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Auto-darkening welding helmet debuts

By Janice Wood · February 26, 2012 ·

The new Tweco WeldSkill auto-darkening welding helmet features four sensors and can be used in both weld mode and grind mode.

The helmet has a viewing area of 3.86” x 1.69”, weighs 16 oz., and uses solar power to eliminate the need to change batteries. Suggested retail price is $129.

When switching from light-to-dark, the helmet darkens in 33 microseconds, or 1/30,000th of a second, one of the fastest reaction times available (by way of comparison, a human eye blink takes 3/10th to 4/10th of a second), company officials said. When switching from dark-to-light, users can select from three switching speeds: short (0.25s to 0.35s), medium (0.35s to 0.50s) and long (0.50s to 0.80). Operators in high amperage applications prefer a longer transition time, giving the red-hot weld puddle a chance to cool.

Tweco placed the sensitivity and delay knobs on the outside of the helmet shell so that operators can make adjustments while welding. When setting the helmet down, a recessed lens design prevents the faceplate from touching the table, protecting it from scratches.

Backed by a two-year warranty, the new helmet comes in four styles: Carbon Fiber, Patriot Eagle, Chopper Rider or Skull & Fire.

For more information: Thermadyne.com

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About Janice Wood

Janice Wood is editor of General Aviation News.

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