Auto-Darkening Filter Gives Welders Superior Visibility

When welders can’t make out all the details or distinguish colors through the auto-darkening filter of a welding shield, it can make welding more challenging. To give welders superior visibility in both dark and light states, 3M™ (St. Paul, MN) has introduced the Speedglas™ Auto-Darkening Filter (ADF) Kit 9100XXi. The next-generation optics in the 9100XXi ADF provide more detail, contrast and natural-looking color to give welders greater precision and an overall improved welding experience.

“A welder’s view with a conventional filter often appears dark, ‘greenish’ and devoid of contrast,” said Joe Hockett, the manager of U.S. Welding, Head & Face Marketing at 3M. “With this filter, welders have a new level of visibility and control. They’ll have a vibrant, crisper view of the workpiece with a greater field of colors.”

Because of the improved optics with the 9100XXi ADF, welders may experience better control of the weld puddle and more precise set-up and finishing operations. “It also may make it easier to distinguish the colored control panels on welding machines,” noted Hockett.

Complementing the filter’s more realistic view is an external grinding feature that enables welders to seamlessly switch into a grinding mode. Welders can also access two pre-set welding modes by pushing the external button on the helmet’s silver front panel – without having to remove their safety gloves or helmet. In addition, welders can leverage the “grab and go” feature, which automatically turns the welding filter on to the last setting.

The 9100XXi ADF is compatible with all welding helmets in the Speedglas Welding Helmet Series 9100. Access to the grinding and memory modes requires the silver front panel included with the 9100XXi ADF kit. The silver front panel is compatible with the Speedglas welding helmets 9100, 9100 Air and 9100 QR.

3M, I-94 and McKnight Road, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000, 651-733-1110, Fax: 651-733-9973, www.3M.com.