What is the best Welding Lens and Shade Number for Aluminum Welding

Welding can cause serious damage to your eyes. So whether it’s the bright flashing lights or the intensely hot sparks coming off of it, you want to be able to use the right kind of protective equipment. That’s where welding glasses or welding goggles become extremely useful as a form of protection. But getting the right pair of welding goggles comes from knowing what type of metal you’ll be working with. 

This will help you determine what type of welding shade you need. According to OSHA guidelines, they always mention going a shade too dark for the weld zone you’re working with. Then go with a lighter shade that gives you the right balance of being able to see while still being protected.

For example, regarding welding aluminum, you want to consider several factors, such as knowing the welding process and how intense the arc will be. 

In addition, aluminum welding depends on the amount of amperage being used. Therefore, these welding shade numbers will change between amperages such as 80-100 A should use welding shades #10, 100-180A should use welding shades #11, 180-250A should go as dark as welding shades #12, and anything above that should use shades #13.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS

Now that you know the various shades of welding glass, you’ll want to consider getting the right type of welding glass from us. All of our welding glass is made in Europe and pass all CE requirements and certifications. Next, we’ll discuss our larger option, which comes in at 4.5 inches by 5.25 inches. These will work well with aluminum welding. 

The first option to consider is the Green Welding Lens option. Remember to start with darker shades. Even though the Green welding lens comes with nine shades, you’ll most likely want to begin with shade #10 and above. The other options are welding shades #11, #12, and #14. It’s also quite a durable glass since it meets ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3 safety ratings. Clarity comes via its HD optics.

Another highly durable option meeting CSA Z94.3 and ANSI Z87.1 ratings is the Gold Welding Lens. These come naturally with darker welding shades with #9, #10, #11, #12, and #14 shade levels. Similar to the Green Welding lenses, these will also help provide optimal clarity while welding aluminum.

The final option to consider is the AlloWeld Welding lens when you’re going to do aluminum welding. These are similar to the Green Welding Lens option but can be better when looking at flare reduction and better contrast with earth metals. It’s meant to primarily reduce yellow flare and help eliminate the arc, providing another level of clarity. You can also get this in nine different shades from #4 to #14 (no #13 shade ratings). 

Keep in mind that the options above are just the lens piece and are meant to fit with specific welding masks as an excellent permanent choice for future aluminum welding work.

If you still aren’t sure which welding lenses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our welding experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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The Correct Laser Safety Glasses for Pilots

Pilots have plenty to worry about when they’re handling their plans; the last time they need to be concerned about is exposure to laser pointers. Remember when people tell you not to point laser pointers into the sky and turn on the laser? They actually can go all the way and cause a temporary flash to pilots or, even worse, can cause blindness and afterimages, hindering a pilot’s vision. 

That’s why it’s in the best interest of every pilot to carry a pair of laser safety glasses for pilots. Phillips Safety understands the requirements pilots are looking for, so they have models that are perfect to wear under headsets or helmets and provide that extra layer of protection when needed. 

There are even now mandates about wearing laser glasses for pilots just because of the issue with laser pointers and pilots. This is for those that fly under 10,000 feet and are really focused on takeoffs and landings. There are plenty of options with different features, from the visible light transmission to their style, as well as to their different optical densities.

GREEN BEAM LASER POINTER GLASSES 533

Coming in either black or silver, the 533 comes with ANSI Z87 and ANSI Z136.1 safety ratings. They’re also known as laser strike glasses and are extremely comfortable with their spring hinges and nose pads that come rubberized. These come with an orange and peach lens filter perfect against green light and also with a visible light transmission (VLT) of 33%. Its optical density is OD2+ at 532nm and OD 5+ at 190-400nm.

BLUE GREEN BEAM LASER POINTER GLASSES 116

If you want a more varied level of protection, then consider the 116. It comes in a sleek rectangular and wraparound design and is constructed from metal. 

These glasses also come with nose pads you can adjust, temples that have been rubberized, and spring hinges, making them quite comfortable to wear. You’re able to get these ANSI Z87 and ANSI Z136.1 laser glasses for pilots in either black or silver. It also comes in a darker shade and has a VLT of 43% plus a larger range of optical density, such as OD 2.5+ at 532nm, OD 2+ at 445 to 450nm, and OD 5+ at 190 to 400nm.

BLUE GREEN RED BEAM LASER POINTER GOGGLES JY7

Sometimes you’re just looking for the most secure fit so that they stay on and provide protection from someone who points a laser pointer at airplane skies. The JY7 can do that for you. It comes in at the lowest VLT of 23.3% and the most diverse optical density with an OD 1.2+ between 633 and 640nm, OD 1.5+ at 532nm as well as 440 to 470nm, and OD 5+ at 190 to 400nm.

They also come with a foam gasket that’s detachable to be easily cleaned and constructed from ultra-durable and light plastic, helping the JY7 get ANSI Z.136.1 and ANSI Z87 ratings. Your style options are camouflage or black.

If you still aren’t sure which laser pointer safety glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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Protect Your Vision without Sacrificing Comfort: How to Choose Lightweight Leaded Glasses

You want to always ensure that having the lightest safety glasses possible is a good idea. You never want to remove safety glasses because they seem uncomfortable or too heavy. This is true with leaded or lead glasses we use for anti-radiation glasses. Wearing radiation glasses is critical for those constantly exposed to equipment that emits ionizing radiation.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

First, ensure that you have the appropriate level of protection with your radiation safety glasses. This leads to the anti-radiation glasses providing a certain amount of protection calculated via lead equivalency.

From there, you also want to make sure that the components of the lead glasses are made from a lightweight material such as polycarbonate. At the same time, it’s about ensuring durability, so there are additional levels of protection.

Then check the measurements properly and ensure that they will fit on your face comfortably and securely at the same time, as well as cover your eyes and the surrounding parts of your face.

From here, you want to ensure that the radiation safety glasses have all the right certifications and ratings from agencies. These can range from agencies such as the FDA or getting CE certifications on the components.

The final piece is to think about the overall look at style. At Phillips Safety, we carry so many options for your radiation glasses needs that you’ll get ample protection but can also do so in style.

RADIATION GLASSES 15011

Available in seven colors, the 15011 is an excellent option when looking for leaded glasses. They come with side shields for added protection and are built for comfort with nose pads you can adjust. You can even get this model with high prescription comfort due to the rectangular shape of the frame. The safety glasses come with SF-6 Schott glass with CE certification and provide 0.75mm Pb Lead equivalency of protection.

OAKLEY LEAD GLASSES LEADLINE

Oakley offers a pair of radiation safety glasses with only 70 grams total weight, even with the glass lenses. With the Leadline, You still get the 0.75mm Pb lead equivalency protection and a durable plastic-based frame.

This is also another excellent option to consider with a prescription. There are also nose pads that are rubberized, so they are comfortable to wear all day. You have four color options: gray ink, matte black, polish black, and trans indigo.

RADIATION GLASSES NIKE BRAZEN SHADOW

The final option to consider is the Brazen Shadow by Nike. That means you get that sports look from Nike but still get it at a light 74 grams. Protection against radiation is a non-issue with the same 0.75mm Pb lead equivalency. These frames come in a wrap-around design, eliminating the need for side shields and staying securely on your face at all times, which is only supported more by the rubberized temple bars. There are five different styles available with this model.

If necessary, you can find more information on the specification sheets for all these radiation safety glasses mentioned above.

If you still aren’t sure which radiation safety glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our radiation experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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Why Do You Need Lampworking Glasses?

Bright light, especially when it’s consistent, can cause a lot of safety issues and damage your eyes at the same time. This is especially true regarding lampworking and ensuring you have the right safety glasses. In lampworking, you tend to work with high heat and bright lights. This means if you’re not protecting your vision and have visual clarity, you can end up harming yourself or others with molten glass.

On top of that, glass-blowing glasses can help protect your eyes from constant exposure to harmful UV and infrared radiation. Beyond protection against radiation, you will also help reduce your eye strain and general eye fatigue when wearing the best safety glasses for glass lampworking. This makes it absolutely essential to ensure you have the right eyewear when you’re busy with it.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT TYPE OF SAFETY GLASSES FOR LAMPWORKING

First, it’s all about getting the right fit and comfort with your frame style. There’s also the possibility with some of our options to get them as prescription glass-blowing glasses as well. Then it comes to the right lens material type, typically didymium glasses for glass blowing. This is where you get that protection from the sodium flare common with lampworking. It’s also where you get that rich purple / rose color on the lenses as well. 

Then it’s about the type of glasswork you’re doing, whether it’s with larger glass pieces or if you’re looking to be able to work with smaller pieces and with various colors. We help to differentiate the key points here with our ever-growing collection of some of the best safety glasses for glass lampworking. 

We also cover areas if you’re working with soft glass or more in a furnace setting. We carry sodium flare polycarbonate, BoroTrueView options, as well as Phillips 202-based lenses.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT PROPER MAINTENANCE

Once you find yourself with the right pair or pairs of safety glasses for lampworking, ensure you’re taking care of them properly. The lenses come from rare earth materials that need to be cleaned properly with a microfiber cloth and specialized cleaning solutions. 

You can always use warm water consistently, but always make sure to avoid boiling water and abrasive cleaning solutions as they will damage the lenses and reduce their efficacy. Always store your lampworking glasses in their included cases to ensure they are protected when not in use. 

As any glass artist knows, it’s key to be able to be protected but still clearly see the beauty that they are creating. So take a look today at our offering and make sure you find yourself the right pair for the type of work you’re doing, and don’t get yourself harmed by the flame glare that could temporarily affect your vision while you’re working on the glass itself. 

You need your eyes in perfect working condition to continue your craft, and that starts with using some of the best safety glasses for glass lampworking out there.

If you still aren’t sure which lampworking glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our lampworking experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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Cleaning Anti-Radiation Glasses: Keeping Your Vision and Health in Check

When you get yourself a pair of radiation glasses, you’ve invested in your safety and protection. You may have to wear your anti-radiation glasses daily for your work, which will eventually require some maintenance and care. It doesn’t matter what type of radiation lead glasses you’re getting; whether they are radiation glasses Nike makes or other prominent companies focusing on radiation safety glasses, you still need to ensure they’re clean.

WHY DO I NEED TO KEEP MY RADIATION GLASSES CLEAN?

Any type of glasses, radiation safety glasses or regular prescription glasses, will get dirty over time. This can be dirt and debris getting stuck on the frame or around the lenses or smudges directly on them. You want to clean them; otherwise, they may not be as effective in protecting your eyes against radiation. Dirt and debris can get trapped in certain parts, especially around the lenses, which could lead to small gaps forming and not being as intact as they need to be to dissipate the radiation.

Also, smudges on the lenses themselves can reduce the disbursement effectiveness and the glasses’ anti-radiation element.

HOW CAN I CLEAN THESE RADIATION GLASSES PROPERLY?

You may want to grab the closest cleaner and a paper towel and be done with it. However, keep in mind if you do that, it can be very abrasive on the lenses and can accelerate the wear and tear on your overall radiation safety glasses. Therefore, you need to ensure that you take the necessary maintenance precautions when cleaning your lenses.

The first step is to grab your radiation safety glasses in your hand securely and run it under warm water. This will help eliminate the buildup of dirt and debris and loosen it for the next part of the cleaning. Remember that radiation glasses tend to be heavier than most types of safety glasses. Do not use hot water here, as that can damage the lenses.

The next step is to use an appropriate cleaner, such as this spray-on cleaner, and coat both sides of the lenses with the cleaning solution. Then, let it sit on the lenses for a bit and have it absorb the dirt and debris a bit more.

After you’ve used the proper cleaner for your anti-radiation glasses, you’ll need to rinse them with warm water again to remove the cleaner and wipe it with the right type of cloth.

You might think that your shirt or a napkin is good enough to clean and dry your radiation glasses, but you may inadvertently damage them. Instead, you want to use the right type of microfiber cloth and gently clean the lenses with it.

If you’re concerned about having the right cleaning equipment, you can get yourself a complete lens cleaner kit with the right items for your radiation glasses. Don’t try to use household cleaners ever, as they may be too abrasive.

IN THE END

When you’re not wearing them or cleaning your radiation safety glasses, do make sure to not just leave them around but properly store them in the cases they come with. This will help in preventing dirt and debris from building up and help protect those radiation glasses from damage.

If you still aren’t sure how to clean your radiation glasses, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our radiation experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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How Laser Safety Glasses Ratings Work

Laser safety glasses are designed to protect against a range of different wavelengths. Yet there isn’t really a specific pair of laser safety glasses you can pick that would be great for all laser wavelengths. We’ll go through what to look for and how to choose the best laser safety glasses for your situation. Remember that laser safety glasses can also come with a prescription making them prescription laser safety glasses. 

Beyond just what wavelength the laser is on, you also want to ensure that you also factor in how strong the laser itself will be and a few other factors known as optical density (OD) and visible light transmission (VLT). 

Optical density is a measurement of how much of the laser is actually blocked out. Specifically how much the lens itself will block out those lasers at a specific wavelength or focused wavelength range. The higher the OD is, the more light is actually blocked out. 

Visible light transmission (VLT) is about how much actual light you can see, not just from the laser, but completely. So when it comes to looking for the best laser safety glasses, you’ll typically start to look at lower VLT ratings. That’s because the lower the percentage, the less light comes in and the darker the vision will be. 

MAKE SURE TO MAINTAIN AND WEAR YOUR LASER SAFETY GLASSES

If you’re not wearing these laser safety glasses, or if you’ve opted in for laser safety goggles, then they aren’t there to protect your eyes and your eyesight. Lasers can significantly damage your sight, so you want to ensure you wear your laser safety glasses at all times and have them at the right rating. Don’t just grab the first pair of laser safety glasses and think they’re ok. 

At Phillips Safety Glasses, we carry a variety of options that will fit your needs. Always ensure you find the specific lenses for the type of laser you’re working with. For example, we have a dedicated section just for those that work with IPL lasers, which is common with dermatological work. In fact, we also offer eye covers for patients that have an extremely high optical density of 7+ as well as a VLT rating of 0%, so there’s no chance of the light getting through to the eyes. 

Our options can include those with a lower optical density and a higher VLT rating if the brightness and power of the laser are weaker, so you won’t have to dampen your vision as much as with the more powerful or pulsing laser options.

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED WITH PRESCRIPTIONS

Many of our laser safety glasses can come with a prescription directly online for your convenience. Feel free to check out additional information on all the various lens colors and which ones help make the best laser safety glasses for your needs. As always, we’re ready to answer any other questions you may have regarding our laser safety glasses offering. 

If you still aren’t sure which laser safety glasses are right for you, it’s a good idea to give us a call at 1-866-575-1307 or talk to us through our chat or e-mail us at service@phillips-safety.com

Our laser experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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