the welder.

Source: https://kronsvarka.ru/poleznoe/stati/vybor-maski-hameleon

Solving the problem of non-darkening of the chameleon welding helmet

When welding, it is extremely important to provide yourself with protective equipment. During the process, a person is exposed to many dangers, such as the possibility of sparks and molten metal getting on the face and eyes, the harmful effects of gases and vapors of molten metals in the respiratory tract, the harmful effects of various types of radiation, and much more. In order to protect yourself from possible injuries, you must use a welding helmet.

Operating principle of the chameleon welding helmet

On the market you can find two types of shields, with a fixed degree of darkness and chameleon masks. Masks of the second type are distinguished by their higher cost and the presence of an automatic light filter that can respond to the intensity of light radiation, thereby protecting vision.

The principle of operation of the chameleon welding mask is based on the fact that the light filter instantly reacts to light radiation and, depending on the intensity of the latter, automatically darkens the light radiation. The auto-darkening filter, in turn, has a layered structure in which layers of liquid crystals alternate with special films.

At the moment the arc is ignited, the crystals are arranged in a certain order and do not allow part of the light to pass through.

chameleon welding helmet diagram

Based on this principle, you can effectively protect your eyesight from the influence of bright vision.

Existing faults. Do-it-yourself chameleon welding helmet repair

Let's look at the question of why the shield may not work. Let's look at typical welding helmet malfunctions. It often happens that a chameleon welding mask does not perform its main function, namely, it does not reduce the level of light radiation. The essence of the problem may lie in dead batteries.

The chameleon welding helmet can be powered by both regular AAA batteries and a solar panel located on the body. Simply put, replacing the battery can solve the problem. If we consider the first method of powering the shield with energy, then simply insert the batteries into it.

If powered by a battery, you need to hold the shield under a bright light to charge it.

But even after this procedure, you may find that the shield still does not work. The reason may be the protective glass. Typically, with this type of malfunction, cracks, chips and other mechanical damage are visible on the glass. In this case, it is necessary to replace the liquid crystal glass, which is the most expensive component in the mask. It is important to remember that the new glass must fully comply with the previous one in all respects.

The filter may blink. Here the protective glass may be either simply dirty or damaged. In this case, it is better to immediately change the filter with protective glass.

It is better not to repair the light filter of a welding helmet yourself. It would be better to contact specialists at a service center. This will cost money, but the service center can accurately identify the cause of the breakdown and specialists will easily fix it.

Poor visibility does not have a beneficial effect on vision, so it is important to properly secure the headband, install a good lighting source in the workplace, remove the film from the protective glass, and adjust the degree of darkness. At low temperatures, there may be a delay in dimming. Do not use the mask at temperatures below - 10 degrees Celsius.

How to properly set up a chameleon mask for welding? What do you need to remember when working?

In order to know how to set up the mask and how to check its performance, it is better to refer to the operating instructions. Important to remember:

• the chameleon mask is not suitable for plasma and gas welding and cutting;
• Do not leave the shield on a hot surface;
• It is better not to disassemble the filter cartridge;
• the shield will not withstand strong impacts;
• Changes cannot be made to the filter. It is allowed to use spare parts specified in the instructions;
• if the chameleon welding helmet does not darken the image, you need to stop working and identify the possible cause of the malfunction;
• it is necessary to prevent moisture from entering the light filter;
• When cleaning the shield, it is not recommended to use detergents and solvents;
• the headband for putting on can cause an allergic reaction, the straps must be adjusted correctly to prevent skin irritation;
• In order to change the batteries, switch the shield to grinding mode. When the red light on the filter lights up, you need to replace the batteries;
• Before starting work, you need to adjust the mask to suit yourself to achieve maximum comfort. You can select the darkness level, delay time and sensitivity level.

Carrying out maintenance

In order to reduce the likelihood of breakdown to zero, it is necessary to carry out maintenance from time to time. The minimum interval between repairs should be one month.

To remove dirt and dust, you can use a cotton cloth pre-moistened with a non-aggressive liquid. Do not use oil-containing cleaning agents or abrasive materials as this may damage the protective shield.

All cleaning actions must be carried out carefully; do not put too much pressure on the material.

Types of adjustments for chameleon welding helmets

There are several types of adjustments in a welding helmet. Before starting work, it is extremely important to configure all the characteristics. This is necessary for the most effective use of the mask when working. The following are the types of adjustments.

Preparation under the head

It is extremely important to securely fix the shield on your head. The diameter of the headband can be adjusted using a handle located on the back of the head.

The procedure must be carried out with a shield on the head, which will allow you to obtain the necessary tension. If the headband sits high or low, it should be adjusted using a belt passing through the top of the head.

Before starting work, check the fit of the shield. If it does not sit securely, you need to readjust it.

Adjusting the distance from the eyes to the filter

The mask can be moved away from the eyes and brought closer to the eyes by loosening the locking nuts. The distance from both eyes and the filter should be equal. If everything is done correctly, the locking nuts should be tightened.

Adjusting the darkness level

Depending on the type of welding and the current value, you can select the required degree of darkening from the table. This can also be done during operation using the regulator, which is located on the outside of the shield.

Adjusting sensitivity

There are two types of sensitivity: high and low. For most cases, you can set the control knob to the middle position. When working in TIG mode at low current values, maximum sensitivity is required.

For optimal settings, it is better to set the sensitivity to maximum, and then reduce it until the filter begins to perceive light radiation only from the welding arc, and not from external light sources (the sun, lighting lamps, etc.).

The required degree of sensitivity can also be selected according to a scheme where each type of welding has its own level of sensitivity.

Adjusting the delay time

Adjustment is made using the regulator knob, which is located on the inside of the cartridge. A short delay is suitable for spot welding, and a long delay is suitable for welding with high amperage.

Finally

The auto-darkening shield perfectly neutralizes the negative effects of light radiation. There is a huge selection of such shields on the market, such as: welding mask Resanta MS 2, Bars MS-207, Centaur MS-30R and many others.

The shield must be checked upon purchase, otherwise you may purchase a defective or faulty shield. Repairing a chameleon welding helmet with your own hands is worth doing if the damage is not serious. For example, anyone can replace batteries or protective glass.

But if the malfunction is related to the light filter, then it is better to contact a service center, where the breakdown will be quickly identified and corrected.

Source: https://svarkaed.ru/oborudovanie-dlya-svarki/detali-i-prisposobleniya/reshaem-problemu-nezatemneniya-svarochnoj-maski-hameleon.html

How to choose the right chameleon welding helmet, features of different products - Machine

When performing welding work, a person is constantly in danger due to some features that accompany this type of work: bright, blinding light from the welding arc, infrared and ultraviolet radiation, hot metal, toxin impurities. That is why it is very important to strictly follow safety regulations. Special protective equipment should be an integral part of any type of welding, so today the relevant question is: how to choose a chameleon welding mask. This will be discussed in this article.

What are welding helmets?

A welding mask is a mandatory element necessary for the work of a welder, since it protects the worker from the negative effects of the electric arc on the eyes.

With this device, the person performing welding work can examine in more detail all the shortcomings in the formation of the cooking pool and ultimately obtain the most reliable and high-quality seam.

The design of such products is quite simple.

The structure of the chameleon welding helmet is as follows:

• body (head cap) made of fiber or plastic,
• a light filter, which can either be included with the mask or be a separate element,
• steam vent, designed to protect glass from fogging,
• adjustable fasteners, through which you can adjust the mask to the desired size,
• consumable elements (polycarbonate filters), which must be changed periodically.

When choosing a welding helmet and deciding which welding mask is suitable in a particular case, it is very important to pay attention to the material of manufacture. It must have heat resistance and electrical insulation.

Types of welding helmets

Are you choosing a mask and don’t know which mask is the best? Then you need to familiarize yourself with the modifications. Absolutely all welding helmets, including the chameleon, are divided into several varieties based on optical parameters:

• Optical class. This indicator indicates the quality of the filter glass and the entire assembly. The higher this indicator, the higher quality the image and the less distorted the picture.
•  Light scattering. In other words, the transparency of the glass. Look at the marking, the higher this indicator, the more light it will transmit.
• Angular degree of darkness. Based on the angle of the light filter to the area where the work is being done, the glasses of the mask change and darken.

All four described parameters can be found in the markings located in the filter. Designations are presented in the form n/n/n/n. Each value has an indicator from 1 to 3. Moreover, the lower the number, the higher the indicator of each item.

In addition, chameleon masks have such indicators as: speed of activation of protection and enlightenment, sensitivity of sensors.

The first parameter is significant for masks, since light travels very quickly, which means the filter must darken in thousandths of a second. And in order for the work to be as convenient as possible, the optics must also be cleared quickly.

The key parameter is the degree of darkness, since it is this that protects vision from bright glare.

How to choose the right chameleon welding helmet?

Perhaps everyone wants to have the best chameleon mask. The most important point in making the right choice of mask and finding a suitable model is determining the work for which it will be used.

These can be either the most ordinary models without bells and whistles, or slightly improved with auxiliary options. Make sure that the mask has internal fixation and darkening control, they will make the work much easier.

 In turn, convenience during the welding process will help increase the quality of the seam. Separately, it is worth mentioning the indicators of filter switching.

More popular are modifications in which the mode switching time is minimal, since this simplifies the process of activity and does not have such a negative effect on vision, because the eyes have much less contact with the arc flash.

Today there is a wide variety of chameleon welding helmets on the market. If you are at a loss about the question: how to choose a mask for welding semi-automatically or in another way, then you should take a closer look at such parameters as:

• Manufacturer. It is very important to find out at which factory the filter is produced, because... Its certification and optical class of the product depend on this. This also determines the warranty for the life of the product. That is why, if the mask does not have any information according to the criteria described above, then it is worth considering, because its quality is in question.
• The next point that you need to pay special attention to is what type of welding the filter is intended for. Because if you do not have information on how to choose a chameleon for inverter/electric arc welding, then you need to find out the scope of application of the filter. Argon-arc are recognized as absolutely universal and have found active use in all types of welding work.
• View area size. The width of the glass determines the visibility during welding. The larger it is, the better the welder will see the parts. However, there is one obvious drawback here, since such filters are very fragile, you need to be extremely careful with them.
• Weight, design features of the headrest and other external parameters that affect ease of use.

The mask should not weigh too much, and also make sure that it does not fit too tightly to your face, otherwise it will be difficult for you to move.

• The number of types and types of adjustments on the mask. Professional welding masks have eclipse adjustment limits from 9 to 13 DIN. It is also recommended to choose devices so that you can adjust the sensitivity yourself as needed. This way you can set protection against light radiation, which is directly affected by the temperature regime of the electrode or the metal of the workpiece. This also includes the delay time for clearing after welding is completed. There are two types of adjustments. The outer one is located on the left side of the mask, and the inner one is located on the filter itself. Such filters differ in the smoothness of switching. There are smooth ones, which adjust the eclipse gradually, and stepped ones, in which the degree of darkening changes jerkily.
•  The last indicator is price. Experts advise giving preference to high-quality masks. Yes, they will cost more, but they will serve you well for a long time.

Having studied all the indicators described above, you will understand how to choose a chameleon welding helmet correctly, and it will also be much easier for you to understand which welding mask is suitable specifically for your case.

Manufacturers

You don’t know which welding helmet is better, a chameleon or a regular one, and you are at a loss with the question: how to choose the right product? It will be much easier to decide on this issue by studying the manufactured products. Let's look at the rating of chameleon welding masks. We have collected the top 6 most popular products.

3M

This company has been producing good welding masks and other protective equipment for thirty years, which are very necessary in the work of a welder. As users note, the best professional chameleon welding helmets from this manufacturer are presented in the Speedglas line. Here you can find everything you need - masks, filters, shields, protective plates.

Svarog

This company has been producing welding equipment, masks and other components since 2007. Products are made from durable and lightweight materials. The assortment includes welding masks that can be used to perform all types of welding work. For example, model Svarog AS-2-F (G).

Resanta

This brand produces welding helmets with automatic chameleon filters.

Such products provide an immediate response to changes in light intensity and well protect the eyes of the person doing the work.

The range of products offered includes semi-automatic, argon-arc, manual Resanta arc welding helmets and models for professional welding.

Fubag

Products of this brand are made of impact-resistant material, and the filters are automatically darkened at the very beginning of welding and at the moment when the lighting of the sparkling material becomes brighter. The screens contain permanent filters with protection against ultraviolet and infrared rays.

Brima

A German company that has been successfully operating for more than fifty years. User reviews indicate that Fubag produces high-quality welding equipment, including protective masks for both professionals and welding masks for novice welders. The company's branded service center is located in every major Russian city.

Quattro Elementi

Our rating of welding helmets ends with the Quattro Elementi. This brand is Italian. It produces the best chameleon welding helmets, pumping, thermal, compressor devices and components for them. The range of masks is represented by classic products with a conventional light filter, and professional ones of the “chameleon” type.

To summarize all of the above, it is worth noting once again that the Chameleon mask is a necessary safety measure when performing welding work. The market offers a wide variety of models, so choosing a similar product is not difficult.

It is enough to familiarize yourself with all the technical parameters of the mask, decide on its scope (at a professional level or for working at home) and, guided by how much you are willing to spend, buy a mask that suits you. It's hard to say which is the best mask, because...

in each individual case it is individual.

Source: https://regionvtormet.ru/metally/kak-pravilno-vybrat-svarochnuyu-masku-hameleon-osobennosti-raznyh-izdelij.html

Welding helmets with chameleon glasses

Welding work must be carried out exclusively in special protection. The intensity of the light radiation is sufficient to cause serious eye burns. Protective equipment and devices appeared with the invention of the metal welding method.

Once upon a time these were the simplest tinted glasses; now, among the variety of products, you can choose glasses, shields, helmets and chameleon welding masks.

Their function is not only to neutralize welding light, but also to improve the convenience of work for the welder. This is especially true when operating welding inverters and semi-automatic machines.

Good eye and face protection comes with quality glass. The most modern of them are those that can darken in bright light.

The change in color is called chameleon, indicating the ability of glass, like that of this animal, to adapt to the surrounding light.

The chameleon differs from all other means of protection for the face and eyes, masks, helmets, as well as shields and glasses, by the presence of a liquid crystal filter that changes the degree of darkness automatically.

The visible part of the filter, securely mounted in the mask, has the ability to transform the level of darkness as soon as the welding process begins.

Main advantages:

• The worker's eyes instantly receive powerful protection.
• Dimming does not in any way affect the ability to see well and effectively control the process.

If there is a leak in the water supply or heating pipes, cold welding will help fix it. Find out what cold metal welding is and how to use it at home.

For high-quality welding work, it is important to strictly adhere to the technology. This article describes how to work with a semi-automatic welding machine quickly and efficiently.

Design

The light filter is made using the principle of puff pastry. Liquid crystals form each individual layer, and a polarizing film is placed between the layers.

When an external influence occurs on the crystals, they are installed in a special direction, after which the entire filter blocks the light that enters it.

In addition to blocking light exposure, the chameleon is able to neutralize ultraviolet and infrared radiation. This is due to the presence of an additional layer of protection that can reflect UV and IR rays.

The rate at which the glass darkens may vary depending on the model. There are glasses that begin to darken only a few seconds after the start of welding. And then, even while wearing a protective mask or glasses, a person can get a burn to the cornea of ​​the eye.

Chameleon glass mask for welding

For a worker whose day is spent welding or cutting metal, protective equipment is like a second skin. One of the good options when choosing it is a chameleon welder mask. It is necessary that it is not heavy, is comfortable to put on and take off, and also has all the protective properties.

Source: https://metallmaster.org/shkola-svarschika/svarochnye-maski-khameleon.html

How does a chameleon welder mask work?

Since childhood, the light of welding has always seemed so alluring to us, because it is bright, shiny, bewitching, but for some reason everyone around us forbade us to admire it, saying that it was very harmful to the eyes. If you look at welding for a long time, your eyes begin to water, and a feeling of sand and pain appears in them.

If we talk about welders, then without special protective masks they can earn serious eye burns (1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree). A 4th degree eye burn is considered incredibly serious, because it is characterized by necrosis of the eye tissue, and this process is irreversible.

Today we will find out which Chameleon welding helmet to choose and how much its price will be.

Choosing a Chameleon welding helmet - filter, dimensions

• How does the Chameleon welding helmet work?
• How to choose a Chameleon welding helmet

How to choose a Chameleon welding helmet

Metal welding cannot be carried out without a special mask that darkens the harmful radiation from the welding arc. If you look at welding without a mask, you can go blind.

Today the market offers all kinds of welding helmet models. However, the most popular among welders are Chameleon masks, which can automatically reduce the light output when a welding arc appears.

Chameleon welding helmets are very convenient to use, primarily because they make it possible not to be distracted from the work process. And this, as we know, primarily affects the quality and the result obtained. In addition, thanks to the automatic mask, your eye health will always be under reliable protection.

How does the Chameleon welding helmet work?

The operating principle of Chameleon welding helmets is based on an automatic light filter that reacts to changes in external lighting. To check the operation of the mask, simply take it and lower it with the light filter down, and then sharply lift it up, towards the sun or towards the light bulb. In this case, you can notice how the light filter immediately works, reducing the amount of external lighting.

The most important things in this case are the response time of the light filter and the degree of its darkening. Here everything depends a lot, both on the type of mask (it can be used for different types of welding) and on the quality of its execution. That is why each Chameleon welding helmet has its own characteristics and features, which can be read about below on the MMA welding website mmasvarka.ru.

How to choose a Chameleon welding helmet

You need to choose a Chameleon mask consciously, unless of course it is provided as a gift with the purchased welding machine. The quality of the automatic mask will determine eye protection and convenience when carrying out welding work. On sale you can find, to put it mildly, low-quality masks that do not have time to operate when the arc is ignited or they have a false darkening of the filter.

Therefore, before you buy a Chameleon welding helmet, you should check that you are choosing a certified product. As for the light filter, it must be marked 1/1/1, indicating the optical class. This filter does not distort external objects and provides reliable eye protection.

The size of the filter is also of considerable importance. However, a large filter does not mean high quality, since its edges are often fragile, and the price of the mask is prohibitively high due to its size. Here it is important to find a middle ground and decide on the ratio of price, quality and size.

Under no circumstances should you trust those sellers who say that the Chameleon mask works without a power source. Yes, it has a solar panel, but the automatic mask does not work from it, but from a small battery. So, this same battery may or may not be removable. If you have a non-removable power supply, it will unfortunately not be possible to replace it if it fails.

Another point is that the Chameleon mask works at low temperatures. Many cheap models are not able to work sufficiently well even at a temperature of -5 degrees, and this brings significant inconvenience to their use.

Source: https://mmasvarka.ru/kak-vybrat-svarochnuyu-masku-xameleon.html

How to Choose a Welding Helmet, What is a Chameleon and How It Works

:

You can always watch the fire burn, the water flow, but not the welding arc. 

If you do not use a welding helmet when welding, this will certainly lead to injury to the welder:

• burns of the skin of the face and neck under the influence of radiation from the arc, high temperatures and splashes of molten metal;
• burns of the retina by ultraviolet and infrared light, which leads to loss of vision ;
• inflammation of the cornea (ophthalmia);
• direct entry into the respiratory tract of harmful smoke and gases.

What is a welding helmet?

A welding mask is an individual means for protecting the eyes, respiratory tract, as well as the skin of the face and neck of the operator of a particular welding machine from concentrated broad-spectrum radiation (infrared, ultraviolet and thermal), metal splashes, sparks and harmful gases. The skin is protected by a completely opaque and heat-resistant plastic part of the mask, and the eyes are protected by a built-in window with a light filter that does not allow harmful radiation to pass through. The entire structure is placed on the welder’s head using a forehead mount, the size of which is most often adjustable.

A welder's mask must be used when welding with electric arc, semi-automatic and non-consumable electrode.

Types of welder masks

1. A welding shield is the simplest analogue of a mask. 

   Pros: cheap.

   Cons: passive filter - you can see through it only when the arc is already burning, the degree of darkness cannot be adjusted, for this you need to replace the filter. Fulfills its purpose only during welding. There is a high probability of injury to the eyes at the time of tack welding and completion of welding (from the radiation of hot metal). Inconvenient - you constantly need to hold it with one hand.  

1. A mask with a passive light filter is attached to the head.

   Pros: no need to constantly hold your hand.

   Cons: visible through the filter only during welding. Each time, before igniting the arc, you need to nod your head to lower the mask, and after finishing, raise it with your hand. The risk of eye injury remains high.

1. Welding helmet “Chameleon” - with auto-darkening function when igniting the arc.

   Pros: no need to constantly hold your hand; no need to raise and lower before and after ignition; protects eyes and skin from harmful radiation not only during welding; It is possible to adjust the darkening depending on the type of work, even during the welding process.

   Disadvantages: the price is higher than other types of masks, the darkening speed depends on the operating temperature (it is better not to use such a mask in cold weather); has batteries that have a limited service life; the weight is a little more than other varieties, but not always.

Since the last mask is the most popular and safest, let’s consider its operating principle and the important nuances of choosing when purchasing in more detail.

How does the Chameleon automatic welding helmet work?

The main difference between “Chameleons” and other masks is the light filter. In it, it is made not of ordinary tinted glass, but of one or more liquid crystal (LCD) screens separated by polarizing films.  

1. Invisible radiation sensors react. They are located on the front side of the mask and are directed towards the work area. After ignition, the electric arcs transmit a signal (most often analog) to the electronic board;  
2. The board converts the signal. LCD screens are powered by batteries (lithium or solar batteries);
3. The filter crystals line up. Under the influence of electric current, liquid crystals become a special structure in such a way that ultraviolet and infrared light does not pass through the filter;
4. The sensors respond to the cessation of radiation. After welding is completed, the radiation from the arc and seam disappears, the sensors stop transmitting the signal to the board;
5. The electronic board cuts off power to the screens. After the sensors react to the completion of welding, the board waits for a delay configured on the mask, or stitched, and turns off the power supply from the crystals. The screens become transparent.

An important advantage of auto-darkening masks is the filtering of invisible and polarized light when inactive. That is, the mask will protect your eyes not only from the arc, but also from the harmful radiation of hot metal, the sun and from glare when working outdoors.

Also, when working with an angle grinder or other spark-producing tools, you can, without removing it, turn on the grinding mode on the Chameleon, in which the filter will not be mistakenly darkened. This significantly speeds up the process of “welding - cleaning / grinding seams - continuing welding”.

How to choose a chameleon welding helmet?

Each “Chameleon” mask has a number of characteristics that determine its quality and ability to be used for certain welding jobs. Let's look at each next.

Filter response time 

The maximum permissible dimming time is 1 millisecond.

The smaller it is, the safer and more comfortable it will be to work with the Chameleon.

This is the main parameter of an auto-darkening welding helmet, which directly affects the safety of its use. If the filter operates too slowly, the radiation from the electrode or wire will have time to harm the eyes.

It is worth noting that the “Chameleon” passport indicates the value when used at room temperature. As the temperature decreases, the filter's response rate will decrease. It is not recommended to use such masks in cold weather.

Shade level

The range 9-13 DIN is the most optimal. The wider it is, the more versatile the mask is, which makes it suitable for different types of welding.

It is usually measured in DIN - European classification according to the German Institute for Standardization. The degree of darkness must be selected for each type of equipment, amperage and type of material being welded. Recommended values ​​are shown in the table below:

There are also masks with two separate ranges for wider use.

Optical filter class

Indicated in the documentation or on the mask itself in three numbers, for example 1/2/3. The closer these numbers are to 1, the higher the optical class of the device, and therefore its quality.

1 is the coefficient of transparency, 2 is the scattering of light, 3 is the degree of uniformity of the darkening of the radiation. 

Adjustments

1. Adjustment of the degree of dimming in the active state. It’s most convenient when it is located outside the mask and you can adjust the filter while working. Without this adjustment, it will be impossible to weld different types of inverters and different materials (see table above).
2. Setting the sensitivity of the filter, or rather the sensors.

   It is also almost a mandatory procedure to be able to work in different lighting conditions and set up protection against radiation from the heated metal or electrode.

3. Adjusting the delay for turning off the filter. Designed to protect against radiation from hot metal after the arc has been extinguished. A delay of up to 1 second is usually sufficient.
4. Mask size settings. This parameter must be in any mask.

   Three types are desirable: side clamp, seating depth and adjustable distance from the filter to the eyes. If the mask falls off or is not fully secured to the head, this may not only cause discomfort during work, but also lead to injury.

It will be most convenient and productive to work if at least a set of dimming and filter sensitivity adjustments are located outside the mask.

This is especially true when welding materials of different thicknesses (it is necessary to constantly change the welding current) and when individual respiratory protection is used.

Also, all adjustments can be smooth or stepped. With smooth, more precise individual adjustment of the parameter is possible, while with step, only according to the specified values ​​​​from the manufacturer.

Number of sensors

2 sensors are considered the norm - this is enough to trigger in 99.9% of cases. But the greater their number, the less chance there is of “catching a bunny” from a malfunction of the sensor or from an inappropriate angle of incidence of radiation on it.

Equipment

Most manufacturers complete their masks with additional internal and external protective glasses and accessories. This is a significant advantage, since during operation these glasses necessarily lose their light transmittance.

How to check the darkening of a filter in a store?

1. Look at the sun in the “Chameleon” mask. The filter should close and open after a couple of seconds. This is normal because the sun emits a constant stream. The sensors only respond to variable intensity;
2. Look at an incandescent light bulb. The screen should darken and not open, since the current in the network is alternating and the lamp blinks at a speed of 50 Hz;
3. Turn on your smartphone's flash in front of the mask.

   You should notice it briefly, after which the filter will close. This is due to the fact that the flash immediately lights up at maximum intensity. And when welding, a spark appears first, to which the sensors react first, and only then the arc.

4. Put on your mask and strike a flint lighter in front of you. A working mask should respond every time.

If the filter does not respond to several sources, you should check the battery charge.

If they are charged, but the mask does not pass the test, it is better to buy another one.

How to choose glass for a welding helmet?

1. Decide on tasks. If the glass will be used for auxiliary work in the welding process, then a 4 DIN shade may be sufficient. But it is better to use the same one as the welder;
2. Decide on the type of welding. When welding directly, it is necessary to select glass depending on the type of welding and welding current. For example, when TIG welding with a current of 125-200 A, the optimal shade is 11 DIN (see table above);
3. Decide on the filter type. The best welding helmets are definitely those with the “Chameleon” automatic filter. If you rarely use welding and mostly use the same model, then you shouldn’t overpay and it’s better to buy regular darkened glass.
4. Select size. Here you definitely need to start from the mask you are using and select it according to it. Of course, the larger the glass, the more convenient it is to work. But when choosing a “Chameleon”, it is worth considering that large filters are more fragile and more often fail (they do not begin to darken over the entire area).

Source: https://dnipro-m.ua/news/svarochnye-maski-chameleon-chto-i-kak-vybrat-pravilno/