Understanding the Differences Between Welding Glasses Shades

When it comes to welding safety glasses, not just any type of lens will do. The right shade and color are essential to ensure proper protection for the welder’s eyes and face. This is because intense light and heat are produced during welding. 

Welding glass is a specialized type of glass that is designed to protect the welder’s eyes and face from the intense light and heat generated during the welding process. The level of protection provided by welding glass depends on the shade of the glass. The darker the shades of the lens, the better the protection. 

The shade range typically goes from 4 to 14, but it is important to consider the type of welding being done. That is why Phillips Safety offers a range of welding glasses and welding lenses to suit various welding needs. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between the shades and help you choose the right one for your needs.

 Welding Glass Shades

Welding safety glasses come in a range of shades, from clear to very dark. The shade number indicates the degree of darkness of the lens, with higher numbers indicating darker lenses. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide guidelines on the recommended shade number for specific welding processes.

The welding glasses at Phillips Safety come with optical-quality German glass lenses in various shades. Whether you choose Green or Cobalt Blue lens filters, with IR shades available from 2.0 to 8.0. Our welding safety glasses are great options for torchwork, brazing, and molten metal observation where a full face mask is not needed.

You can either wear welding glasses or lenses that can attach to protective helmets. Remember, the darker the tint – the less visible light is also transmitted.

Green Welding Glasses

Green welding glasses are the most commonly used lens color for welding. They offer excellent protection from the bright light and intense heat produced during welding. Green lenses block out harmful UV and IR radiation, making them suitable for most welding processes.

Phillips Safety Green welding glasses come in different shades, ranging from shades 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 8.0. The lower the shade number, the lighter the lens, while the higher the number, the darker the lens. 

If you’re looking for reliable and effective protection during welding, we highly recommend our best-selling Green Welding Glasses model 33, and Green Welding Goggles RK2.

The Green Welding Glasses 33 come with six options for filter shades 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 8.0. Meet ANSI Z87.1 and EN166, and EN169 safety standarts. The CE-certified lenses come in a green shade and are an excellent option for welding needs. In addition, they have a wraparound style, so there is no need for side shields.

For those that are looking for a more snug fit that will stay securely on your face and protect your peripherals via the adjustable headband, then the Rk2 Welding Goggle is your option. Available in black, they also have a neoprene foam eyecup to prevent dirt and debris from entering. They have similar ratings, both ANSI Z87.1 and again EN166 and EN169. The shades are the same as the Model 33 above with Green glass lenses. 

Cobalt Blue Welding Glasses

Unlike green lenses, cobalt blue lenses are not as commonly used, but they offer superior protection against bright flashes of light, especially in gas welding or brazing. These lenses provide protection against both InfraRed and UV radiance and are ideal for use in molten metal, observation, foundries, steel, glassworks, and fiberglass. Additionally, they can enhance color perception and reduce eye strain, making them an excellent choice for workers who need to perform detailed work.

A great option is the Welding Glasses 70-PC with cobalt blue lenses that are made from glass and CE certified. They come in four shade options, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 8.0. They also come with an ultra-lightweight frame to hold the heavier glass lenses. This model also reaches ANSI Z87.1 as well as both EN166 and 169 ratings. There’s also additional protection from the side shields. 

Welding Lenses

In addition to these welding glass shades, Phillips Safety also offers welding lenses in different formats and colors. All the options below come in the same smaller dimensions of 2 by 4.25 inches. 

You can get the Gold Welding Lens that’s straight from Europe and completely made of glass. You can get these rated in shades 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14. The lenses themselves also meet both CSA Z94.3 and ANSI Z87.1 ratings. Or you can go for a similar option to the green shaded lenses vial, the Alloweld Welding Lens option. 

They also help reduce special flares and enhance contrast when working with some metals. This model also eliminates the arc typically needed. You can get them in numerous shades, nine total, from 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14. 

Your final option could be the Cobalt Blue Metal Working Filter Lens which is excellent when you need to block out UV rays in the 780 to 2000 nm range or when you’re facing heat up to 1800 degrees Celsius. You have four shade options with them, 4, 5, 6, and 8, and they all are EN 166 and EN 171 certified. 

All of our welding lenses meet the industry’s safety standards, so you can be confident that you are getting high-quality, reliable protection when you choose Phillips Safety. We understand that different welding applications require different levels of protection, which is why we offer such a wide range of welding glass shades and lens formats. Whether you are working in a high-amperage welding environment or a low-amperage metalworking environment, we have the right welding glass shade for your needs.

In conclusion

Welding glass shades are an important factor to consider when choosing welding helmets and goggles for protection during the welding process. At Phillips Safety, we offer a wide range of welding glass shades and lens formats to meet the specific needs of your application. With our high-quality, safety-compliant welding glass lenses, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible protection for your eyes and face while welding.

If you still aren’t sure which welding 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 welding experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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Solar eclipse glasses VS Welders glasses shade 14

When it comes to viewing a solar eclipse, eye protection is paramount. This is where solar eclipse glasses and welding glasses shade 14 come into play.

Both solar eclipse glasses and welding glasses shade 14 are designed to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun during a solar eclipse. However, there are some important differences between the two that you should be aware of before making a choice.

Solar Eclipse Glasses

Solar eclipse glasses are designed specifically for viewing solar eclipses. They are made from a special material that blocks out harmful UV and infrared radiation, as well as visible light, except for a small amount of visible light that is safe to view. They are typically made from a thin, flexible material that can be easily folded and stored in your pocket or purse.

Solar eclipse glasses are designed to be used only during a solar eclipse. They are not suitable for everyday use, as they block out most visible light and can make it difficult to see. They are also not suitable for use with binoculars or telescopes, as they can cause the lenses to heat up and crack.

Welding Glasses Shade 14

Welding glasses shade 14, on the other hand, are designed for use by welders. They are made from a much darker material than solar eclipse glasses and are designed to block out all visible light except for a small amount of green light. This makes them much darker than solar eclipse glasses, which allow some visible light through.

Welding glasses shade 14 are also much more durable than solar eclipse glasses. They are made from a thicker, more rigid material that can withstand the heat and sparks produced by welding. They are also suitable for use with binoculars and telescopes, as they do not cause the lenses to heat up and crack.

Which is the Safer Option?

If you’re planning on viewing a solar eclipse, investing in welding glasses shade 14 can be the wiser choice. Welding glasses shade 14 are designed to block out all visible light except for a small amount of green light, which makes them much safer to use.

But it is important to note that welding glasses shade 14 should only be used for viewing a solar eclipse if they are certified as safe for this purpose. Not all welding glasses are suitable for use during a solar eclipse, so be sure to check with the manufacturer or a reputable supplier before using them for this purpose.

The good news is that Phillips Safety offers a line of Welding Glasses shade 14 that is fully compliant with all ISO 12312-2:2015 transmission requirements for direct solar observation. This means that the glasses have been tested and certified to provide the necessary protection from harmful solar radiation, ensuring a safe and enjoyable viewing experience. With Phillips Safety’s welding glasses shade 14, you can rest assured that you are getting a high-quality and trustworthy product for your solar eclipse viewing needs.

As if that weren’t enough, here are more advantages of buying welding glasses shade 14 for viewing a solar eclipse:

Provides Full Eye Protection: Welding glasses shade 14 are designed to block out all visible light except for a small amount of green light. This makes them much darker than solar eclipse glasses, which allow some visible light through. With welding glasses shade 14, you can be sure that your eyes are fully protected from the harmful rays of the Sun.

Durable and Reusable: Welding glasses shade 14 are made from a thicker and more rigid material than solar eclipse glasses, which makes them more durable. They are designed to withstand the heat and sparks produced by welding and are often tested to meet strict safety standards. This means that they can be reused for future solar eclipses or for other purposes, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Versatile Use: Welding glasses shade 14 are not only suitable for viewing solar eclipses but can also be used for other outdoor activities that require eye protection, such as observing sunspots or stargazing. They can also be used by welders for their intended purpose, making them a practical tool to have in your toolkit.

Availability: Solar eclipse glasses may be more difficult to find in stores or online during peak times of solar eclipses. In contrast, welding glasses shade 14 are readily available from reputable suppliers and can be purchased year-round. This means you can easily prepare for future solar eclipses without worrying about availability.

High-Quality Optics: Welding glasses shade 14 are designed to provide clear optics with minimal distortion. This makes them suitable for use with binoculars and telescopes, which can enhance the viewing experience of a solar eclipse. Additionally, welding glasses shade 14 lenses are often treated with coatings to improve scratch resistance and reduce glare, making them more comfortable to use.

Where to Find Welding Glasses Shade 14 That Meet Safety Standards

At Phillips Safety, we are committed to providing top-quality safety gear to our customers. We understand the importance of reliable eye protection, especially during activities such as welding or solar eclipse viewing. That is why we take pride in offering a wide range of products, including solar eclipse – welding glasses shade 14, that meet all safety standards and requirements. Our welding glasses shade 14 have been rigorously tested and certified to provide maximum protection against harmful solar radiation. You can trust that you will find the best options for your safety needs at Phillips Safety. With our commitment to quality and safety, you can feel confident that you are getting a trustworthy product that will keep you protected.

If you have any questions or concerns about Welding Glasses Shade 14, please do not hesitate to contact us at Phillips Safety. Our team of experts is always available to help answer your questions and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs. You can also visit our website to see our selection of Welding Glasses Shade 14 and learn more about their features and benefits. At Phillips Safety, we are committed to providing the highest level of customer service and satisfaction, and we are always happy to assist you in any way we can!

If you still aren’t sure which solar eclipse 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 safety glasses experts will be able to tell you what you need for your application.

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Why are gold welding lenses the best?

Those that are looking for the best option for welding lenses should go for a gold lens welding option. These lenses are known to be best for welding for many reasons. That doesn’t mean other welding lenses are a poor option; it just means those looking for the top should go with this option. 

The benefits of gold lens FOR welding

The first benefit many will notice is how they actually help to improve visibility. They tend to be at the highest shade, ranging from ratings 9 to 14, but even so, they still offer the best optical clarity for heavy-duty welding work. 

Another major benefit of gold-coated welding lenses is that they can reduce eye strain over long-term usage, which leads to reduced fatigue as well. That means you can weld in a focused state and not make mistakes or damage items through your welding work. 

With gold lens welding options, you actually have protection against three different types of radiation that can occur during welding activities. It also helps to reduce the reflection of infrared radiation by 90%, which reduces heat exposure as well. That’s a big advantage of gold welding lens equipment, as the other lens types won’t help reduce the scorching heat in welding activities. 

If you go with green or alloweld lenses for welding, they will protect your eyes, but they will have a much lower shade rating, meaning that things such as glare can become an issue. Some may opt for cobalt blue lenses, but those are less for working and more for observing the work being done. 

Options when looking for gold welding lens items

Philips Safety proudly carries this superior-quality product for those that are looking for one of the best options. As mentioned earlier, you can select from five different shades, rated from shade level 9 all the way up to 14 (no 13 rating). 

In addition, they are constructed in Europe with the highest quality materials possible. Therefore, you will have some of the best optics out there, and at the same time, the gold welding lens comes with impact and velocity resistance of ANSI Z87.1 as well as CSA Z94.3 ratings. 

We are carrying two different sizes that are identical in every other way besides their dimensions. Our gold welding lens – a small version is 2 inches high by 4.25 inches wide. 

For those that work with the larger welding helmets, we also carry a gold welding lens – a large version. This one comes in at 4.5 inches high and 5.25 inches wide. Of course, you want to make sure to get the correct size up front; otherwise, it won’t fit properly with your welding helmet. 

In the end

A welding gold lens will always be superior to other options and is always priced competitively with us. Do keep in mind that it’s typically best for those looking for optimal performance and safety when it comes to eye protection and fatigue. 

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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Choosing Welding Lenses Made Easy

Phillips Safety offers an extensive selection of high-quality welding lenses to suit most welding applications. We provide not only a variety when it comes to the filter options of our welding lenses, but in the sizes and shapes. 

Our welding lenses include cobalt blue and athermal green lenses, which can be purchased as welding glasses. Besides these, our selection also contains alloweld lens, clear glass cover lens, gold welding lens, super blue drop in lens, super magenta drop in lens, and welding magnifier lens.

Here we offer flat lenses for goggles, helmets, and masks in standard sizes and shades. We also have standard welding shades with added protection from sodium flare for working with cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Phillips Safety’s standard lens sizes are also available with a gold mirror for added heat protection, and all of our welding glass is the highest quality German glass, with no bubbles, striation, or optical distortion. In addition, Phillips Safety’s welding lenses are available in rectangular and circular shapes, with different sizes. Both standard and custom sizes and shapes are available upon request.

How welding lens works

Welding lens work by filtering out harmful radiation emitted during welding. When you weld, the welding arc produces a bright light that can damage your eyes if you’re not wearing proper eye protection. Welding lens are designed to block out the UV and IR radiation while still allowing visible light to pass through. The welding lenses are made of a special material that filters out specific wavelengths of light, providing different levels of protection.

Passive lenses work by using a fixed shade level to filter out the light. The higher the shade level, the darker the lens will be. Auto-darkening lenses work by using sensors to detect the bright light from the welding arc. When the sensors detect the light, they send a signal to the LCD display, which darkens the lens within milliseconds. Once the arc is extinguished, the lens returns to its normal, clear state.

How to determine the welding shade that’s best for you

Determining the welding shade that is best for you depends on several factors, such as the welding process, the material being welded, and the amperage or power level of the welding equipment.

In other words, your choice of welding shade should depend upon the type of welding you’re doing, and there is typically a range of accepted shades so there is some room for personal preference.

OSHA provides guidelines for the minimum shade level required for various welding processes, materials, and amperage levels. Consult safety guidelines and regulations here.

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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