Do you work in a welding industry? Protecting your eyes from the intense welding radiations and excess light should top the list of your priorities. The good news is that a welding helmet can help you protect your eyes, ears, nose, and other vital parts of your head. Consequently, your eyes will not only remain safe alongside other parts of the head. Earlier on, most people used to rely on traditional fixed-lens helmets. However, this is no longer the case as Auto darkening units are now being utilized in many welding applications. With an auto darkening welding helmet, you will be able to see your wok at comfortable light levels with optimal face protection. Besides this, these helmet reduce the neck strain caused by ‘helmet nodding’ and thus increase your productivity at the workplace. Just like any other helmet, you may be required to change the lens of your auto darkening welding helmet at one time or another. In this article, we shall take an in-depth look at how you can replacement the auto darkening welding lenses alongside other vital facets.
When You Should Replacement Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Lenses
Although you might have purchased your auto darkening welding helmet with high-quality lenses, sometimes, these lenses might require to be changed. Here are the various instances when you may be required to change your auto darkening welding helmet lenses:
1. When the welding lens is scratched
If you work in a welding industry, chances of your welding lens getting scratched are very high. Consequently, you may not be able to see through it. If this is not taken care of, you may end up welding the wrong parts and thereby causing errors in your work. To be on the safe side, you should consider changing the lens as soon as possible.
2. When the helmet is dropped or get banged around too much
Sometimes, the welding helmet can fall on the floor or get banged by something hard in the workplace. If this goes on for a while, the lenses can break or crack, and the helmet can have several dents. If you want to repair the dents, you may have to damage the lenses further, thereby prompting you to change them altogether. In such scenarios, you may not only change the lens but also the entire welding helmet.
3. Loss of colour
Over time, your welding helmet lens may start losing its color and thus turn from red to orange or even blue. This phenomenon can be attributed to the oxidation and UV light exposure that results in the wearing down of the reflective coating on the lenses. Although this might not be a great concern for some, others might find it distracting whenever they are working.
4. Age of the user
As you advance in age, the welding helmet may turn yellow. Consequently, you may have issues anytime you are welding. This is because you will no longer see the color contrasts on your workpiece and the surrounding objects. Although cleaning the lens can help avert the problem, replacing the entire lens is worth the money.
Steps To Replacement Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Lenses
Since we have established that auto darkening welding helmet lenses can be replaced, time is ripe for you to know how you should undertake this activity. Here are the vital steps that can help you get started:
1. Remove the lens cover
When changing the lens of your Auto darkening welding lenses, the first step you should undertake is to remove the existing lens cover from the welding helmet. To do this, you should just pull it off. Better still, you can consider using a screwdriver or any other tool that can help remove it from the helmet.
2. Remove the old lens
Once you have removed the lens cover, you will be able to have access to the old lens. The old lens might have scratches, cracks, and so forth. Since you do not need to utilize the same lens, you should remove it so that you can insert a new one. When removing it, be gentle not to damage it further or the lens holder.
3. Clean the new welding helmet lens
Although you can insert the new lens without cleaning it, it does not hurt to clean it first before you install it in the welding helmet. For optimal results, you should clean both sides of the lens using a soft piece of cloth and a mild solvent. When cleaning the lens, you should be gentle not to damage or scratch it.
3. Attach the new welding helmet lens
Once you have cleaned the new lens, you can now insert it into the welding helmet. However, before you do this, you should apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on both sides of the helmet. Thereafter, attach the new lens. Here, you should press it into the welding helmet. As you do this, ensure that you press it down firmly and evenly, especially on the edges.
4. Install the existing cover
With the new lens in place, you can now install the existing cover and secure it. In case there are nuts, ensure that you screw them well so that the cover remains secure.
Best 5 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Lenses For Replacement
With the proliferation of auto darkening welding helmet lenses in the market, chances are that you will be spoilt for choice whenever you want to buy a lens for your welding helmet. The good news is that we have compiled a number of models that will not disappoint. Some of these models include:
1. LINCOLN ELECTRIC 2×4 C-Series KP3775-1
Unlike other lenses, this model is very clear, thanks to its 4C lens technology. With this lens, you will be able to have a vivid look at the base material, arch, and the puddle. Apart from this, the technology helps to widen the range of colors and thus eliminate color saturation and imperfection whenever one is welding. As a result, the user will have a more accurate color view under dark and light states.
Besides this, it comes with a fantastic color and offers the much-needed adjustability. Therefore, depending on the individual preference, the environment one is working on or the type of application, the user can make variable adjustments to the sensitivity of the lenses.
The lens also comes with variable shades that allow you to get the view that you want. When it comes to clarity, this lens does not disappoint. Besides this, it is also lightweight and very versatile, thus ideal for many helmet styles.
2. ArcOne S240-10
The above-mentioned welding lens usually comes with an HD version so that the user can see both the puddle and weld area more clearly. With this lens in place, colors will appear very natural and not unrealistic. If you are not working, the view can be likened to that of the day. However, once you stick an arc, the lens gets dark so that your eyes are not struck by the excess light.
Besides this, the lens has an active viewing area of 5.25 sq. inches. This feature makes it ideal for many applications. It also allows the user to make the necessary adjustment based on one’s work environment and comfort level. The auto-darkening filter of this lens is usually solar-powered, and thus the worry about batteries is neither here nor there.
The lens comes with 2 independent sensors that can detect flashes from afar and darken the filter within seconds. Apart from this, the lens is resistant to water and dust and thus ideal for working in an outdoor environment.
3. Miller electric lens
For many years, Miller Electric has continued to offer a plethora of welding lenses for DIY users. To start with, the lens is made with safety concerns in mind. This is because it is made considering the ANSI/CSA standards regulations so as to ensure that the user remains safe all the time. Besides this, the model features the ClearLight lens technology that allows the user to enjoy increased comfort, visibility, and productivity when working.
When it comes to clarity, this model does not disappoint. This is because it offers the user a crystal clear view so that he can see both the puddle and the arc seamlessly. Since it measures 2”x 4”, this lens can readily fit any welding helmet out there.
As far as its replacement is concerned, be sure that you will have an easy time doing it. Unlike other models, this one has fewer cases of distortion and blurring. With improved visibility, be sure that your welding performance will be superb.
Finally, the shade 10 welding lens may not darken as much whenever you are engaged in high amperage welding. However, it is still ideal for someone working in low or medium amperage welding. Therefore, it is ideal for workshops and many other places.
4. Antra AntFi X60-8
First and foremost, the model comes with a lightweight design. As a result, it will not be bulky for the helmet when working. Besides this, the lens comes with a wide shade range which ranges from 4 to 13.
As a result, it can be used in a wide range of applications such as plasma cutting, welding and grind applications. For instance, you can use shade 5-9 for cutting and shade 4 for grinding. On the other hand, you can use 9-13 for welding applications.
The model boasts of having 4 premium sensors which are highly responsive to light. Therefore, anytime they detect a welding arc, be sure that they will darken the lens and thus offer the much-needed eye protection. When it comes to response or reaction time, these lenses take the least time possible to darken. Since these sensors are many, chances of the lens failing to darken when needed are next to nought.
When it comes to making adjustments, be sure that you will have an easy time as you will be able to adjust the sensitivity among other settings, to suit your welding needs.
5. Armour Guard 2 x 4-1/4
The above-mentioned model is one of the best auto-darkening lenses ever made by Armour Guard. Unlike other lenses, this one offers unique features that make it special for its class. To start with, the lens comes with a clear blue full-color spectrum that allows the user to have a better and vivid view of the weld pool and its surrounding. Consequently, there will be no need to rework and even grind and thus increase the efficiency and productivity of the worker.
Apart from this, the lens takes the least time possible to darken whenever it detects a welding arc, thanks to its two independent arc sensors. Besides darkening the lens, these sensors also allow the user to see clearly in both dark and light states.
The model has a huge viewing size that allows you to work on a large surface area at a go. For the dark state, the model is rated 10, which makes it ideal to use in nearly any welding environment. Apart from this, it comes with a standard 2”x4” that makes it ideal for many welding helmets. Finally, the model is durable, lightweight, and more flexible.
Consider Before Replacement Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Lenses
When buying replacement auto darkening welding helmet lenses, there are a number of consideration that you should make. These include:
1. Lens shade
One of the vital considerations that you should make when buying a lens is to check the lens shade that comes with your desired model. With the right lens shade in place, be sure that the welding flash will not burn your eyes. It is imperative to note that the lens shade is usually listed as a number.
The higher the number, the darker the shade. If you come across lenses whose shade ranges between 3 and 4, be sure that you will not get the much-needed protection. However, they are easy to see through. Typically, a good lens shade should range between 10 and 13. If you are using a higher amperage, it is always advisable that you choose a lens with a higher lens shade.
2. Lens reaction time
The duration taken by a lens to darker from standard shade to a darker and a more protective shade is commonly referred to as the lens reaction time. Once you start a welding arc, the lens reaction takes place. Ideally, it should occur fast so that your eyes can remain safe from any excess light exposure. This duration will have a huge impact as far as your comfort and protection is concerned.
A good lens ought to darken within milliseconds just before your eyes get struck by the light of a welding arc. Luckily, most auto darkening welding lenses usually have a speed lens reaction of 1/20000 of a second. Consequently, your eyes will remain safe even if you work for long hours.
3. Sensitivity Control
Besides the features mentioned above, you should be keen to check the sensitivity control that comes with the lens. With this feature in place, be sure that you will be able to adjust the amount of brightness or light that triggers the lens so that it can darken.
This feature is ideal for those welders who work at low amperages. In addition, this feature can also help whenever you are working in bright sunlight. This is because the sun makes the lens to darken once the welding process ends.
4. Adjustable delay control
With this feature in place, you will be able to control or even set how long the lens will remain dark after the welding arc stops. For instance, if you are welding at higher amperages, setting a longer delay period would be a good idea.
This is because the molten metal may end up producing harmful rays as the cooling process continues. On the other hand, a shorter delay is vital when you are laying tack on larger projects.
5. Size of the lens
Apart from the above-mentioned 4 factors, you should be keen to check the size of your desired lens. Typically, the standard size of the lens is usually 2”x4”. If you are able to get a larger lens, you will be able to have a larger surface area to see. Consequently, you will have an easy time welding different kinds of surfaces.
6. Safety
For your eyes to remain safe when welding, it is essential that you use a lens that is manufactured according to the ANSI standards. With these standards in place, be sure that your eyes will remain safe even if you weld for lengthy hours.
7. Price
Different auto darkening lenses usually cost different prices. If you go for a model that has sophisticated features, be sure that you will dig deeper into your pocket. However, if you choose the ordinary models, you will be able to save more as these ones are relatively affordable. As you consider the price of these lenses, it is important that you check the quality of the lens as this will have an impact on the overall value of money.
Final Words
From protecting your eyes from the excess light and welding radiation to enabling you become accurate during the entire welding process, there are many benefits of investing in high-quality auto darkening welding lenses. The above-mentioned lenses are some of the models that offers value for your money. In addition, the replacement process is relatively easy, as illustrated above. Consider the models we have mentioned above, and you will be safe from impact hazards associated with welding.