Helmet Protects Welder’s Eyes Before the Arc’s First Flash
Intelligent occupational safety: That’s what Fronius offers in the Vizor Connect. Communicating with the power source via wireless Bluetooth communications technology, the helmet’s visor darkens as soon as the welder turns on the torch.
Posted: May 15, 2020
The Vizor Connect from Fronius USA (Portage, IN) communicates with a power source via Bluetooth to automatically darken before ignition rather than after the arc is lit. By eliminating interference from external light, the welding helmet reliably darkens even in demanding applications.
Here’s how it works: PreTrigger technology causes the power source to send a Bluetooth signal to the helmet to darken as soon as the welder presses the On button on the torch. Because the helmet is responding to the signal sent by the connected power source, the auto-darkening filter cartridge remains in place – even at the lowest currents and if the arc is concealed and in constrained positions – as long as the arc is burning.
The protection level automatically adjusts between DIN 5 and DIN 12 to ensure darkness immediately responds to changes in arc intensity. The welder may switch to manual mode and adjust the darkness as needed.
Light reflections, warning lights, and external welding light sometimes cause conventional helmets to darken at inappropriate times, but the Vizor Connect provides protection during activities before and after welding, including grinding. When the welder disconnects the Bluetooth, the helmet acts like a conventional helmet and darkens in the presence of light sources.
When not darkened, the helmet provides a clear view with a brightness level of 2.5 as well as real color perception thanks to a specially developed UV and infrared filter. Auto-darkening filter cartridge with nose cutout provides unobstructed line of sight and makes the helmet comfortable. Its special shape makes it lighter in weight and increases welder’s field of view up to six times.
