What is Auto Darkening?
“Safety products that increase your performance”
The key to remember with 3M™ Speedglas™ auto-darkening welding lenses (or ADLs) is consistency:
They enable constant, comfortable vision to welders. They provide constant protection from ultraviolet and infrared (UV/IR) radiation. They consistently auto-switch from clear to dark, and back again, in just the way the welder wants.
Awkward made easier
Auto-darkening welding lenses also eliminate the neck-strain of "helmet flipping" while greatly increasing the accuracy of electrode placement. This, in turn, reduces the need for grinding and rework.
In addition, welders can get into tight, cramped spaces with their eye and face protection already in place. Their constant, clear view makes even extremely awkward welds a lot easier.
Meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards
All Speedglas™ welding lenses conform to Australian Standard AS/NZS1337 and AS/NZS1338.1 for eye protection for welders, as well as all relevant international standards.
Frequently asked questions about auto-darkening welding lenses
Q: Are 3M™ Speedglas™ auto-darkening welding lenses as safe as traditional lenses?
A: Yes. Speedglas™ lenses always provide UV/IR protection for your eyes, whether they are turned on or off, light or dark. They're actually safer than traditional helmets as the Speedglas helmets can always be in the down position, protecting your face and eyes. Plus, your hands are not preoccupied with constant visor adjustment.
Q: What happens if the battery fails?
A: To repeat: you're always protected from damaging UV/IR radiation. And no matter what, your eyes are always shaded from arc flash.
Q: Do you see any of the arc flash?
A: No. The lens changes too quickly for the eye to see a flash. The transition from no arc to arc occurs without a perceptible flash.
Q: Who determines the safety standards for welding lenses?
A: There are authorizing bodies for different parts of the world.
Australia: AS/NZS1337 & AS/NZS1338.1
Europe: CE EN379
USA: ANSI Z87.1
Q: Are the Speedglas welding lenses fragile?
A: No more than traditional lenses. All Speedglas lenses have inner and outer replaceable protection plates. The lens is recessed back into the helmet for further protection. This is one of many Speedglas advantages over the competition - Speedglas lenses are built to be robust and to last.
Q: Why do Speedglas welding helmets cost more than traditional welding helmets?
A: Speedglas uses state-of-the-art electronics and super lightweight materials to provide the most productive, comfortable, and safe helmet/lens combination available. The lens itself is a seven-layer laminate, hand-assembled under clean room conditions, with numerous quality assurance checks. The result is a flawless lens that always lets you see your work. Speedglas lenses also have the industry's highest reliability ratings.
Q: Are the Speedglas welding lenses compatible with non-Speedglas helmets?
A: No. The high performance and optical clarity of Speedglas lenses require a special design that is not compatible with non-Speedglas helmets. You should never attempt to mix any Speedglas products with non-Speedglas components; doing so will void your product warranty and could result in serious bodily injury.
Q: My shade 11 Speedglas lens appears to be a different dark shade than my old conventional welding lens. Why?
A: Different manufacturers (whether they are making conventional or auto-darkening lenses) can have noticeable differences in lens shading, while still conforming to the international safety standards for welding lenses. We recommend that you try the shade level you're used to, as well as the shades above and below that level (for the above example, try the 10, 11 and 12 shades).