Post: Understanding the Differences Between Welding Glasses Shades

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 [email protected]

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

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