UV radiation exposure is a commonly overlooked hazard in welding. Research suggests that the amount of UV radiation emitted during arc welding processes can exceed the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) within just a few minutes at most, with the mean cumulative exposure in an 8-hour workday crossing 9000 mJ/cm2. This is worrying information.
That said, if you are a professional welder, you can buy Speedglas™ welding helmets from 3M to protect yourself better. Get to know these helmets better and learn why their auto-darkening lenses can be extremely beneficial.
How do 3M Speedglas™ Welding Helmets Work?
3M auto-darkening welding helmets are constructed using several different layers and elements, such as a UV/IR interference filter, a polarization filter and liquid crystal cells (LCC).
True to its name, the UV/IR interference filter keeps out ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The lens in these high-quality welding helmets can absorb over 99% of harmful UV rays, thus improving the overall safety quotient for the welder. Polarization filters darken the visible light that penetrates the lens. This, in turn, improves visibility for the welder and enhances the accuracy of the weld itself.
Lastly, the liquid crystal cells (LCC) that are placed between two polarizing filters can twist or bend the light as needed. When they bend light by 90 degrees, it increases the shade of the lens as needed. This protects the eyes from the intensely bright light created during a welding process.
3 Benefits Of Auto-Darkening Technology In 3M Speedglas™ Welding Helmets
Here are the top 3 benefits of auto-darkening technology used in 3M Speedglas™ welding helmets.
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Protection from Radiation Exposure
The main benefit of the auto-darkening technology in Speedglas™ welding helmets from 3M is protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Radiation produced during arc welding, in particular, can cause serious eye and skin damage. It could also lead to long-term issues like the opacity of your eye lens, cataracts and more. However, with auto-darkening technology integrated into your welding helmet, you can rest assured that you are well protected from the hazardous impact of UV and IR welding radiation.
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Customizable Lens Shades and Sensitivity Control
Today, auto-darkening technology in welding helmets has evolved beyond merely fixed shade lenses. Variable shade lenses, however, are capable of adjusting the level of darkening across a specific range, so you can use the same Speedglas™ welding helmet for different kinds of welding processes. Auto-darkening lenses also come with adjustable sensitivity controls, so you can adjust the level of brightness required to trigger the darkening. This effectivement makes it easier to customize your welding helmet as per your convenience.
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Improved Accuracy and Productivity
Auto-darkening technology automatically improves visibility because it adjusts the shade of the lens to the optimal level. This effectively minimizes ‘helmet nodding’ — which is a phenomenon where the welder has to constantly jerk their head to flip the helmets a little to see the weld pool more clearly. By reducing or eliminating the need to do this, 3M Speedglas™ welding helmets with auto-darkening lenses improve the accuracy of the weld. They also allow you to work without the added distraction of having to adjust the helmet manually when you’re working.
Conclusion
3M offers a comprehensive range of Speedglas™ welding helmets for welders in different industries like automotive fabrication, design and construction, transportation, manufacturing and more. They also come with a host of other essential and premium features like slim and lightweight designs, hard top construction, and eye and face protection.
The lens shades are also available in a wide spectrum, from 5 to 13. Check out the range of 3M Speedglas™ welding helmets in this category and invest in the right headgear to improve your safety at work.
