How to choose a welding mask "chameleon"? Welding masks "chameleon": design, types, application

Every welder should not forget about personal protective equipment. During the welding process, sparks and splashes of molten metal inevitably fly into the face. In addition, the eyes are affected by thermal and infrared radiation. To protect against all these negative factors, use protective masks and shields. The latter are less preferable, since they must be held with one hand, which is not very convenient. That's why let's talk about how to choose a welding mask "chameleon" and what are its key features.

Why the chameleon?

Many experts say that welding masks like "chameleon" are the most progressive and well protect the operator's vision. This is really so, due to the presence of an automatic filter. He himself reacts to a change in the intensity of the glow. For example, when the arc is ignited, it automatically darkens, which indicates the beginning of welding operations, while the operator's eyes will be protected. In most cases, quality filters have a layered structure. The layers of the LCD overlap. When starting welding, they line up in the right order and block a certain part of the world, making the operator's work comfortable and safe. But it is worth noting that, before choosing a welding mask "chameleon", you need to understand its basic parameters. Let's talk about this.

In brief about the features of glass

We have already learned a little about the fact that the "chameleon" masks are equipped with an automatic light filter. It is interesting that the welder does not need to do anything, since the liquid crystal filters themselves are adjusted to the brightness and intensity of light. It was from here that the name of the mask "chameleon" took place.

If you are not a professional welder and do this kind of work quite rarely, then you will need a single-layer light filter. If welding is your daily work, and your eyes are constantly under load, then a multi-layered filter is needed. Work in such a mask will not only be safe, but also comfortable. In addition, the dimming does not affect the operator's view and visibility of the seam. Of course, light filters are different, so the prices for seemingly identical masks are different.

On the design features

If you understand the design of the filter in more detail, it is a multi-layered product. Each layer is formed by liquid crystals. A polarization film is inserted between the layers . When light enters the crystals, they line up in a certain direction, which allows to partially block the radiation and darken it.

But we can say that the masks "chameleon" are famous for their protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Some models may not provide such protection, which is due to the presence or absence of an additional layer in the light filter. By the way, before choosing a welding mask "chameleon", specify the speed of darkening the filter. The higher it is, the greater the price of the product. But it is worth noting that this is a very important characteristic. The fact is that there are masks, the filter of which works only a few minutes after the start of welding. During this time, the operator can get a corneal burn. The optimal response speed can be considered 0.00005 seconds. This will provide reliable protection from the very beginning of welding.

Welding masks "chameleon": how to choose the right model

Before buying, you need to pay attention to the mask itself. It should not be plastic or too fragile. Therefore, it often makes sense to give preference to heavy masks. Any model should be good and convenient to put on and take off. Any discomfort during operation can affect the quality of the weld. In addition, the presence of a light filter makes the mask a complex electronic-optical device, so it must be handled with care. It is not advisable to allow moisture, condensate, etc. to enter. In addition, mechanical damage to the light filter makes it ineffective, and the operator's eyes become vulnerable. In principle, you already know what characteristics should have welding masks "chameleon". How to choose from the whole range? There is nothing complicated, for this it is necessary to take into account a number of characteristics.

What to look for when buying

First of all, look at the optical class of the light filter. This parameter is extremely important for the protection of vision. Professional models can be considered masks and helmets, which have three filters in the filter's marking, for example, 1/1/1/2. This guarantees reliable eye protection, as well as an undistorted view. After the optical class, look at the response speed, it should be at least 100 microseconds.

Many masks of the welder "chameleon" ("Invertika" including) have different degrees of protection and darkness. The most optimal option is when the glass in the normal state (not working) is completely transparent, and during welding - dark. But even a darkened filter should not contain haze or distortion on its surface. The optimum indicator is the degree of protection 13 DIN. One of the useful functions that must necessarily be available is a smooth darkening of the filter. This option is extremely useful in low light conditions.

Weight and dimensions

In particular, it makes sense to talk about the size of the working window. The best models are equipped with a rather large window, which greatly improves the survey of the welder during operation. The price for such models, of course, rather big, but the process of connecting metal products will be fully controlled by the operator. As for weight, it should not be too small. "Cardboard" masks very quickly fail because of their small strength. Thick-walled models weighing more than 1 kg tire welder, which is also not good. Therefore, it is better to choose the golden mean, say, 400-700 grams. By the way, before you choose a mask like "chameleon", pay attention to the mount. It should have two positions: the mask is in working condition and raised upwards. At least, so advise professionals. This will allow, without removing the mask from the head, at the end of the welding work to inspect the quality of the seam and immediately continue the work begun.

Welding masks "chameleon": design, types, application

The design of masks in most cases practically does not differ. Some models have a larger window, others smaller. Of course, it is better to give preference to the first option, since the review in this case is much higher. But increasing the review leads to the fact that the filter becomes more fragile, so you will need something in between.

As for the type of mask, it is selected depending on the welding work performed. Usually it is a question of a different welding glass in relation to the rated current. Currently available for sale are the following masks: glass 4-9 DIN - current up to 40 A, glass 5-11 for current 175A, 6-12-300A, 7-13-500A. For household use, the first two groups will work. Their scope is usually limited to utilities, construction and some other industries. At the same time, masks with a large indicator of darkness, that is, 3-4 groups, are used in aircraft building, machine building, metallurgy and so on.

About helmets "chameleon"

Do not forget that you have the opportunity to buy a helmet, not a mask. It is usually used in harsh conditions. For example, at high temperatures, a long welding process. Also, if there is a danger of getting a thermal burn, then it is necessary to use not glasses and not a mask, but only a helmet. Its design completely repeats the form of a motorcycle helmet. But here it is made of light and durable plastic. Therefore, if you do not know how to choose the welding mask "chameleon" correctly, then pay attention to what kind of work will have to be done. It is possible that you need a helmet.

Glasses for welding "chameleon"

If short-term welding operations are planned , where there is no need for additional face protection, glasses will be suitable. This solution is relatively cheap, when compared with masks and helmets. The glasses give the welder an excellent view, since they represent one large screen. As for the glass protection parameters, they are not worse than masks and helmets. Usually the prices start from 800 rubles and above, which depends on the manufacturer. Many consumers for welding in domestic conditions are advised to purchase glasses. They are light, comfortable and well protect the eyes.

What Professionals Say

We have already figured out a little bit about what a mask for welding "chameleon" is. How to choose? Recommendations and feedback from consumers and professionals will definitely help you. So, many advise to purchase masks "chameleon" of domestic production. They have an affordable price and acceptable quality. But, according to experts, not the best way suitable for argon welding. If we talk about Chinese products, then it is cheap, but not too reliable. Light filters can operate with a delay and spontaneously open. For professionals, only high-quality European products are suitable.

Conclusion

So, how to choose the best welding mask "chameleon"? A single-valued answer can not be given. The point is that one must be guided by one's own needs. Sometimes you do not need something too expensive. It is quite enough glass with the parameters of 5-9 DIN under the welding current of 40 A. This will not be a very expensive purchase. But for work at home it is quite enough and such a mask. If you are a professional welder, then the product must also be appropriate. Basically, this is all that can be said about how to choose a welding mask "chameleon".