Chameleon-type welding masks are named because the light filter automatically changes the degree of dimming depending on the intensity of the light flux. It is much more convenient than a regular flap or an old type mask with a removable filter. Nadiva Chameleon, you all see everything before the start of welding: the filter is almost transparent and does not prevent you from working. When the arc is ignition, in a second fraction of a second, it darkens, protecting his eyes from the burn. After the arc goes out, it becomes transparent again. You can spend all the necessary manipulations without removing the mask, which is much more convenient than raising and lower the protective screen and are quite better than keeping the shield in your hand. But the extensive choice of different types of copies can put in a dead end: what's the difference and which one is better? How to choose a chameleon mask here below.
Masks for welding chameleon are presented in a wide variety. The choice is a very difficult task. And not so much appearance as qualitative indicators
Light filter in chameleon: what is and what better
That small glass, which is installed on a welding mask is a real miracle of science and technology. It contains the latest achievements in optics, microelectronics, in the field of liquid crystals and solar energy. Here is "glass". In fact, this is a whole multi-layer pie that consists of the following elements:
- liquid crystal cells (several layers - the more, the better);
Exemplary composition of automatic light filter mask for welding chameleon (To increase the size of the picture, click on it right key mouse)
- Filter of Ustofiolet radiation;
- infrared radiation filter;
- polarization films;
- the detection sensors of the welded arc (from 2 to 4, they are also, the more, the better);
- protective glass;
- Power Elements (Solar Battery and / or Lithium Batteries).
The main and most important advantage of a chameleon welding mask is that even if she did not have time to work, ultraviolet and infrared radiation it will not miss (if the mask has been omitted). And the degree of protection against these harmful effects does not depend on the settings. In any case, and with any settings from these types of harmful influence you are fenced.
But this is only if the corresponding filters are present in the "Pie" and they have proper quality. Since it is impossible to check it without special devices, you have to focus on certificates. And they must be necessary for masks. Moreover, on the territory of Russia, they can give them only two centers: VNIIS and FGBU as of importance of labor protection and economics. To be exactly sure that the certificate is genuine, its number can be on the official website of the Federal Rosaccreddation service here at this link.
This is a form on the Rossac Credit website to verify the certificate. You can fill out only the number, all other fields leaving empty (to zoom in the size of the picture, click on it right key mouse)
The corresponding field enters the certificate number and receive the date of action, information about the applicant, the manufacturer. A small note: the abbreviation of the sisode is decrypted as "a means of individual protection of optical action". This is the name of the welder mask on the bureaucratic language.
If such a certificate is, this message will appear. By clicking on the link you will see the text of the certificate (to increase the size of the picture, click on it with the right mouse button)
The most important thing is that you are convinced that this product (compare, by the way, the name and model) is safe for your health.
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Classification of automatic welding light filters
Since the light filter and its quality is a key element in this product, the choice of chameleon masks should be started with it. All of its indicators are classified according to the EN379 standard and should be displayed on its surface through the fraction.
One of the light filters in the chameleon mask. Red designated its classification
Now more, which is hidden behind these numbers and what they should be. In each of the positions, the figure of 1, 2, 3., respectively, "1" is the best option - the first class, "3" - the worst - the third class. Now that which position is displayed what characterization is and what it means.
Decoding classification EN37.
Optical class
It reflects how clearly and without distortion will be visible to you a picture through a light filter. Depends on the quality of the protective glass used (films) and the quality of the assembly. If in the first place is "1", distortions will be minimal. If the values are more, you will see everything through the glass curve.Dispersion of light
Depends on the purity and quality of optical crystals used. Shows the degree of "turbidity" of the transmitted picture. You can compare with a wet automotive glass: while there are no encounters, the drops almost do not interfere. As soon as the light source appears, everything is blown away. So so that there is no effect, it is necessary that the second position was "1".
Uniformity or homogeneity
Shows how evenly the filter is shaded in different parts. If the third position is the unit, the difference can be no more than 0.1din, 2 - 0.2 DIN, 3 - 0.3 DIN. It is clear that it will be more comfortable with uniform darkening.Corner addiction
Reflects the dependence of dimming from the viewing angle. There is also the best value "1" - the first class changes the darkening of no more than 1 din, the second is 2 din and the third - on 3DIN.
This looks like "live" the difference between high-quality mask and with a very good light filter
Of all this it is clear that the more in the characteristics of the light filter units, the more comfortable you will work in the mask. Here on this and you need to navigate when choosing a chameleon welder mask. Professionals prefer at least such parameters 1/1/1/2/2. There are such masks are expensive, but even with long work, they do not get tired eyes.
Welders of lovers, to work from time to time, you can do with light filters easier, but the 3rd class is considered the "past century". Therefore, it is probably not worth buying masks with such filters.
And one moment. Sellers all this classification are usually called one term "optical class". It is simply this formulation quite accurately reflects the essence of all characteristics.
Adjustments of the welding mask-chameleon firm of the company Speedglass (SPIDGLAS)
There are some more chameleon settings that allow you to adjust the dimming mode for this situation. They can be located inside, on the light filter, and can be taken out in the form of the handles on the left side of the side surface of the mask. These are the following parameters:
- Adjusting blackout. Allows you to change the level of the current dimming. You can make a lighter / darker without breaking away from work if the regulator is outside. If it is located inside, you will need to stop, remove the mask and twist the regulator. For non-professionals, this is normal: they do not need it. But the pro is far from always love external adjustments: they can be hurt.
The regulators themselves can be in the form of switches, wheels can be made in the form of touch switches.
- Adjusting sensitivity. It is inside the mask, on the filter. With it, it can be set to what the filter will work: only on the arc, or also on bright light sources. If you work in the room, sensitivity can be installed high: the filter will be darkened by the arc. Since there are no other variables of light sources, it will not twitch. On the street at high sensitivity, he can work on sunlight. So here you have to reduce sensitivity.
- Mask enlightenment delay. It is necessary for the eyes not to receive a light blow from a hot metal after the completion of welding. If there is no delay, the filter becomes lighter immediately and the bright glow of the welded bath beats in the eyes. It is not dangerous and not deadly, but unpleasant. The darkening delay allows you to "move away" for a while the moment of enlightenment of the filter. Also, this delay does not enlighten the filter if you boil with an arc separation or when the electrode is sticking. So adjustment is necessary.
You may be interested to read about the types of welds and connections used by technician and welding methods.
Chameleon mask how to choose
In addition to the parameters of the light filter there are still a lot of other settings and features that may affect the choice.
- The number of arc detection sensors. They can be 2, 3 or 4. They react to the appearance of an arc. Visually can be seen on the face panel mask. These are small round or square "windows" on the surface of the filter. For amateur use, there are enough 2-pieces, for professionals - the more, the better: if some are blocked (block some item when welding in a complex position), then the rest react.
Sensors of the occurrence of the electric arc are visible to the naked eye
- Filter response speed. The variation of the parameters here is large - from tens to hundreds of microseconds. Choosing a mask for home welding, coarse the chameleon that is darling no later than 100 microseconds. For professionals, the time is less: 50 microseconds. Light strikes, we sometimes do not notice, but their result is tired of your eyes, and they need all the working hours to professionals. So the requirements are tougher.
- Filter dimensions. The more glass, the greater the overview you get. But the dimensions of the light filter are strongly reflected at the cost of the mask.
- Smooth or step adjustment of the degree of dimming. Better - smooth. If you darken / enlighten the filter will be jumps, you quickly get tired. In addition, he washes to start "blinking" from the glare, which will not please.
- The initial degree of dimming and the adjustment range. The lighter filter in the initial state, the better you will be seen before the start of welding. It is also desirable that two darkening ranges are: to small degrees to 8din when working with argon or with hand-made arc welding with poor illumination. Also, less darkening may be needed to be a person in age. To work with inverters on high currents and with good lighting it is necessary to darke up to 13 DIN. So it is better if there are two modes: 5-8din / 8-13din.
- Power supply. Most Welding masks with automatic darkening there are two types of feed elements: solar battery and lithium batteries. Such a combined power source is most reliable. But at the same time, lithium battery compartments must be opened to be able to replace batteries failed. In some cheap masks of batteries integrated: remove them only cutting plastic (which sometimes our craftsmen do).
One of the models of the chameleon mask. Here you can see another mask position regulator on the head and neck protection panel
- Weight. Masks can weigh from 0.8 kg to 3 kg. If you have to wear a three-kilogram clock of seven or eight hours on your head, by the end of the neck, the neck, and the head will be like wooden. For amateur welding, this parameter is not very critical, although it is also not at all comfortable to work in a heavy mask.
- Ease of attachment on the head. There are two fastening systems for the headband and the shield itself, but for these masks they are almost unimportant: you do not need to raise / lower the mask every time. It can be lowered throughout the work. It is important how much adjustments are and how tight they allow you to fit the headband. It is also important that all these straps do not crush, do not grate so that the welder is comfortable.
- The presence of adjustment that allows you to push the flap on behalf. This is important if you are needed for normal view glasses. Then the shield must be taken away from the face to fit your lenses.
From useful, but optional modes there is still the possibility of switching poppies from the welding mode to grinding mode. With this switch, you actually turn off the power of the light filter, your mask becomes a regular shield.
About choosing a welding machine for home or cottage read here. And you can try a purchased mask in the manufacture of metal mangala.
Brands and manufacturers
How to choose a chameleon mask for welding you know, but how to navigate among the masses of manufacturers? In fact, everything is not very difficult. There are proven brands that always supply high-quality products and confirm their warranty obligations. Here are not a lot of them:
Technical Specifications Masks Chameleon Tecmen DF-715S 9-13 TM8
- Speedglas from Sweden;
- Optrel from Switzerland;
- Balder from Slovenia;
- OTOS from South Korea;
- Tecmen from China (Do not be surprised, the masks are really good).
For home use, choose a chameleon mask not easy. On the one hand, it is necessary that it is high-quality, but pay 15-20 thousand for it is clearly not everyone affordably, and it is not profitable. Therefore, European manufacturers will have to forget. They even produce good masks, but there are no less than $ 70 prices.
There are many Chinese masks in a very small market on the market. But they are risky risky. If you need a proven Chinese brand, this is Tecmen (Temman). Here they have really certified chameleon masks of factory quality. The model range is quite wide, prices - from 3 thousand rubles to 13 thousand rubles. There are first-class light filters (1/1/1/2) and a little worse, with all settings and adjustments. After the update, even the cheapest mask for 3000 rubles (Tecmen DF-715S 9-13 TM8) has a replaceable battery, a delay of enlightenment from 0.1 to 1 seconds, smooth adjustment and grinding mode. The photo below presents its technical characteristics. It's hard to believe, but it costs only 2990 rubles.
Ocheners about welding masks of resant are spoken. Models are not very much, but MS-1, MS-2 and MS-3 are a good choice for small money (from 2 thousand rubles to 3 thousand rubles).
Resanta welding masks: MS-1, MS-2, MS-3 and MS-4
Resanta MS-1 and MS-3 masks have smooth adjustment, which is undoubtedly more convenient. But in chameleon MS-1 there are no sensitivity adjustments. Professionals, they are unlikely to arrange, and for home use is quite suitable.
Technical characteristics of masks Chameleon Resanta
Very good masks produces the South Korean company OTOS (Ota). It has a slightly higher prices than the above, but there are two relatively inexpensive models: OTOS Mach II (W-21VW) for 8700 rubles and ACE-W I45GW (Infotrack ™) for 13690 rubles.
Specifications of OTOS Mach II W-21VW This mask-chameleon is a worthy choice even for professional use
About how to choose the electrodes for welding by Investor, read here.
Operation of welding chameleon
The main requirement for caring for a mask: a light filter must be preserved: it is easily scratched. Therefore, put the mask "face" is impossible. You need to wipe it only with an absolutely clean and soft cloth. If necessary - you can moisten the fabric with clean water. Do not rub either with alcohol, nor any solvents: the light filter is covered with a protective film that dissolves in these liquids.
There is another feature of any welding chameleons: at low temperatures begin to "slow down" at low temperatures. That is, it is triggered with a delay, and on both sides - both on blackout, and on enlightenment. The peculiarity is very unpleasant, so it is not necessary to work normally in winter, even if the operating temperature is indicated from -10 ° C, as on TECMEN DF-715S 9-13 TM8. Already at -5 °, everyone cannot darken on time. So in this regard, OTOS was honest, indicating the starting temperature of operation from -5 ° C.
Finally, look at the video about how to choose a chameleon mask for welding.
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