3M Speedglas G5 Flip-Up Welding Helmet, Adjustable Headband, 73 x 109mm Lens

• Variable dark shade 5, 8-14 and variable dark state colours (for shades 8-14)
• Re-configure your helmet using our many additional accessories to just the right coverage for your head, neck, and shoulders.
• Bluetooth enabled with the 3M Connected Equipment app, users get access to additional functionalities, statistics and documentation.
• Natural Colour Technology makes the filter view seem lighter, with great clarity before, during and after welding

Auto-darkening welding helmets, or welding hoods, are essential personal protection equipment wherever arc welding takes place. They have advantages over welding masks that simply have static polarized viewing lenses, in that you can see as normal when not welding without having to adjust your mask. The viewing lens only darkens in response to the light given off from arc welding. In many countries, an auto-darkening welding mask is an industry safety requirement wherever welding equipment is used, and they are regarded as a standard piece of safety equipment for welders.

The helmet has advantages over goggles in that they also protect the face and neck from flash sparks, and can even serve as face protection PPE when grinding.This 3m Speedglas™ Welding Helmet 9100 series welding helmet is designed to offer protection whilst carrying out different types of welding:

• Shade 5 for gas welding
• Shade 8 for microplasma and low amp TIG
• Shade 9 to 13 for standard MIG and TIG

There are two main types of welding mask- those that have a fixed-darkness viewing portal, and those that have an auto-darkening viewing portal. Fixed darkness usually have a flip-up face shield, so that you can see normally when you are not welding, and then nod your head to put the mask in place once you are ready to weld.

Auto-darkening helmets use a polarizing filter that automatically prevents harmful flash burn to the user. This has the advantage that the wearer does not have to adjust their helmet for working, saving them time and effort. As they do not need to be adjusted, they reduce the risk of exposure to harmful light.

The main disadvantage of a darkening welding helmet is that they are often more expensive than their fixed-darkness counterparts. It is important to choose the welding mask that is best suited to the job at hand.

• This helmet should be paired with an appropriate filter
• For maximum safety and comfort, make it a habit to check your equipment regularly.
• Be sure to replace worn out or damaged parts.

3M are a trusted name in welding tools and accessories, with a wide range of high quality solutions for almost any welding application. Combined with RS' excellent customer service, 3M provide reliable tools for professionals and enthusiasts alike.