During welding, the arc that moves away from the wire is similar to sunlight. In this regard, it is necessary to use special protection in the form of a mask, which will protect the cornea of the eyes, as well as the skin from possible burns if scale gets in. This element is very practical, because the whole face and head are protected. Modern masks are presented in a large assortment, all of them differ in cost and quality.
To determine which welding mask to choose, while not overpaying for the product and not buying it every six months, you should understand the basic parameters. They will help you choose an accessory for a specific welding job. Let's take a closer look at how to choose a welding mask.
Content
The principle of operation and the device of the welding mask
The main task of the welding helmet is to protect the eyes and face from harmful factors. During the burning of an electric arc, ultraviolet light appears and a lot of heat, such features can harm the human skin, his eyesight, so the equipment can protect against blindness and corneal burns. Even when the electrode and the metal itself melt, a toxic gas appears, which helps to protect the seam from external factors. Inhalation of such secretions is also dangerous to humans.
The factors described lead to the fact that manufacturers are constantly improving masks, expanding functionality, changing shapes in order to maximize the protection of the master during work. A plus can be considered the release of hands, due to which the welder can hold the parts with one hand and cook with the other. This has a positive effect on performance.
The use of masks is appropriate in many areas of activity, even in everyday life. At the moment, there is a large assortment that differs functionally, externally and in price, which will allow you to buy a product even if you need to perform work 1-2 times a year.
Almost any welding helmet is designed like this:
- Skin to protect the head, neck.
- Inspection screen, into which a lens is fitted to protect against bright light.
- Light filter.
- Solar panel or batteries as a power source (for chameleons).
- Adjusting the filter.
- Head mount.
The main protective part is a light filter, which is made in the form of ordinary glass with a dark coating. A simple inspection through a mask will not allow you to see anything, but when the arc burns, everything becomes clear and noticeable, which allows you to control the welding process.
Modern types are made of cardboard or plastic, differ in design, as well as in other parameters, so before buying, you need to understand the main types and design features of the equipment.
Types of welding masks
Masks may differ significantly from each other based on safety, comfort and basic welding activities. Before choosing, you should familiarize yourself with the features of each of them.
Chameleon mask
This type of mask is in great demand, it is considered an expensive product, but with an excellent value for money. The screen includes liquid crystals. The main convenience is due to the fact that the worker does not need to constantly lift the mask after making one suture to assess the quality. Due to the crystals, it turns out to automatically make the glass transparent when the arc is interrupted.
To adjust the shade level, the welder simply needs to use the switch on the body, and the settings can be made without interrupting the combustion. A similar circuit operates from a separate power source - a battery that is powered by light from the welding. Such models are recommended for purchase for those who have to make many small seams with frequent movement. The model is especially popular with people who are engaged in argon welding. The average cost will be 1400-4000 rubles.
Pros:
- Darkening can be adjusted quickly and smoothly, right during welding.
- The mount is soft.
- Beautiful external parameters.
- Low weight.
- There are pads on the forehead that are impregnated with antibacterial agents.
- The body is made of heat-resistant materials.
- Long service life.
- A warranty period is often provided.
Minuses:
- In the case of low temperatures, the crystals will not work well.
- High price for many hobbyists.
- More suitable for argon.
Simple (standard) masks
These types of masks are made on the basis of pressed cardboard or special plastic, which is not exposed to high temperatures. Often, the enclosure includes a small viewing window as well as the simplest mount that does not use a soft backing. Cardboard types are much lighter than plastic ones.
The light filter is mounted in a special block behind the glass, fixed at the top with a clamp, which prevents it from falling out. To change the level of shading, remove the mask from the face, unscrew the lock, manually change the glasses. Such products are very cheap, are in the range of 200-800 rubles and will be an excellent choice for amateurs, summer residents, as well as small companies that work exclusively in the lower spatial position.
Pros:
- Low cost.
- Light weight for cardboard models.
- Light filters of the required quality, in accordance with the requirements of GOST.
- The mask can be used at any ambient temperature.
- There are options for sale with viewing windows for inspection.
Minuses:
- The plastic case is heavy in weight.
- The head fasteners are solid.
- The increased moisture can cause the cardboard models to swell.
- Some models with large covers that are inconvenient to use for work in hard-to-reach places.
Forced Air Masks
During welding, various gases are released from the electrode and the metal that is connected. Under normal operating conditions, there are no problems, since they are taken by the hood or blown away by air outside. If the activity is carried out inside an object where there is an enclosed space, then it is imperative to use the forced air supply system installed at the factory in the mask.
It functions like a respirator, the whole structure is mounted on the back of the master. With the help of a small electric motor, air is drawn in, which passes through the filter, and then is transferred under the mask through the hose. This technology forces the use of additional equipment, but helps to fully protect yourself and maintain health in confined spaces.
Pros:
- Reliable protection against harmful emissions of metal and electrodes.
- High quality light filters.
- You can carry out work in difficult conditions.
- The presence of a convenient adjustment of the fasteners on the head.
- Excellent visibility through the window.
- A wide range of shades can be selected.
Minuses:
- The cost of such masks is very high, in the range of 42-180 thousand rubles.
- If there are protruding objects, there are risks of snagging the hose.
- Some models are made with a high positioned top nozzle, which leads to certain difficulties when welding in narrow places.
- There are additional costs for filter and batteries.
The best welding mask manufacturers
In order not to waste time studying the question of how to choose a welding mask, you can focus on the leaders in this segment who offer quality products:
- Fubag is a German company that produces mackie chameleons based on impact-resistant materials. They use an automatic light filter, as well as IR and UV protection.
- Resanta is a domestic company offering masks with automatic light filters of excellent quality and a high level of protection. On sale you can find models for argon welding, manual masks, semi-automatic and professional models.
- Brima is a German brand that offers not only welding masks, but also other equipment for this type of activity. The main advantages of the manufacturer are the ability to use the services of service centers in Russia.
In addition to the companies presented, the following companies can be distinguished that offer no less high-quality products:
- Forte (China).
- Dnipro (China).
- Krohn (Germany).
- Soyuz-SAS (China).
- DECA (Italy).
- Proton (China).
- Limex (Croatia).
When choosing a company, you should take into account its popularity, the number of user reviews and experts. In addition, masks have different design features and level of suitability for different tasks, so it is important to know not only manufacturers, types of masks, but also the parameters that are important to focus on before purchasing.
Welding mask selection options
Welding helmets have many important technical characteristics that help determine the degree of comfort and scope of application. Knowing certain features, you can figure out how to choose a chameleon mask or a simple one, and evaluating all the criteria will help make the right purchase.
Housing
When choosing a body, it should be understood that the indicator will be responsible for safety, and the shape can be fully assessed only during the actual welding in practice. Visually, the forms should be streamlined, with an elongation at the bottom so that gas and vapors do not fall on the face of the master. The upper part is recommended in a semicircular shape with an optimal height to prevent hot particles from falling on the head. Choose the width based on the standard indicator, which should not be more than 24 cm. This size will be optimal for people who work with the pipeline in small and enclosed spaces. In other situations, the width of the mask can be any.
It is important to approach the choice of body material. For example, pressed cardboard is considered the lightest, but it will swell from moisture, so the product is suitable for work in dry and warm weather, preferably indoors. Plastic models are more durable, but heavier, and if you put them on a finished weld, the material will melt and stick to the metal. It is recommended to buy a plastic case for outdoor use.
Weight
The weight of the mask is in the range of 350-900 grams. Often, this indicator depends on the type of material used, as well as the thickness of the glass, fasteners and additional elements. The less the weight of the product, the more convenient the operation will be. In addition, the minimum values will help to reduce the load on the cervical spine, because often the welder has to lower the mask with sharp movements of the head down. The described characteristics will be more important for professionals, amateurs who use equipment in the country and very rarely, you can use any model, even 900 grams.
Ease of fastening
Fixation of the equipment is carried out on the head of the worker using a pair of plastic bands, one is put on the head circumference, and the second fixes the depth of landing. Cheap options do not come with additional insulation, so plastic often rubs the forehead and other parts of the face.This type will be suitable for occasional household welding.
Professional devices are equipped with foam rubber pads to soften the pressure from the mask on the head. Some companies make special antibacterial impregnation to eliminate possible irritation. Such fasteners will allow you to wear products without discomfort and consequences for 6-8 hours.
Food type
When it comes to a chameleon mask, manufacturers use an LCD screen, which must receive energy for the sensors to operate, as well as the rotation of particles that contribute to darkening the filter. These products often include a battery that acts as a power source, but it needs to be replaced from time to time.
There are masks in which an additional panel is included, which allows you to automatically charge the battery due to the light from the welding. The resource of the latter option is greater, but with rare exploitation, there will be a quick discharge, at the very beginning of the resumption of work, the light filter will not work, since it will take time to recharge.
If a person will perform rare work with precise metal compounds, then you can buy a chameleon with 1 battery. Such a device will be ready for welding at any time. For constant welding, it is better to use models with built-in solar panels.
Sight glass size
The viewing window of the mask (screen) always differs in size, indicated in millimeters. Manufacturers on their products immediately write the dimensions, which are in the range of 90x32-110x93 mm. Based on the size, visibility and usability depend. If welding is carried out in the lower position and it is possible to look directly into the welded area, then it is optimal to choose a screen of 90x30-40 mm.
For professional activities, for example, utility workers, it is recommended to use screens 110x60 mm, since they need to work close to the wall or floor. Continuous welding of large tanks or in the upper position, a 100x90 mm window should be preferred. With small screen sizes, the welder will have to turn his head frequently to inspect. Such actions complicate the process, make it less comfortable and quickly fatigue in the neck.
Light scattering
This value characterizes the transparency of the screen, its ability to see the elements during arc burning. When purchased on a product, it is written in the second digit through an oblique line. A value of 1 is suitable for people working with thin metals up to 1 mm, the rest of the activity can be performed using a value of 2.
Filter type
When choosing a light filter, you need to understand that standard tinted glasses can be used for arc welding with electrodes that can melt. They are covered with inexpensive glass for protection and it must be changed often, because slag from splashes collects on the surface. The choice is optimal for beginners or hobbyists who cook parts at home.
Chameleon masks are preferable for professionals, as well as for domestic conditions, if you need to frequently weld. This is often used for argon or tungsten electrodes that do not have splashes. At the expense of equipment, you can increase productivity, during work, quickly change the welding area, without removing the mask from the head. This choice is suitable for professionals, car service technicians and other companies.
Darkening degree
Standard products include light filters in the range of 2-5 units. If a similar option is used, then for living conditions, a maximum value of 5 is required. Carrying out activities in closed spaces can be performed with a 3-4 filter. Operation in the darkest conditions is ensured by dimming 2.
Chameleon masks have a different designation, which is prescribed in DIN, can be in the range of 5-15 units. As a result of the fact that such an inventory can be adjusted by turning the crystals, then you need to select masks with an indicator of 9-13 units.The upper limits are suitable for outdoor welding, and the lower ones for indoor welding. If the degree of shading is 5-8 DIN, then the mask will be applied with poor eyesight or in the darkest places.
Chameleon trigger
As the arc is struck, crystals instantly unfold in the chameleons to protect the worker's eyes. This is done at a very high speed and is monitored by sensors. The check can only be carried out in person by turning the mask towards the welding field or the sun. If the vision manages to catch the light, then it is better to refuse the purchase, otherwise there will be problems with vision.
Many masks of this kind have an option for a delay of up to 2 seconds; this mode should be selected for the darkest working conditions.
Lens distortion
When buying a mask, it is recommended to check with the seller for the availability of documents and certificates for the goods. This will help you learn all the features of the mask. In addition, manufacturers must indicate lens distortion on the case, which is written in the first number in the line. Size 1 indicates the lowest distortion and is suitable for workers with thin metals when narrow, precise seams are required. Welding of thick walls of products can be performed with distortion 2.
Settings availability
Masks, which have an electronic dimming adjustment in their design, are characterized by a small wheel on the body. With it, the welder can select the desired degree of protection against light flux. The location can be in different places, depending on the manufacturer.
Internal placement near the screen is convenient for workers in workshops, blocks and garages, when activities are always carried out in one place. The wheel on the outside is suitable for craftsmen on the road, on the street and other conditions when you need to constantly change the degree of shading.
Which welding mask to choose
Having determined the main parameters for choosing this equipment for welding, you should highlight the optimal options that you can focus on before buying. They will depend on the conditions of the main activity:
- For amateur work, suburban household needs or welding in the garage, you can use products with a 90x32 mm window, as well as 4 light filters. Pressed cardboard will be optimal as the main material.
- To work with plumbing or heating systems, you should choose devices in which the window is 100-90 mm, and the filter will be No. 3. Such types are convenient to use indoors, their weight can be about 400 grams, and there should be a foam strip on the mount. The case is preferable from plastic, and it is better to choose a hinged glass.
- For welding stainless steel, be sure to use a chameleon with DIN 8-13 and a weight of about 0.5 kg. The lens should be with distortion 1, as well as transparency 2. It is recommended to opt for products with a solar panel and a foam pad.
- Working with thin seams, as well as non-consumable electrodes and steel up to 1 mm will be convenient if you use a chameleon mask with lens 1 and transparency 1. Light shading should be 5-15 DIN, the presence of a solar battery and a weight of 600 grams.
- Welding inside certain containers requires the use of masks with forced air supply, as well as a 90x60 mm window, DIN 5-13.
Having studied all the features of choosing masks for welding, even a beginner will be able to choose the best option for himself, based on his main activity.
