Auto-Darkening Helmets Use Advanced Technology To Offer Maximum Performance And Protection

Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, today's new generation of auto-darkening helmets will offer greater comfort and allow you to increase your welding performance. Improvements in auto-darkening helmets, such as new lens technology with enhanced arc-sensing capabilities, larger viewing areas, adjustable shade, sensitivity and delay controls and lightweight design, are all intended to satisfy even the most demanding user. 

Lens Technology

Recommended for low-amperage TIG applications to out-of-position welding, auto-darkening helmets with advanced lens technology, such as the Big Window Elite™ Series from Miller Electric Mfg. Co., offer excellent low-amperage TIG response and DC inverter arc response, down to 5 amps and below. A lens reaction speed of 1/20,000 sec. assures maximum eye protection. The sensitivity control enables the lens to sense even the lowest light levels associated with low-amperage TIG applications, including the very demanding DC TIG inverter arcs.

With four independent sensors, Miller's Big Window Elite auto-darkening helmet provides maximum arc-sensing capability for out-of-position welding, while its larger window provides maximum viewing capability. When welding on a pipe or angular surface, the sensor on the leading edge of the helmet will give you more coverage. The four independent sensors ensure that if one of the sensors is blocked, another sensor will compensate and keep the lens dark.

Shade, Sensitivity and Delay

The Big Window Elite, XLi and XLix Series are all full-featured helmets with variable shade control (#9 - #13), lens sensitivity and delay controls, and auto-off circuitry.

A variable shade control allows you to adjust the darkness of the lens from 9, the lightest, to 13, the darkest. With fixed shade helmets, it may be difficult to view the weld puddle at lower amperages, or, in the case of flux cored welding at higher amperages, a fixed shade may not be dark enough for the bright arc. The shade control allows you to adjust the shade within a specified darkness range, making it easier to view your welds over a wider variety of applications. The ultra-clear #4 light-state provides continuous eye protection against UV and IR radiation. 

The sensitivity control determines how sensitive the lens is to light, or how much light it takes for the auto-darkening lens to activate. For low-amperage TIG welding, you'll want to compensate by adjusting to higher sensitivity settings. Conversely, in high-amperage applications, lower sensitivity will darken the lens for the welding arc but will help ensure that the lens isn't darkened due to incidental light, such as shop or work cell lights.

The sensitivity control on the Big Window Elite offers excellent low-amperage TIG response for maximum eye protection.

Delay represents how long the lens stays dark after the arc is extinguished. The control, adjustable from .10 to 1.0 sec., is available to help protect your eyes as the glowing hot weld pool quenches. For high-amperage applications, simply increase the delay for greater post-weld protection.

Convenience and Comfort 

For operator convenience, the Big Window Elite has replaceable batteries with solar assist for exceptionally long life, permitting 3,000 hours of operating time (MIG) before its two batteries need replacing-no recharging required. For maximum comfort, Miller includes a fatigue-reducing Comfort Cushion that attaches to the back of the headgear on the 1-lb., 2-oz. helmet. The helmet's lightweight, comfortable design makes it ideal for most applications.

With the increasing popularity of auto-darkening helmets, it's important for users to understand the latest advancements in lens technology so that they can select the helmet that will best meet their requirements. Performance and comfort are key and by selecting a full-featured adjustable lens, a user is insuring that they will be able to fine-tune their helmet for various applications. Anyone spending eight hours a day under a hood will quickly come to appreciate the flexibility that today's advanced lens technology offers.