Welding helmets are headgear that is used by welders who must protect their eyes from the ultraviolet light, as well as their face and neck area from the welding sparks and heat. Arc welding processes, such as shielded metal and gas metal arc, can cause a serious condition known as arc eye, which sees the the eye's cornea becomes inflamed. Welding helmets can also prevent retina burns, which in turn hinders or disrupts vision.

Description For Welding Helmets

Welding helmets usually include a lens shade, which is a small window in which the wearer looks through to weld without doing harm to his or her eyes. An older welding helmet will have darkly tinted glass or polarized lenses. However, newer designs of welding helmets feature transparent material that automatically darkens when it is exposed to the welding arc. Because of the power of the welding sparks, any crack in a welding helmet can affect the integrity of the helmet and reduce the protection from ultraviolet rays. Most welding helmets also contain shrouds around the face for additional protection from hot metal sparks.

Top Welding Helmet Companies

There are about six different companies that are the big names of welding helmets. Miller Welding Helmets has a rich history, getting started back in 1929 by Niels Miller, and today reigning as the largest manufacturer of arc welding equipment in the world. Miller welding helmets are known for their reliability and top quality.

Jackson Welding Helmets is a relatively new company, having been founded in 1994. However, Jackson has built up an alliance of companies that provide full body protection, including welding helmets. Jackson welding helmet products have long-lasting value and include auto-darkening lenses, passive helmets, powered air, cutting goggles and electric lines.

Lincoln Welding Helmets, part of Lincoln Electric, has been providing innovative welding products at a cost-effective price for many years. The parent company has an impressive history, with over 100 years of business. The company offer Lincoln welding helmet products in four categories: equipment, consumables, automation and cutting equipment and regulators.

Esab Welding Helmets was founded back in 1904 by Oscar Kjellberg and over 100 years later, the Esab Welding Helmet company has continued to dominate the welding market, now the world's leading manufacturer of TIG welders, MIG or wire welders and other related equipment.

Other companies include Uvex Welding Helmets, which manufactures face shields, Harley Davidson Welding Helmets, which brings a premium racing style to the design, and Speedglas Welding Helmets. Speedglass welding helmets are part of Hornell, a company devoted to innovation and customer service in the welding industry.

There are also custom welding helmets that can be designed according to welder's size and style needs. Cover your face before the sparks start to fly!