How to choose a good welding mask

How to choose a welding helmet, characteristics and recommendations

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Electric welding work is an integral part of almost any construction or repair process. In this article we will tell you how to choose a welding helmet, and which one to choose - a regular one or a chameleon. Characteristics of chameleon welding helmets, selection of protective glasses for welding masks.

Half a century ago, when the first welding helmets appeared, there was no question of how to choose a welding helmet. The products were made from natural rough leather, which was later replaced by plastic masks. The filters in them coped with their task only partially. In this regard, they are not very suitable for long-term, professional welding work, but they are quite suitable for one-time and short-term welding work.

The main disadvantages of classic welding helmets:

Protective glass for a welding helmet provides little protection against ultraviolet radiation;

Generally poor ventilation;

Inconvenient to use.

There is also an advantage, although one thing is the low price (300-500 rubles).

Shield for welding work

Welding shields are perhaps the simplest and cheapest (RUB 150-200) method of protection during welding. The welding shield has advantages - during work, the welder can simply move it away from his face to see the result of his work.

By the way, some models are also equipped with hand protection from sparks. But this is where the advantages of the welding shield end.

Disadvantages: the need to hold the protective shield in your hand - for a large volume of work this is a significant problem, significantly increasing the operating time.

However, for small and one-time work, the shield is ideally suited, which is why very often inexpensive household welding machines are equipped with such protective products. Shields also have another big drawback - protective glass for a welding helmet (with the exception of models with chameleon filters) provides insufficient protection.

Welding helmet "Chameleon": advantages and disadvantages

Welding helmets "Chameleon" have replaced classic masks and shields, and are a new generation of protection during welding work. The main difference between “Chameleons” and the classics is the use of an innovative light filter that provides reliable protection for the welder’s eyes.

The glass for Chameleon welding helmets is made using new liquid crystal polarization technology. Of course, when the question arises which welding helmet to choose, many experts answer: undoubtedly, “Chameleon”. And that's why.

Characteristics of welding helmets "Chameleon"

“Chameleon” can be safely classified as a professional welding helmet, as it ensures comfortable and safe work for the welder even during long-term work. 

The main advantages of the “Chameleon” masks are the automatic darkening of the light filters, that is, to adjust the darkening, the welder does not need to remove the mask to control his work.

In fact, the mask itself received the name “Chameleon” because of its ability to change the color of the lenses in welding and pause modes.

The chameleon welding mask is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, where liquid crystal layers alternate with polarization films, which is powered by batteries or a solar panel. It is recommended to choose masks with regular batteries or a rechargeable battery, since the solar battery will quickly lose charge in cloudy weather or in the absence of sun (when working indoors).

In addition, the chameleon screen is equipped with filters against infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Also, a modern mask has sensors in its design that allow you to control the arc.

The protective screen (glass) of the “Chameleon” welding helmet operates as follows: as soon as the arc is ignited, sensors are activated that instantly darken the screen, protecting the welder’s eyes, and layers of filters do not allow ultraviolet and other harmful radiation to affect a person.

When choosing a “Chameleon” welding helmet, you should pay attention to the main characteristics: the response time of the light filter, it should be below 1 millisecond. Please note that when operating in severe frost, the response time may increase, but only slightly.

Light glass filters for welding helmets “Chameleon”

Special standards have been developed for European consumers, in particular for light filters there is the EN 379 standard, which describes all the characteristics that light filters for welding helmets must meet.

So that the buyer understands what he is purchasing, the mask is marked with indicators written approximately in the following form: 1/1/1/2. What does this marking mean?

The first number is the optical class of welding lenses. That is, this is the level of accuracy of transfer of welded parts and the level of distortion. The lower the number, the more accurately and with minimal distortion the image is transmitted.

The second number is light scattering, that is, an indicator of the level of transparency of the lens. Number one is the smallest and best indicator; the higher it is, the worse it is for the welder’s eyes, especially if you have to weld small parts.

The third number is the homogeneity of the lenses of Chameleon welding masks. In other words, this is the uniformity (homogeneity) of applying the darkening layer to the surface of the lens. Of course, the better this is done, as evidenced by the minimum number “1,” the better.

The fourth number indicates the level of darkness at different viewing angles. High class 1 DIN, low class 2 DIN.

Shade level of welding helmets Chameleon

A professional welding helmet must meet the shade requirements, which are measured in DIN. The DIN scale allows you to control the level of darkening of the filters, and based on these indicators the quality of the screen and the mask as a whole is judged.

As a rule, the light filter operates automatically in the range from 3 to 15 DIN, that is, with a darkening of 3-4 DIN, the welder works with the parts, preparing for welding, after the arc is ignited, the sensors are activated, and the protective glass is darkened to 13-15 DIN. The screen brightens to 6-7 DIN immediately after welding, when the parts being welded are still hot.

What else to pay attention to

In addition to the above, you must take into account:

Weight of the mask – a heavy welding helmet creates a load on the cervical vertebrae, especially if the volume of work is large;

Convenient fastenings of the welding helmet will allow you to work comfortably;

An air filter is necessary when working with stainless steel and some other metals that emit harmful substances when heated. As a rule, the filter works in tandem with a fan.

Prices for chameleon welding helmets

The range of prices for chameleon welding helmets is truly wide. Here are just a few models:

The 3M™ SPEEDGLAS™ 9100XX MP AIR welding helmet costs more than 200 thousand rubles and includes five protection elements: for the eyes, breathing, head, face and hearing. This is a professional welding helmet designed for long-term work in difficult conditions.

Welding helmet Svarog AS4001F with air supply device. A relatively inexpensive welding helmet that allows you to work safely in contaminated environments. In addition, high protection against ultraviolet and infrared radiation allows the welder to maintain health. The cost of a welding mask is in the range of 45-48 thousand rubles.

Source: https://stroy-masterden.ru/kak-vyibrat-svarochnuyu-masku-xarakteristiki-i-rekomendaczii.html

Review of the best masks for welders - rules and features of choosing the best models

The work of a welder is dangerous primarily due to electric shock, as well as deterioration of vision if you do not use special eye protection. Today, manufacturers produce chameleon welding helmets that provide an impeccable level of protection.

Varieties and structure

First of all, the mask protects the master’s eyes from the harmful effects of thermal, UV and infrared radiation. There are both masks and shields. Using the second type can be inconvenient, since there is no dedicated strap that would secure the mask on the face, but only a handle, so one hand will always be busy holding the shield.

The structure uses a special light filter for welding masks, which allows you to work without removing the mask in order to at least see something. Modern devices also have all sorts of adjustments and settings to ensure maximum convenience while working.

There are also helmets that fit completely over the head, but such devices are often very expensive, so using them in everyday life is impractical, unlike on an industrial scale.

However, such helmets have additional advantages, such as use in aquatic environments, in places where it is difficult to penetrate, and can also be used with oxygen supply.

Which welding helmet to choose

The choice of protection is not based on cost or appearance, since it is necessary to select a special device solely according to the required characteristics. First of all, it is important to make sure that the mask is certified and approved for use. To do this, it is important to familiarize yourself with the certificate.

The optical class of the filter should be equal to one, as this indicates the maximum degree of protection. If you find a mask with class 3, then be sure that this device works using last century technology.

The dimensions of the window should not be large, since in this case the fragility of the material increases. The light filter must run on batteries, so it must be possible to replace them.

The operating ambient temperature should be between -5 and 100 degrees Celsius; in severe subzero weather, the filter may not work.

The protective welding helmet must be selected exclusively for the required work. It is also important to verify the manufacturer so as not to run into a fake.

When choosing, check the strength of the mask, as well as the material from which it is made. The material is fiber or plastic. The minimum number of sensors on the filter is four, and the filter operating speed should not exceed one hundred microseconds.

Expert advice

There are cases when arrogant sellers take out additional components from masks, these could be spare filters, batteries, etc. Be sure to take this into account, and even better, be interested in what is included in the complete package.

You should not choose a device with high sensitivity to light, as blinking will begin during operation, which will not only interfere with work, but also harm your eyes.

Elderly people should not purchase masks with strong darkness, as this can also harm the eyes, and in general, devices are now sold with the ability to regulate this function. In some cases, you may want to consider masks with an air filter if the job at hand requires it.

Conclusion

You can look at all kinds of devices in our photos of welding helmets to make your choice now or at least notice something to choose from.

Do not neglect using a mask, as this will greatly affect your eyes. Diseases that are contracted by specialists who do not use special protection are very difficult and long to treat, and in some cases you can easily be left without vision for life.

Modern technologies for the production of chameleon masks have reached a level that provides 100% protection for your eyes. Also, when choosing, you should not save on purchase; broken or failed parts are easily replaceable and cost an order of magnitude cheaper than expensive eye treatment.

In any case, it is better to prevent the disease than to treat it later by purchasing a special mask for the eyes and face once.

Photos of the best masks for welders

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Source: https://instrumentgid.ru/obzor-luchshix-masok-dlya-svarshhika/

Choosing a chameleon mask for welding

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://svarkaed.ru/oborudovanie-dlya-svarki/detali-i-prisposobleniya/vybor-maski-chameleon-dlya-svarki.html

The best welding masks, TOP 10 rating of welder masks 2020

When it comes to welding, we involuntarily imagine a worker wearing a protective welding helmet. It is an integral part of an electric welder’s equipment. Its main functions are to prevent damage to the eyes, respiratory tract, neck from ultraviolet radiation, and burns. Modern protective devices are seriously different from old domestic designs and are very multifunctional.

They can protect a person's head one hundred percent when used correctly. Such shields allow you to not only weld, but also carry out detailed cleaning of seams and cut metal with a grinder along clearly defined lines. There is a myriad of safety equipment available on the market today. At first glance, there is nothing complicated in the structure of this item, but if you take a closer look, it turns out that this is not so.

Each of them has its own characteristics and areas of application.

Criteria for choosing masks

Each mask has its own characteristics. You need to know which ones you need to pay special attention to. How do you still choose the best one?

Here are a few characteristics to help you make the right choice:

• Price quality;
• Review, size (width and height) of the viewing window;
• Filter reaction speed;
• Darkening degree;
• For more confident use, you can buy a shockproof model;
• Fastening;
• Darkening sensitivity, lightening time;
• How much light does it scatter?
• The presence or absence of regulatory sensors on the mask.

We take into account the fact of wearing glasses to correct vision!

Be sure to try on the product before purchasing!

What additional factors should you consider to choose a good mask?

Comfort. It is very important to use, because nothing should distract you while working. Proper, reliable fastening plays a major role in this.

If you have diseases of the cervical spine, it is advisable to choose the lightest protection. When using heavy equipment for a long time, occupational diseases are possible. With the right choice of model, this can be avoided.

There must be a quality certificate, GOST or European standards.

Naturally, we decide in advance what kind of work we are purchasing for:

• “E” - electric welding;
• “G” - gas welding;
• "B" - auxiliary.

The brightness of the arc depends on the type of welding; accordingly, the required degree of darkness (DIN) will also differ.

In order not to overpay, we immediately calculate the planned time of work. For one-time short-term or daily long-term wear. After all, for frequent use it is better to take an improved mask, for example, with auto-darkening, forced air supply to protect breathing, especially in a confined space. Vapors from burning an electrode have a very harmful effect on the human respiratory system.

Before going to the store, you can watch video reviews and photos of the best samples in order to roughly understand what you will encounter. After viewing, it will be much easier to determine the necessary functions for your specific case. Let's take a closer look at each model in the top 10 list.

Do not use a damaged mask with cracks in the glass or a faulty filter for protection. This is dangerous to health!!!

Quattro Elementi Alpha

Source: https://gadgetok.ru/top-luchshih-svarochnyh-masok.html

How to choose a welding mask

It is very important to perform welding work correctly so as not to harm your health. Welding has a serious impact on the human respiratory system and visual organs. If you do not take care of high-quality protection, then there is a huge risk of getting thermal, chemical, light and mechanical damage.

During the welding process, vision is damaged by ultraviolet radiation, so since time immemorial, builders have used welder's protective masks. Of course, before these were simple accessories, but today there are both professional and ordinary models on sale. To determine which one is better, you need to understand the principle by which the mask operates and familiarize yourself with the types of this product.

How does a welder's mask work?

It is worth noting that such masks protect the cornea of ​​the visual organ not only from ultraviolet radiation and bright flashes, but also from small particles of slag - scales that are formed during the work process. The mouth also remains covered, so caustic toxic gases from welding do not enter the person’s lungs.

All masks of this type have the same design. It consists of two main elements:

• Casing. It covers the welder's face and head. Some models also cover the neck.
• A viewing window equipped with a light filter. Thanks to this element, the builder can see what is happening in front of him. The filter may differ in the material it is made of.

Additionally, the mask may have many other additional functions. For example, the ability to adjust the degree of darkening of the viewing window or tilt it while welding is paused to look at the quality of the seam.

However, the most important element remains the filter.

Types of masks

There are simple and professional masks on sale. They differ in the degree of protection, convenience and other functions. They also have different light filters installed.

Simple masks

These are standard masks, the body of which is made of pressed cardboard or plastic that is resistant to elevated operating temperatures. In this case, the light filter is glass with a black coating. If you look through it at an object in daylight, you will not be able to see anything. However, when an electric arc appears in the immediate vicinity, all the elements that are involved in welding become clearly visible.

Healthy! Paper masks weigh much less than plastic ones.

In budget models, the viewing window is not equipped with a soft backing. As a rule, the light filter itself must be installed behind protective glass and secured using special clamps. In this case, there is no way to automatically change the window darkening level. You can only remove the filter and replace it with another one with more suitable light transmission characteristics.

These are the cheapest options, but even cardboard masks fully meet GOST requirements. In addition, they are suitable for any temperature conditions. On the other hand, cardboard swells from moisture, and plastic models are very heavy.

The head mount itself is hard and uncomfortable. Therefore, such a product is worth buying if you need to do a one-time job that won’t take much time.

But if we are talking about a long-term project, where you will have to do welding work for a long time every day, then it is worth considering another option.

Chameleon masks

These are already more serious and expensive models. In them, the filter consists of two glasses at once, between which liquid crystals are located. When working without welding, the crystals are perpendicular to the plane and provide the worker with a clear picture (as if he were wearing sunglasses).

Once the arc is ignited, a small amount of current is supplied to the mask, which causes the crystals to rotate 90 degrees. Thanks to this, the filter is automatically darkened to the required level. Thus, there is no need to raise and lower the protective accessory every time to check the quality of work. As soon as the welding machine stops working, the crystals rotate and you can look at the seams.

In addition, on the outside of the mask body there is a switch that can be turned and thus adjust the darkening level of the filter. This is very convenient when large-scale work is performed that requires the creation of many small seams in different places of the product.

If we talk about the advantages of such models, it is worth highlighting:

• Multi-level adjustment.
• There is no need to remove the mask or lift the filter itself.
• Stylish design.
• Durable housing made of heat-resistant and lightweight materials.
• Availability of soft pads. There are also pads in the forehead area, which are impregnated with an antibacterial agent. Thanks to this, the welder can work for a long time wearing a mask.
• Longer service life.

Healthy! Budget products usually do not have a warranty card, but chameleon masks have a warranty period.

But there are also disadvantages. For example, crystals may begin to perform poorly at low temperatures. Therefore, not all work can be performed in such products. You can also highlight the high cost. However, for permanent or long-term work, this is the best option.

Masks with forced oxygen supply system

If “chameleon” type models can be called professional, then here we are more likely talking about specialized masks. Forced air supply may be required if the welder’s workplace is not equipped with an exhaust hood. In this case, you have to breathe dangerous gases that come from the molten electrode. This is very harmful, so additional protective measures are required.

This system can be compared to a respirator that is attached to the welder's back. Using a small electric motor, air is circulated, which is filtered and supplied through a hose to the worker. Thanks to this, he can weld in any closed, small room.

The advantages here are obvious. First of all, the welder is protected from dangerous fumes. Such models are equipped with the best filters, and the viewing window has good visibility. But masks of this type are the most expensive.

In addition, there is always a risk that the air supply hose will get caught on some object. Some models are equipped with very inconvenient pipes located at the top. This makes it difficult to pass through low doorways.

You will also have to change filters and batteries periodically.

Therefore, first of all, you need to decide what work plan you will carry out. This will help you choose the type of mask. But that's not all. Regardless of the model, you need to pay attention to other features.

What to look for when choosing a mask

When choosing a product, be sure to check with the seller the following parameters:

• Darkening degree. For simple models, this indicator can be from 2 to 5, where two is the lightest option, and five is the darkest. To work in daylight (for example, in the yard), you need to take a mask of 5 units. But indoors, nothing is visible through such a filter. Therefore, we choose 3-4. For working in the basement, it is better to buy a mask for 2 units. If we are talking about a chameleon, then a different shade scale applies - DIN. In this case, the lightest indicator will be 5 units, and the darkest indicator will be 15. Most often, masks have a regulator. Therefore, the best option is a product with a range of 9-13 DIN, where the upper value is suitable for the street, and the lower for darker rooms. 5-8 DIN products are usually used for very dark basements or if the welder does not have the best eyesight.

• Weight. This is a particularly important parameter if you will be working with a mask for a long time. Typically, the weight of the product ranges from 350 to 900 g. The lower this parameter, the more convenient it is to work. If the mask is heavy, it will have a negative impact on the spine. But for periodic work, a weighted version is also suitable.
• Nutrition of the mask. Some chameleons have built-in batteries, the power of which should be enough to quickly trigger the sensors that activate the dimming. Batteries of this type require replacement. Other models typically use panels that absorb the light rays emitted by the welding. Therefore, they do not require additional investments. It makes sense to buy products with a battery for infrequent work, but if we are talking about professional activities, then models with light panels are better.

• Viewing window. You need to pay attention to its size. If you have to work with sewer pipes or a water supply system, then you should give preference to a model with a window about 100-110 mm long and 45-50 mm high. If the welder is in a lower position and can look exactly at the welding zone, then a model with a length of 90 mm and a height of 30-40 mm is suitable. The largest viewing window, 100 x 90 mm, is required if you need to constantly turn your head, for example, when doing ceiling welding.
• Lens distortion level. This indicator must be indicated both in the product certificate and on its body. If there is no such data at all, then the model is very low-cost. The degree of lens distortion is usually written at the very beginning of the line before the “/” sign. For delicate work, when you need to make a very precise and neat seam on a fairly thin material, you should choose level 1. And for standard welding of pipes, sheet metal and other things, level 2 is quite suitable.
• Light scattering index. In this case, we are talking about the transparency of the screen and how clear the picture will be during the arc burning process. This indicator is also indicated on the product, immediately after the distortion level (after the “slash”). Models marked 1 are also suitable for working with thinner materials (no more than 1 mm thick). For all other jobs you need to select 2.

Thus, the welder’s mask is selected based on specific work. For the dacha, the most budget-friendly cardboard masks are suitable, and if there is a lot of welding work to be done, then it is better to give preference to a chameleon powered by light panels.

Source: https://building-plot.ru/instrumenty/kak-vybrat-masku-svarshhika.html

Welder mask - types, characteristics, which one is better

Electric arc welding was discovered in the 19th century. Over time, it began to be used in many enterprises, developing in equipment and technology. Along with it, the welder’s mask also changed - the most important element in protecting the worker from the harmful effects of the electric arc. What criteria should you pay attention to today when choosing this piece of equipment? What is the difference between modern masks? How to correctly read the symbols on their surface?

Criterias of choice

A welding helmet plays an important role in protecting a person from harmful effects. This is achieved thanks to a number of factors thought out by welding equipment manufacturers. Not all protective devices are equally effective. Which welding mask is best? When choosing this element of welder’s equipment, attention is paid to the following:

• Protection from gases and ultraviolet radiation. When working with electric welding, a mixture of working gases is released into the air from the melting of the electrode coating, the release of hydrogen from the metal, and the burning of oil or paint on the product from the temperature of the arc. Inhaling this every day seriously clogs the lungs. Therefore, the welding mask should fit the welder's face relatively tightly so that rising gases are less likely to enter. The edges of the protective shield that are too wide and diverging to the sides are ineffective. Short small masks that do not cover the neck will lead to burns from ultraviolet radiation.
• Arc light protection. The welder spends a lot of time looking at the electric arc. Light filters must reliably protect his eyes during the work process. The health of the specialist and the quality of the seam depend on this. Weak dimming will lead to increased brightness and will dazzle the eyes, which are more likely to get tired. Excessive darkness prevents clear visibility of the weld pool and affects the level of work. Chameleons also have a darkening speed parameter.
• Protection against scale. A welding mask prevents molten slag particles and droplets of metal from getting on the worker's face and head. The height of the upper edge of the shield and the degree of the rounded cutout are responsible for this.
• Visibility. If you have to cook only in the lower position, then this factor is unimportant. But with a vertical or ceiling seam, especially when it comes to welding pipes in the house, the size of the inspection window is of great importance. Limitations in monitoring the weld pool in hard-to-reach places can reduce productivity and lead to poor weld penetration and breakdowns.
• Convenience. Since the mask is constantly worn on the head, it should be as comfortable as possible. This includes: soft and reliable fastening, smooth lowering from the raised position to the working position, light weight, which does not tire the welder’s neck, and accessibility of settings in electronic panels.

When choosing this item of equipment for welding work, it is worth remembering that price does not always determine quality. Temporary workload is also taken into account - when working two hours a day in an open space, any model will do. With an eight-hour schedule with a full week, only quality options are needed.

Welder mask - types, devices, differences

Modern welding devices that protect the worker can be simple or technically complex. They differ in price and functionality. Below are two common options with a description of the devices, advantages and disadvantages. Manufacturers produce various models of masks belonging to both types.

Welding mask - regular

The cheap segment of the welding market is occupied by protective products made of pressed cardboard or plastic. This type of mask is light weight and has a budget mount. Versions with viewing windows are available. It is well suited for low-position arc welding applications. But many organizations, due to reduced funding, buy them for employees working in all spatial positions.

The disadvantages of this version include: rapid wear of the surface of the protective shield, frequent breakdowns of the head mount, and the lack of automatic adjustments. To replace the light filter, it is necessary to interrupt work and disassemble the viewing unit. The service life is one year.

Chameleons

Chameleons are a welding helmet that has the best set of characteristics and functional features, but is more expensive in price. It has a high-quality fastening designed for many cycles of lowering and raising. Soft foam pads reduce friction for the worker's head. This welding mask has a beautiful shape and bright design.

But the main feature of the product, as the name suggests, is the automatic change of glass tint. This is achieved through light-sensitive sensors. In normal mode, you can see through the viewing glass, just like through sunglasses. This allows the worker, without lifting the helmet, to evaluate the quality of the seam and quickly move to another section of the arc, without mistakes or defects. Productivity increases significantly.

When the arc is ignited, the light-sensitive elements are activated and instantly darken the viewing block to the desired level. After welding is completed, the filter allows light to pass through again. This system operates thanks to a built-in electronic circuit powered by a battery or batteries. Additionally, some masks are equipped with solar panels powered by arc light.

The technical features of Chameleons include adjusting the dimming speed. If, after welding is completed, the electrode or specific metal continues to emit bright light, then you can set a delay of 1-1.5 seconds to turn off the filter. This will protect the welder’s eyes from incoming rays throughout the working day.

Another advantageous feature is the ability to adjust the degree of filter. There is a wheel with a scale on the body of the protective device. Depending on the location of work, the required level is selected. In some masks, this adjustment can be made while sewing without removing the helmet.

The disadvantages of Chameleons include:

• Sensitivity of batteries and sensors to cold, leading to delayed response in frosty weather, when working outside. Such masks are only suitable for heated rooms in winter.
• Different speed thresholds. When choosing a Chameleon, you need to make sure that it dims quickly. To do this, if you don’t have welding at hand, you need to set the sensor speed to the minimum time value and quickly look at the sun. If there is no immediate change in bandwidth, then this mask will cause discomfort to the specialist. This may be due to a manufacturing defect, or poor placement of the sensors, which receive little light, which leads to a lack of response.

Reading characteristics

Welding helmets have a designation of their indicators, which are included in the documentation or on the body. Knowing how to read them, you can choose the appropriate model. Chameleon markings are indicated by numbers separated by a slash. It looks like this: 1/1/2/2. You need to pay attention to:

• The first number indicates the distortion indicator of the optical lens. The smaller it is, the more realistic the image through the viewing window will be.
• The second number refers to the light scattering index. It is important to pay attention to this for those who have to weld thin seams and small parts. The lower the number, the better the clarity of the lens and the better the visual inspection.
• The third number denotes homogeneity - the quality of shading that extends to the entire surface, including the stripes at the bottom and top. The lower the value, the better.
• Darkness level. The fourth digit shows the class of the shield. 1 is high, 2 is low.

You also need to pay attention to the dimming scale. DIN can vary from 5 to 15, depending on the lightness of the filter. Masks with 13-15 DIN will be good indicators. There are also three-stage Chameleons, which, between the light and dark modes, include an intermediate - medium, protecting the eyes from the light of the cooling metal.

The modern market offers a wide variety of welding masks. Understanding their purpose, design features, and compliance with operating conditions, you can choose the right option.

Source: https://svarkalegko.com/oborudovanie/maska-svarshhika.html

Choosing a welding helmet | Blog | DNS Club

: 2 years ago

Welding is a rather risky profession, but you can’t live without it; even in the 21st century, manual labor is invaluable and cannot always be automated. Working with welding is not the easiest, and if you add certain risks to this, then not everyone dares to weld on their own. The requirements for organizing a workplace are not casually regulated and are quite high.

The most vulnerable organs when working with welding are the organs of vision and breathing. Bright light, sparks, high temperatures, toxic fumes - this is what protection is needed at all stages of welding. Welding masks provide partial and sometimes complete protection. Your health will depend on how responsibly you approach the choice of protection.

Agree, it is better to spend money once on purchasing high-quality protection than to pay bills for treatment for many years.

This is important to know: the effect of welding on the organs of vision and breathing

Under no circumstances should you work with welding without a protective mask, even if the entire work takes seconds. Welders are frequent clients of ophthalmologists, not only because they neglected the main rule, but also because they selected masks with insufficient protection from the effects of electric arc radiation. Arc welding is considered the most dangerous type of electric welding; the glow is the most intense, therefore, the degree of darkness of the protective mask should be high.

Damage during welding work can be caused not only by the intensity of radiation; most often, the harmful effects on the organs of vision and breathing are complex. They can be divided into 4 groups:

- Thermal. Damage is caused by high temperatures when working with electric welding with metal; injuries from hot fumes, hot metal or sparks are possible. It is recommended to choose protective masks made from materials that are resistant to high temperatures, with optimal body thickness, with fastenings, and without a tight fit to the skin.

- Chemical. As you know, most of the organs of vision and breathing are covered by mucous tissues, which are most sensitive to fumes, smoke, and chemical changes in the composition of the air.

Of course, in this case, a lot depends on what material you have to work with. A welding helmet cannot provide complete protection against chemical burns, but if you know that you will be working with metals containing nickel, chromium, etc.

, then when choosing, give preference to masks with the ability to filter air, completely closed like a helmet.

- Light. Not only the welder, but also third-party observers can get a light burn by just looking at the light radiation. Such a burn occurs from the radiation of ultraviolet and infrared waves, i.e. precisely those that we cannot see. Even a regular shield will do to protect against light radiation, but it is much more important to choose the right filter.

- Mechanical. Damage caused by sparks, fragments, etc. coming into contact with the eyes, skin, etc. Not only do metal shavings fly at speed, they are also hot, so contact with the eye, skin or hair can be costly to your health. The best option is to choose a welding helmet that protects the entire head, not just the face.

Types of protective filters

Light filters are a specific material that can filter out invisible and visible light spectra that are most harmful to vision.

Several types of light filters are used in welding helmets:

— Tinted glass. Used in classic old-style welding helmets. Impurities of non-ferrous metals, such as copper or nickel, are added to glass to reduce light transmittance. A higher content of impurities in glass provides lower light transmittance, and vice versa.

Glass tinting is marked according to both Russian (C4 - C8) and European (9 - 13 DIN) classifications. Upon external inspection, it is difficult to find differences in glass, however, C8 (DIN 13) has the greatest light protection.

To check the quality of the glass, it is enough to look through them at the incandescent lamp; through C4 the filament of the lamp will be clearly visible, through C8 the filament is almost impossible to see. If the result does not differ during inspection, this indicates poor quality of the product.

— Polymer filters. Not so long ago, materials appeared on the market with parameters superior to glass. Polymers are strong and lightweight, have ductility and the same shading properties as glass. Often combined with other materials to achieve better protective qualities. Widely used in combination with safety and tinting glasses.

- Chameleon. The most suitable filter providing complete protection. The automatically darkening filter adapts to any type of welding and different powers. The liquid crystal screen works on the principle of polarization of liquid metals.

Between the polarizing films are liquid crystals; under the influence of voltage, the crystals are aligned in such a way as to block polarized light.

In addition, chameleon filters provide constant protection from ultraviolet and infrared spectra; even in a faulty state, protection is provided from the most harmful radiation.

Welding helmets with chameleon filters have gained popularity among users for their versatility and reliability. Such masks do not require recharging or third-party power; they are equipped with built-in lithium batteries and solar panels.

They are equipped with photosensitive sensors for better adaptability to changes in radiation; illumination of the arc zone is possible.

The filter in its initial state is transparent, which allows you to perform intermediate stages of work in the mask, or use it in other areas.

When choosing an automatic light filter, you should pay attention to the adjustment options. The sensitivity of the filter allows you to configure the filter to turn on/off depending on the brightness of the arc. A useful feature when working on sunny days, when the filter can turn on in response to the sun.

The opening delay time is another important adjustment, necessary to prevent premature opening at the end of welding, since after the arc is turned off, the metal is still burning.

Weight and dimensions of the welding helmet

A parameter that should not be overlooked is the weight of the welding helmet. Working with hot metal and welding is not easy, but if you add to this a heavy helmet with limited air access, then it all turns into torture. The mask should not be heavy; in addition, it is advisable to choose a model with the ability to adjust the headband, seat depth and angle of the mask. The presence of additional softening pads will also not be superfluous.

Let's sum it up

So, what should you first pay attention to when choosing a welding helmet:

— degree of protection from visible and invisible radiation;

— type of filter, quality of manufacture and attachment to the mask (no gaps between the filter and the mask, replaceable filters must fit tightly to the body);

— type of mask body design (closed helmet, visor, goggles);

— accessibility of adjustment elements, reliability of fastenings.

Source: https://club.dns-shop.ru/post/16789

Chameleon welder mask - how to choose the right one (our rating of masks)?

When working daily or frequently with a welding machine, eye protection becomes a top priority. Standard shields or glasses do not provide much comfort and ease of use and are incomparable to a professional chameleon mask. However, not all helmets of this kind are equipped with truly working eye protection. Let's look at what a chameleon welder's mask is and how to choose the right one among the variety of models presented.

Traditional welding protection and chameleon mask: comparison

The appearance of the classic welder's mask for eye protection occurred about half a century ago. The basis of protection here is a fixed light filter, which was initially attached to thick skin and then to a plastic shield.

Such a mask provides full eye protection during welding, but is not suitable for long-term work with a welding machine and cannot be classified as a professional welding mask.

Let us note the main disadvantages of the classical defense:

• The light filter is not dark enough, which does not block all ultraviolet rays generated during the welding process;
• The mask is uncomfortable for long-term use. She is massive, heavy, clumsy;
• The viewing angle is small.

Unlike a standard welding mask, Chameleon allows you to adjust and automatically darken light filters.

The name of this protection was given because of the special properties of the light filters used in its creation to independently change color under different conditions. Such glass with smart dimming is many times more efficient than standard glass for welding shields. This gives great convenience in work: the mask does not require removal to check the completed seam in accordance with the requirements of the welding process.

The Chameleon welding helmet is equipped with a regulator, the functions of which boil down to the following factors:

• Automatic filter change;
• Automatic adjustment of glass darkening level;
• Filter switching step arranged in a convenient scheme;
• Perception of the welding arc and the ability to adjust its perception.

The chameleon welding helmet is equipped with a liquid crystal display, which is powered by a solar or conventional battery. Sensors are installed near the lens, which are responsible for controlling the electric arc.

At the moment when welding is not performed, all filters are turned off and the welder is able to see his work without having to remove his helmet. As soon as the arc is ignited, the sensors are activated and instantly darken the screen with filters, preventing harmful ultraviolet radiation from entering the eyes.

Additionally, the mask is equipped with a protective coating that protects vision from dangerous radiation even when the filters are turned off.

popular masks

So, which mask should you choose among the popular options?

Welding mask Fubag OPTIMA 9-13

If it is necessary to provide effective eye protection when carrying out welding work and at the same time the requirements for body rigidity and speed of switching between modes are not so high, then Fubag OPTIMA 9-13 masks are the ideal solution.

Welder mask Svarog SV-II

Svarog SV-II masks are equipped with a liquid crystal filter, optical electronic sensor, and solar battery

Welding mask ESAB WARRIOR Tech 9-13

Chameleon-type welding helmet ESAB WARRIOR Tech 9-13 with self-darkening filters is the choice of professionals and lovers of comfortable welding!

Choosing a chameleon welder's mask is a responsible undertaking, since the welder's vision and comfort in his work are at stake. Let's look at the main criteria that are important to note when choosing, and provide a detailed plan on how to choose a chameleon welding helmet.

The most important and central element is the light filter. The marking of light filters is carried out according to the European standard EN 379, followed by four numbers separated by a fraction. Let's look at what each of them means:

1. The first number indicates the optical class to which the filter belongs. This figure gives an idea of ​​how clearly objects will be viewed through this filter. The best value is 1. Higher values ​​will cause the welder's eyes to tire quickly.
2. The second number gives an idea of ​​the filter's ability to scatter light. To put it simply, it is transparency. The higher the number in a given position, the cloudier the image will be.
3. The third number gives an understanding of how evenly the filter darkens. Now this parameter is designated as SHADE or DIN, which is a modern analogue of the older designation C 4-7.
4. The last position indicates the degree of darkness depending on the angular position, limited to 15 degrees.

Thus, the lower the number in each position, the better and more reliable the filter. Ideally this looks like 1/1/1/1.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right helmet based on the light filter and which one is better to choose.

• The quality of the filter must be confirmed by a special certificate;
• It is more advisable to choose helmets in which it is possible to replace the power supply. There are a number of products in which, after their service life has expired, this is not possible and you have to buy new protection;
• An important point when choosing a light filter is its response time. When choosing a helmet for home use, an interval of one hundred microseconds is sufficient; professionals are recommended to choose instances with a higher speed;
• The presence of multiple sensors increases reliability and eliminates the possibility of opening filters during operation;
• Changing shades in a quality product always works smoothly, without jerks. This does not interfere with work and allows you to focus on the quality of work performed.

General selection criteria

In addition to assessing the quality of the light filter as the main and central element of the mask, it is important to evaluate other important nuances of the Chameleon welder’s mask. Let's see how to choose protection based on other parameters:

• Manufacturer. It is important to study all the information provided about the product by the manufacturer - from information about the filter to the warranty period. The absence of this data should raise serious doubts about the quality of this product;

• Before choosing a welding mask, you need to decide on its type. The light filter for working with an argon-arc welding machine is universal and suitable for semiautomatic devices and electrodes;
• The dimensions of the glass are important, as this directly affects the welder’s visibility. However, it is worth remembering that large light filters are more fragile and require very careful handling;
• The temperature range of these helmets varies from +100 to -5°C. At lower temperatures, the response of the sensors slows down, which makes working in a helmet less safe and comfortable. This is a feature of the Chameleon welding helmet from any manufacturer. This is important to know and consider before choosing one;
• Important points are the appearance of the helmet, whether it has a tax collector, and neck protection. Before purchasing, it would be a good idea to try on the protection and evaluate the comfort of wearing it. It should not fit too tightly to the head;
• An important criterion when choosing is the weight of the product. A heavy helmet is unlikely to provide pleasure from wearing it for a long time.

Famous manufacturing brands

At the end of the review, we present the most popular Chameleon helmets:

• Products that meet all safety requirements are produced by the Chinese brand Tecmen, which is confirmed by its DIN Plus certificate. Some welders note that, with the highest quality, the protection of this manufacturer may cause some delay during the operation of the light filter and is not immune to spontaneous filter reset;
• High-quality chameleons are guaranteed to be produced in Europe, which is confirmed by their consistently high price;
• Russian-made products, in particular Svarog and Resanta, are noted for stable quality. Users note that domestic masks can open spontaneously when welding with an argon arc;
• Despite high sales, we do not recommend Korean helmets, since their filters most often crack or become stained.

The choice of welding protection is a key point when organizing welding work. The quality of the chosen mask depends on:

• Safety of vision and eye health of the welder;
• Quality of work performed;
• Convenience and comfort when welding.

The listed parameters are fully consistent with the modern type of welding helmets, which, thanks to self-adjusting filters, are called Chameleon.

The choice of such protection should be based on the quality criteria of the light filter used in it, and also take into account the availability of certification, the possibility of replacing the power supply, the dimensions of the mask and the good reputation of its manufacturer.

The welder's mask "Chameleon" is an automatic protection of the eyes of workers from unacceptable radiation during welding work. A light filter, powered by a small battery, almost instantly changes light transmission when an electric arc is ignited, protecting the eyes from unwanted radiation.

The Chameleon filter is an optical device with liquid crystal elements and polarizing films that do not transmit the ultraviolet and infrared parts of the spectrum.

Characteristics

• Adjustments . There are external and internal. A good mask has settings for arc radiation and a delay time at the end of the welding process. External adjustments allow you to change parameters during work;
• Cheap models behave unstable, especially during tig welding (they open). It is checked in this mode. In other modes it will work satisfactorily;
• Blackout . Using Speedglas and Balder filters you can achieve good values;
• The transition time from one state of the light filter should not exceed 1-2ms. The time to change state increases in winter. This must be taken into account when working.
• Optical values . Example (abstractly): 1/2/3. 1 — transparency coefficient; 2 - radiation scattering; 3 — level of dimming uniformity.
• Availability of infrared arc detection sensors . More sensors reduce the likelihood of the filter opening.
• Visible area . With larger sizes, greater ease of use.

A welder's mask is a necessary item. But if you buy the “wrong” mask, you can seriously harm your own health. We select a welding mask with the help of a specialist.

We study what a “chameleon” filter is and its purpose, look at the regulators and additional functions of various models of welding helmets.

Buy a Chameleon mask

• Immediately discard Chinese and Taiwanese goods. Here, the protection will be triggered when an arc occurs with a delay, and during operation the filter may open;
• Domestic Chameleons are good, but they do not like argon welding - they open spontaneously;
• Korean OTOS. There are problems with mechanical strength. They crack and stains appear. May be under the French brand GYSMATIC;
• We choose a European manufacturer. A package of three or more layers of liquid crystals will ensure the protection and health of your eyes.

The batteries must be quickly replaceable so as not to change the filter itself. With solar panels, their area is important.

The operating time of the filter depends on this.

When choosing a mask, you must remember that work productivity depends on quality. Here price comes last. An international certificate is required.

Source: https://electrod.biz/informatsionnyie-stati/maska-svarshhika-hameleon.html

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

A welder who is exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays from the welding arc must take care of his health, and even more so of his vision. Standard shields are not capable of providing the level of protection that a chameleon helmet has.

A mistake when choosing a chameleon welding mask can lead not only to facial burns, but also to loss of vision.

Just because the filter is darkened does not mean you are no longer exposed to harmful rays. Therefore, the question of how to choose the right chameleon welding helmet can be answered by reviews from welders who have been using this type of protection for a long time. How to choose a chameleon welder mask for comfortable work?

Unlike a standard shield, the Welding Chameleon takes welder protection to a new level. The principle of operation of such a mask is the polarization of liquid crystals . During provocation, they change direction and interfere with the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Masks in the expensive price segment use multi-layer protection, this ensures the most uniform darkening. And an additional filter provides blocking of infrared radiation.

The helmet has built-in sensors that detect the arc and provide constant eye protection. The entire structure is enclosed in a block, which is protected on both sides with the help of plastic light filters.

You can carry out related work (with a grinder, a hammer) without removing the protective helmet from your head. Plastic filters require replacement over time, as they are consumables. The key point of the protective process is the speed at which the light filter operates.

The response time of professional models is 1 millisecond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzdUwTE0scY

The protective properties of a chameleon directly depend on the ambient temperature. If the temperature is below minus 10 degrees, the operation of the filter slows down. Conscientious manufacturers indicate the maximum operating temperature in the product data sheet. Adjustments can be made during the workflow. The buttons are conveniently located and easy to operate with tactile contact.

It is important to know ! The mask must be stored in a heated room, otherwise its service life will be reduced.

Filter classification

The light filter is the main element of the chameleon helmet. The European standard EN 379 dictates the parameters of light filters according to the regulations, which denote qualities using a slash: 1/1/½. So, let's analyze in detail the meaning of each marking point.

1. The first value determines the optical class of the product. This means clarity and geometric accuracy of the transmitted image through the filter lens. The minimum marking value determines the high class of the product.
2. This indicates the transparency of the optical lens. The higher the value, the lower the quality of the optical lens.
3. Lens Shade Index is measured in DIN or SHADE and indicates the uniformity of the filter tint. The old markings look like C 4−7, the modern version is 4−9 DIN.
4. The ability to darken the lens at a certain viewing angle, the normal value is within 15˚.

The chameleon helmet can be equipped with filters, or it can be sold without them.

According to regulatory technical documentation, the material for manufacturing should not be a current conductor, be resistant to metal splashes, and also prevent radiation from penetrating inside, thereby ensuring safety for the welder. Most modern masks meet these requirements.

The body of domestically produced masks mainly consists of fiber or plastic. European and American samples have an original design, and can be made in the form of an animal's head. There is a version made of leather, used mainly in cramped conditions.

In addition to appearance, professionals advise how to choose a chameleon mask for welding according to certain parameters.

• Dimensions, weight and configuration of the mask.
• Adjusting the fastening straps to the size of your head.
• Possibility of installing dioptric lenses.

Adjusting the fastening of the mask on the head determines the comfort of using the product in the future. A comfortable viewing angle depends on the proximity of the filter to the welder’s eyes. If you decide to purchase diopter lenses, you need to get a filter with a wide viewing window, this will eliminate the need to lift the mask. Simply put, the weld can be viewed from above the lens.

Professional advice : Buy only those chameleon shields that have certification and a warranty period of service, do not buy fakes!

Criteria for choosing a chameleon mask

1. There are manufacturers who are not concerned about the safety of your vision. It is necessary to require a certificate that confirms the quality of the product.
2. Look for a sample with a replaceable power supply. Built-in batteries cannot be replaced. After the resource expires, you will have to buy a new chameleon helmet.
3. The quality of the mask determines the speed at which the filter operates.

   For short-term use, 100 microseconds is enough, but for a professional, the response time should be half that.

4. The mask is equipped with a large number of arc detection sensors, which eliminates spontaneous operation of the filter during the welding process.
5. The response speed of the protection and the return of the light filter to its original state occurs smoothly in a high-quality helmet.

   Stepping steps are a relic.

6. If, with the protection lowered, it is possible to work with an angle grinder or perform other related tasks, but at the same time be protected from ultraviolet radiation, then such a product is of high quality.

Pro tip : The light filter is designed to work with argon-arc welding; it can protect both from electric arc welding and from working with semi-automatic machines.

Popular models offered by the market

The leading countries in the production of masks and filters are Taiwan and China. But sometimes the quality of their products leaves much to be desired: the filters do not work correctly, which negatively affects the welder’s vision. The domestic manufacturer provides products of sufficient quality, but sometimes the filter does not work correctly when working with argon-arc welding.

The Korean brand OTOS, sometimes sold under the French brand GYSMATIC, has a weak point - the filter. There were cases of delamination, as well as the appearance of stains and microcracks.

The masks that Europe offers are higher in price, but their quality is consistently high. A filter of one sample may not fit another product. Next, there are several brands that produce high-quality masks that have the appropriate quality certificate:

• TECHMEN.
• OPTREL.
• OTOS.
• SPEEDGLAS.

Professional advice . If during welding work discomfort occurs in the form of burning, fatigue and tearing of the eyes, you should stop using such a mask. Most likely the product is of low quality.

Now you know all the secrets of the chameleon shield. Not only the health of the welder’s eyes, but also the quality of the current work depends on high-quality protection.

Source: https://tokar.guru/svarka/kak-pravilno-vybrat-svarochnuyu-masku-hameleon.html