History of 3M™ Speedglas™
Liquid crystals change how welders see
The innovator and founder of Speedglas, Åke Hörnell, did his thesis in the shipyards of Sweden studying ways to protect welders’ eyes and skin from harmful UV radiation. By 1976, Hörnell had combined liquid crystal cells, polarizing filters and electronics to develop the first prototype for an auto-darkening lens.
By 1981, the Speedglas welding lenses became the first commercially-viable auto-darkening welding lenses.
In 1997, Åke Hörnell was appointed Technical Doctor of Honour at Chalmers Technical University in Göteborg, Sweden for his work with liquid crystals and their practical applications.
Design Awards
Characteristics like outstanding user comfort, the simplest possible operation and maintenance, unprecedented ergonomics and optimum safety have brought us many design awards
- European Design Prize
- iF Industrie Forum Design Hannover
- Plant Engineering’s Product of the Year in North America
- Excellent Swedish Design
Hornell History
Dr. Åke Hörnell, the innovator of Speedglas auto-darkening and founder of Hörnell Group.
1976
First prototype of an auto-darkening welding lens .
1980
Hörnell Elektrooptik AB established (Inc. 1982).
1981
Market introduction of Speedglas.
1986
Hörnell’s first subsidiary established.
1996
New owners (Skandia and Swedetech). Market introduction of the Speedglas 9000 welding helmet.
1997
Awarded European Design Prize.
1997
Awarded iF Industrie Forum Design Hannover
1997
Plant Engineering’s Product of the Year in North America
1997
Excellent Swedish Design
2000
Market introduction of Adflo powered respirator.
2001
Awarded iF Industrie Forum Design Hannover
2001
Plant Engineering’s Product of the Year in North America
2001
Excellent Swedish Design
2007
Market introduction of the Speedglas SL welding shield
2008
Market introduction of Speedglas 9100 welding shield series