What is the best number of shade for welding?
For gas welding or oxyfuel torch welding, lens shade of 4 to 6 are suited well. For stick welding, 8 to 10 number is good. High light intensity welding processes such as plasma arc welding or PAW, need high number shade, mostly 12 to 14 shade numbers for the right protection.
How to choose the right welding filter shade for your application?
High light intensity welding processes such as plasma arc welding or PAW, need high number shade, mostly 12 to 14 shade numbers for the right protection. Remember, as the number of the lens shade increase, the filter lens become darker. For gas welding or oxyfuel torch welding, lens shade of 4 to 6 are suited well.
What shade lens is used for welding?
What Shade Lens Is Used For Welding? – Complete Guide. 1 Shade Lens For TIG: In TIG, the required amperage is from 5 amps to 250 amps. Between 5 and 100 amps, use the number from 9 to 10. Above 100, you need ... 2 Shade Lens For MIG: 3 Shade Lens For Stick/Arc: 4 Shade Lens For Flux-Core: 5 Shade Lens For Plasma cutter/Oxy-Acetylene: More items
How important is shading in welding?
Looking at the welding arc with improper and low shading can cause severe eye fatigue and “arc eye.” On the other side, if the shade numbers are too high for the amperage used, you won’t be able to see the weld pool and the arc path, making you prone to mistakes (and ridicule by other welders), So proper shade is essential.
What shade is safe for welding?
between 9 to 13What shade is safe for welding? Many experts or professionals recommend a shade number between 9 to 13 as a good and safe number. With the increase of Amperage, you should also have to increase the shade of the welding lens, the higher the number the darker the shade will be.
What shade lens is used for welding?
As a general rule the shade is related to the welding amperage in use. At a DIY level of up to 200 amps, shade 11 is generally adequate. When Gas Metal Arc Welding and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of aluminium above 175 amps, we would use up to shade 13.
Is shade 10 good for welding?
As mentioned before, the safest shade for welding can be determined by the type of welding you're performing. For example, a shade range of 10 to 13 is advisable for MIG welding. On the other hand, DIN levels of 8 or higher are recommendable for TIG welding, depending on the arc length.
What is welding shade 5?
They contain a shade-5 welding lens which offers protection against ultraviolet and infrared light, plus resistance to scratches and sparks.
Is shade 10 good for stick welding?
What shade of welding lens should you use for MIG welding? It's recommended that you use a shade 10 to a shade 13 welding lens to prevent flash burn on your eyes. The higher the number the darker the shade will be.
What shade lens is used for TIG welding?
For welding, lens shade 8 is the recommended minimum for low amp (<50 A) welding with TIG. This is also where most adjustable welding helmets start. When 8 is a very light protection, and will let a lot of brightness through, especially when your current is higher than 50 A.
What type of fire extinguisher is used for welding?
For most welding, a combination extinguisher (Class A, B, C) is best. ➢ For magnesium fires, it is best to use a Class D fire extinguisher or to cover the fire with sand or magnesium foundry flux.
What do welding shade numbers mean?
A shade number indicates the intensity of light radiation that is allowed to pass through a filter lens to one's eyes. Therefore, the higher the shade number, the darker the filter and the less light radiation that will pass through the lens.
Selecting the right lens shade for welding
The first important point- never look at the welding without black safety glass or helmet of the right shade. Next question- What is the right shade for the glass for different welding processes?
What are the acceptable lens shade numbers for arc welding?
The shields are equipped with a standard-size (2x 4-l/4-in.) glass window through which the welder observes the work in the area of the arc. A proper glass lens screens almost 100% of infrared and ultraviolet rays and most of the visible rays from the welder’s eyes.
Lens shade chart for welding
Lenses are available in a number of shades for various types of work. Recommended shade numbers for common welding and cutting operations are listed in the below Table (from ANSI Z 49.1, welding safety).
What shade lenses are acceptable for most types of welding?
You can easily choose a welding lens shade with the above chart. As you can notice, shade number depends on:
What do welding shade number means?
Welding lens shades numbers are listed from Number 4 to number 14 in AWS Z49.1.Lens shade numbers 4 to 8 are useful for low light intensity welding & cutting activities such as gas cutting, brazing or soldering, etc. For gas welding or oxyfuel torch welding, lens shade of 4 to 6 are suited well. For stick welding, 8 to 10 number is good.
Glass lens shade for Gas welding and Gas cutting
For gas welding or oxyfuel torch welding, lens shade of 4 to 6 are suited well. For oxyfuel gas cutting, gas lens depends on material thickness to be cut and same for OFW Welding where thickness to be welded decide the lens shade. The below table gives details on recommended gas filter shade number for the gas welding and oxygen cutting process.
What is the safest welding shade?
What shade is safe for welding? Many experts or professionals recommend a shade number between 9 to 13 as a good and safe number. With the increase of Amperage, you should also have to increase the shade of the welding lens, the higher the number the darker the shade will be.
What does welding shade mean?
What do welding shade numbers mean? The numbers associated with welding shades indicate how dark the glass is in the lens. The higher the number, the darker the glass. The shade of glass that you choose for your welding helmet is dependent on many things.
How dark should a welding helmet be?
The shade numbers vary from 3 to 14 which the darker. In short, these break down as:
How do I choose an auto darkening welding helmet?
Have you ever wondered how to choose the perfect auto darkening welding helmet?, here we wrote an article talking just about that topic, you can check all details: How To Choose A Welding Helmet: What To Consider
What is the danger of welding arcs?
There are several dangers from the light that is produced by a welding arc. Ultraviolet light – UV light radiation breaks into three classifications or categories. The wavelength of the light denotes these categories. UV-A – The longest wavelength of UV light passes through the cornea and is absorbed by the lens of your eye.
What is welding protection?
Welding requires various forms of protection for the welder. Welding produces forms of light that are potentially damaging to welder’s eyes. Hoods with the proper lens are essential. It is important to know and understand what the numbers associated with the shading of welding lenses mean and how to choose the proper shade of glass.
Why wear welding hoods?
Any job that produces a high level of UV intense light calls for wearing a welding hood or goggles to protect your eyes from the UV exposure. Most of these jobs involve processes that necessitate high heat . In general, the shade number categories associated with welding lenses denote the type of welding or cutting for which the number is appropriate.
Lens Shade – What is it?
Lens shade is basically a measure of the darkness of the glass or filter of your welding helmet or glasses. The shades can range from 3 to 14. But the most used shades for welding are shades 9-13. These numbers are DIN ratings based on a German industrial standard in classifying light filtering levels.
Lens Shade and Amperage
The general rule is the higher your amperage, the darker your lens should be. If you’re MIG welding at 90 amps, you need a helmet with a shade 10 lens. However, if you’re welding thick materials at 300 amps, you need a shade 13 lens.
Lens Shade and Type of Welding
Parameters vary between different types of welding. When it comes to using an appropriate welding helmet shade number, you have to be wary about how much light a welding activity produces. Although for any type of welding, you will have to use darker lenses as you increase the amperage.
Choosing the Right Lens Shade
Whether you’re using an auto-darkening helmet or fixed shade goggles, you’ll have to deal with a number of choices. You may find shade #5 glasses being sold as welding glasses, but they’re not really suitable for any type of welding. You can wear them for low amperage plasma cutting.
Conclusion
Choosing a lens shade is striking a balance between seeing the weld puddle and avoiding eye fatigue and irritation. If you can’t see the weld puddle or you have to stick your nose too close to the workpiece, you’re using a shade that’s too dark. On the other hand, if the arc seems too bright, you probably need to up the shade.
What Shade Is Safe for Welding?
Typically ranging anywhere from a shade of 8 to 13, these are the shade levels to consider when purchasing new equipment. However, there are few precautions you can take before purchasing.
How to determine the best shade for welding?
To determine the best shade for you, consider the amperage you are using in your welding and act accordingly. If your amperage is not high you will want to not get darker lenses because it will block out almost all of the light. The amperage and your shade lens work in tandem and to get the best results, the numbers have to be there.
Why do you need a DCEP for MIG welding?
A DCEP or Direct Current Positive Electrode is required when MIG welding because it uses shielding gasses to offer protection reacting elements that may harm the melting pool of weld metal. The science behind MIG welding makes it unique to other forms of welding, but the protection your shade offers will work just as will on other welds.
What is the best shade of glasses for welding?
With a shade of 14, these types of glasses are usually recommended for unique situations such as someone with sensitive eyes or a welding project that will see very high levels of amperage. These glasses have the look and feel of regular sunglasses while offering protection from the most harmful of lights.
Why choose a MIG welding shade?
Safety is the most important benefactor of choosing the right MIG welding shade, but it is not the only reason to look into it. In this article, you will get a look into the benefits of choosing the right MIG welding shade, as well as a look into the process of MIG welding and how it differs from other forms of welding.
What to consider when choosing a MIG welding shade?
There are brands for all shades, but trial and error along with comfort are some of the determining factors to consider before making your choice. Keep your safety in mind as protecting your eyes and face is more important than the style and design of your choice. When MIG welding, protect yourself at all costs and you will be successful!
How dark should a welding light be?
The answer is dependent on the amount of amperage you are using, but you should aim for a shade between 10 and 13. The higher the number, the darker the shade. The lower the shade number, the more light you will see while welding, which is what causes damage to your eyes.
Why do you need a darker shade of welding lens?
And as you have to use higher amperage, you need to use a darker lens. This number is only meant to protect you from direct arc striking and damaging your vision. Besides this, UV and IR protection as well as sufficient clearance to see the welding is important too.
What if the auto-darkening shade doesn’t darken immediately?
It may be a common issue in the case of cheaper auto-darkening shades. But it can be very dangerous for your eyes as welding arcs emit UV and IR radiation.
How many sensors does a shade lens have?
Select a high-quality auto-darkening shade lens that has 3 or 4 sensors and combines the facility of both lithium battery and solar power. And notice the numbering too. Good luck!
What is the shade number for a stick?
Shade Lens For Stick/Arc: For stick, the required amperage is from 30 to 500 amp. If the amperage is from 30 to 150, use a shade number of 9 to 11. If the amperage is from 200 to 500, you will need to use a shade number of 12 and 13.
How many amps are needed for FCAW?
For FCAW, the required amperage is from 100 to 350 amps. You need to select the numbers from 10 to 13 gradually corresponding with amperage.
What is the shade number on a passive helmet?
Passive helmets are a bit old-fashioned and some difficulties while welding. The shade is almost fixed, the number is usually 10.
Can you use fixed shade for tig?
Let me tell you the difference between them. The fixed-shade lens is enough for a particular form of welding. For instance, you can not use the shade fixed for TIG in GTAW which requires low amperage.
How to choose welding shade?
Ultimately, to find the best welding shade, you will want to look at the guidance provided by OSHA. By clicking here, you will find a two-page document distributed by OSHA which provides everything that you will need.
Why are welding shades important?
Welding shades are an extremely critical part of your job, as the light that is given off during most welding processes is as bright as the sun.
Why is welding invisible?
Because the light from welding can be invisible yet extremely intense, you will want to take all necessary precautions to protect your eyesight. While it may seem like overkill at the time, taking the proper precautions now can save you from severe medical injuries.
What does the shade number mean on a lens?
By looking at OSHA’s guidance (which, again, you can find by clicking here ), you can see that the shade number indicates the intensity of light radiation that is allowed to pass through a filter to your eyes. According to OSHA, the higher the shade number, the darker the filter and the less light radiation that passes through the lens.
Why invest in welding shades?
By investing in welding shades, you will have the confidence that your eyes are sufficiently protected, giving you peace of mind to complete your best work. At Phillips Safety Products, we love working with welders to ensure that their eyes are sufficiently protected. To learn more about how we can help you, don’t hesitate to visit our website .
What are the dangers of welding?
There are several dangers associated with welding, but some of the more notable center on your exposure to metal fumes and ultraviolet (“UV”), infrared (“IR”), and intense visible light. Injuries that can result from this exposure include eye damage, burns, injuries to your toes and fingers, and more. And the worst part about some of these injuries (like light-related injuries)?
Can welding shades protect your eyes?
While there are several different precautions that you can (and should take), one of the best is to purchase and use a welding shade. Welding shades can help protect your eyes in even the most challenging of conditions. This much is clear.
What shade should my welding helmet be?
Welding helmets protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays, electric sparks, flashes, gas, flame, heat and sudden flash of light.
How are shade numbers used in welding helmets?
Shade numbers in welding helmet lenses range from shade number 2 to shade number 14.
How do you adjust the shade on a welding helmet?
Before knowing how to adjust the shade on a welding helmet, you need to know that there two types of lenses available: one with a particular shade number in the lenses and the other is the auto darkening one.
What shade is the light state welding helmet?
If true color is the biggest, this one is the most novel. On many auto-darkening welding helmets, light state is actually a shade number 4. So the welder can use the helmet for welding preparation in the light state and still be protected from the harmful ration.
What shade of light does a welding helmet block?
For the sake of the numbers, I should just mention that, for example, shade #9 allows through just 0.037% of the light, and shade 13, which is considered as the highest shade on most welding helmets, passes only 0.00072% of the light through its filter and all welding helmet shades of course block UV light.
What is the most important factor in determining the shade number of a welding arc?
Amperage or the strength and brightness of the welding arc have the most effect on the shade number.
What is IR welding?
IR rays are basically heat emitted from the welding arc. That is the wavelength that most welding helmet sensors are picking up. It can also be extremely harmful at higher amperages, where you use a lot more heat to bind metal pieces together. For example, you can melt your sensors off and the front of your helmet when using the Flux Core welding process with inner shield wire at high amperage settings. Welders that performed these tasks use passive welding helmets with a fixed shade lens above 13.
What is the shade number for a low amperage welding arc?
In Low Amp TIG welding, the shading level will be extremely low (din number #8), and corresponding to the amperage, the light that the welding arc emits will lower, causing less strain on your eyes and letting you use an above sad lower shade number.
How much does a welding helmet cost?
Keep in mind that the price for welding helmets varies greatly, from 500 USD to 30 USD, and cheap welding helmets also claim extreme reaction time speeds but most of them do no deliver. Something that you will notice only once your eyes start to itch and “arc eye” or “itchy eye” call it whatever you want, stops you from sleeping that night.
How many eye injuries do welders get per year?
According to bmj.com, 25% of all injuries welders suffer are eye-related, that is whopping 10,000 eye-related injuries per year, according to the consumer product safety commission. Looking at the welding arc with improper and low shading can cause severe eye fatigue and “arc eye.”
