Ask a welder and they will tell you what a blessing it can be to have auto-darkening welding helmets. It is amazing at how much more work can get done when workers don't have to waste time flipping their lens up and down to adjust to the moments they are and are not welding. It may seem like an easy enough task, but it becomes a real pain to welders. Obviously, it is not a necessity, but it can make work easier and more comfortable.
In order to maximize welding production, auto-darkening helmets are encouraged. Many welders swear by the auto-darkening helmet, and swear that once you try one you will never go back to the old styles. Welders complain of the traditional welding helmets due to the fact that when flipping down the lens, they often lose their starting point. This loses valuable working time. If you are one who is using an older helmet, you probably agree.
If you work outdoors, the old style helmets are better. Although this is true, most welders work inside, or in a variety of different lighting situations. This makes the auto-darkening helmet the better choice in the long run. There is a solar panel at the top of the lens. It activates as soon as you strike an arc or step into the light of the sun.
With an auto-darkening welding helmet, you will not have to worry about stopping your job to flip your lens up or down. An auto-darkening helmet even has an adjuster on the side.
You can switch various shades from 8-13. This will help you get the best vision for whatever your welding project. There are some welders helmets that the lenses have to actually be switched out before each job instead of flipped up and down. These are still found in Australia and the UK.
You can get very basic or very elaborate auto-darkening welding helmets. You can adjust light sensitivity and delay time on almost all auto-darkening helmets. These helmets can meet the needs of any welder from TIG and ARC, to MIG.
It is a lot more convenient to use an auto-darkening welding helmet. It not only takes the work and distraction out of flipping your lens up and down, you can tailor the helmet to your own vision needs.
Many companies are switching to this style of helmet. It is now realized that they increase productivity in a few different ways. Not only can a welder get through projects faster, it makes workers more comfortable. When workers are not comfortable, they have a tendency to slow down and become distracted. In the end, everyone wins. Workers have a higher sense of well-being. When productivity increases so do the company profits. There really is no way to go wrong. They are more expensive in the beginning, but the long-term advantages will pay off. It is better to put a little extra into equipment.
Below is a video we found while researching the net, while this is one man's opinion on the subject - he adds considerable insight from his experience as a seasoned welder.
