Automatic welding protection filter

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Automatic welding protection filter

Automatic welding filters ( AWF , automatic welding filter ) protect the eyes and the entire face during the welding process . Their advantage over conventional protective glasses is that they are automatically darkened a few milliseconds after the arc has been ignited . The helmet therefore does not have to be folded up or removed to position the electrode.

AWF consist of four main components:

  • An ultraviolet and infrared filter to shield the invisible, harmful radiation.
  • A liquid crystal screen (LCD) to darken the visible light according to the protection levels.
  • One or more IR photodiodes to detect the ignition of the welding arc.
  • Electronics that switch the LCD dark based on the sensor signal.

In addition to a light level, most AWFs have several protection levels (SST), which darken the viewing window to different degrees in order to guarantee an optimal view during every welding process. The decisive advantage of an AWF compared to protective glass is that the welding helmet remains in front of the face during the entire welding process. When the light level is present, the electrode can be placed precisely. As soon as the arc is ignited, the AWF switches to the (selected) dark state within a few milliseconds. The welding process can now be observed without being dazzled. After welding is finished, the AWF opens again with a short delay, which protects against afterglow. Both hands are always free for welding work during the entire process. The welder is thus always fully protected, the weld is better thanks to the uninterrupted observation and the productivity of the welder increases, as the time for opening and closing the helmet or picking up the shield is eliminated.

Automatic welding protection filters have become standard in professional welding and are also a convenient solution for personal protective equipment in the hobby sector .

literature

  • Michael K. Harris: Title Welding Health and Safety: A Field Guide for OEHS Professionals , American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2002, ISBN 9781931504287 [1]

Web links

  • Metallbau Edition 04/2010: Welding helmets put to the test [2]