- Each lens is treated with an anti-fog coating at the factory
- Will not fog up
- Great for welders with any level of experience.
- Anti-scratch and UV coating
- ANSI Z87.1, CE and ASTM approved
- Extensive View Capacity
- Work well for welders who perform long continuous welds
- Full Passive Lens Assembly
- Excellent lower-cost lens option for large, 2. 8 x 4. 2 in. (approx. ) viewing area.
- Country of origin: Czech Republic
- Passive shade 2 upgrade
- Built from the highest-quality materials;
- For 2 x 4-inch helmets
- Doesn’t fog up.
- Formerly SSIP-2
- Champion of convenience and reliability;
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It may be asked: why would I want to purchase a passive welding lens when there are so many auto-darkening welding helmets available right now?
The electronics built into auto-darkening helmets are designed to adjust their darkness level in accordance with the light from the welding process, so it is understandable that people would ask this question.
In the worst case scenario, you’ll get flashed and potentially damage your eyes if an auto-darkening helmet stops working.
The old-school, passive lenses are still a viable option if you want to buy something reliable, but you can’t afford a new ADF (auto-darkening-filtering). If your ADF doesn’t work, or your batteries need recharging, then passive lenses are perfect for you. Also, passive lenses are pretty cheap to buy.
Dependable Protection from Radiation
If you are a welder who has years of experience, or if you have just begun learning about welding, keeping your eyesight safe is of utmost importance. During welding arcs, optical radiation is created that is a mixture of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation which can result in severe eye damage.
There is no doubt that a welding lens is one of the most important things to have when welding. Welding is the strongest form of artificial radiation.
Different types of welding release different ranges and intensity of optical radiation. It is important to keep in mind that the amperage, shielding gas, and metals used when welding are important factors that determine the intensity and type of optical radiation that is generated.
There are three types of ultraviolet radiation, UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, and the range of wavelengths produced by welding varies from 200 to 1400 nanometers. UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C are the three types of UV radiation produced during welding.
The UV-A (315-400nm) spectrum is one of the least harmful, since it penetrates through the cornea and absorbs into the eye lens, whereas the UV-C spectrum (100-280nm) and UV-C spectrum (280-315nm) are extremely damaging, because the cornea absorbs the radiation.
IR radiation has wavelengths ranging from 700 to 1400 nanometers. It is also known that infrared radiation can be extremely harmful to the eye, but the welder’s eyes will be unable to get close enough to be affected by it, since infrared radiation is perceived as heat. In addition, there is no evidence that infrared radiation damages the welder’s eyes in any way.
Let’s move on to our list of the best passive welding lenses now that you know why you should protect your eyes.
Best Passive Welding Lens
It was built with a combination of well-balanced design and top-quality craftsmanship to provide a passive welding lens that is my top pick! In addition to its durability, the Save Phace Shade 10 is constructed with the highest quality materials and with the help of the newest equipment, so you can rest assured that it will last for a long time.
With its anti-fog coating and UV coating, the Save Phace will help you to make the welding process easier and will also provide your eyes with great protection, as it has an anti-scratch surface and is coated with a UV protection.
This product has a broad view of 3 x 3 x 5inches, so it allows you to see more when welding. However, the only downside is the shape reminds me of sunglasses, which makes Shade 10 only usable for a small number of passive welding helmets with such a wide view.
Pros:
You’ll be able to accomplish even the most demanding tasks with ease;
Convenience and reliability champion;
High-quality materials;
It doesn’t fog up.
Cons:
Because of its unusual shape, it won’t fit any standard welding helmet.
The passive welding lens that is available from Amazon is dark, and it is one of the best choices out there for beginners as well as professionals. It is a replacement lens that measures 2.8 X 4.2 inches, so it can be used with any passive welding helmet that uses this size lens.
It is another product that 3M offers that is of the highest quality, made to last a long time and to be durable.
Pros:
No fogging;
All levels of welders will benefit from this product.
Cons:
There are none worth mentioning!
A passive welding lens made of plastic, the ArcOne 03IP-2 is also known as the SSIP-2. The ArcOne 03IP-2 Passive Shade 2 is one of my favorite recommendations for professional welders and those looking to upgrade their existing equipment. Plastic lenses are lighter than glass lenses, but not as scratch-resistant.
The shade-2 passive lens should not be used as a standalone filter. Instead, it should be used for cutting and brazing, or to upgrade your existing auto-darkening lens if you already have one.
As a passive welding lens, it has a size of 4 inches wide by 2 inches high and can be installed into any passive welding helmet that has lenses of that size.
Pros:
It’s lightweight because it’s made of plastic;
An auto-darkening lens can be upgraded with this lens.
Cons:
Arc welding cannot be done with it alone.
The passive shade 13 is a lightweight welding lens, designed as a replacement lens only. It is a universal fit that can be used with any helmet compatible with 4.2 x 2.8 inch-sized lenses.
It also comes with 2 EA/Case, which can be a great substitute for a welding helmet. The downside of this passive welding lens is that the package doesn’t include a welding filter adaptor.
Pros:
Comes with 2 EA/Case included;
Large size gives a great view.
Cons:
The package doesn’t include a welding filter adapter.
The lenses of this product are anti-fog, so you won’t have to worry about fogging while working. This item is also designed with an anti-scratch surface and UV protection coating, so it will last longer and be safer to use.
A Save Phace Shade 5 lens measures 3 inches long by 3 inches wide by 5 inches high. This lens gives the welder a wider view, but on the downside, it won’t work with most standard welding helmets.
Pros:
Coating that prevents fogging;
Surface that is anti-scratch;
Coating with UV radiation.
Cons:
The helmet does not fit most welding helmets due to its unusual design.
The best gold lenses are those that block out the bluest, brightest light, which makes the arc visible to the welder. If you haven’t used gold lenses, here’s the scoop: they’re one of the best welding lenses available. Because they can block out the bluest, brightest light. By using green lenses, you will be able to see more of the welding arc, but at the same time, you will also see the hottest parts of the metals, which may cause eye fatigue.
As a result of the gold tinted glass filters, the shade 10 gold lens gives the welder a clear view of the welding pool, reducing any possible retinal fatigue. Its gold-tinted glass filters also keep out high-frequency ultraviolet rays, which allows the welder to work for longer periods of time without feeling any discomfort.
It is important to keep in mind that the 2 EACH consists of optical quartz fiber, so you can depend on its durability and long-term use. Take note that the 2 EACH is compatible with a wide range of different welding helmets and lens hoods that use lenses with a size of 2 x 4.25 inches.
Although the shade is quite dark, it provides a wide field of view, which makes it a great choice for welding of any kind.
Pros:
Blocks out the brightest and bluest light;
Optical quartz fiber makes it very durable.
Cons:
There are times when it fogs up.
Buyer’s Guide
The wide range of welding helmets available on the market makes choosing the right passive welding lens tough, so here are a few factors to consider:
Type of Welding
Depending on the type of welding, the arc will be brighter or darker depending on its brightness. The amperage will also affect how dark your lens should be.
- It’s best to use a lens between a shade 10 and a shade 13 for MIG welding;
- If you’re TIG welding under 50A, you’ll need shade 8, between 50 and 150A you’ll need shade 10, and between 150 and 500 you’ll need shade 12.
- Depending on the operation, arc welding requires a lens shade between 7 and 11.
Lens Size
The size of welding lenses mostly depends on the welder’s preference, since some welders prefer larger lenses while others prefer to weld while looking through narrower lenses.
The best way to determine which viewing area is best for you is to try out different types of lenses.
It is best to remove the lens from your welding helmet if you are uncertain of its size. As I covered in this article, lenses come in a wide range of sizes, so make sure your choice is compatible with your welding helmet.
Comfort
You should never underestimate the importance of optimal comfort. In order to feel comfortable, you should use a lens that is easy on your eyes.
It’s best to try different lenses first – you won’t know if a green tint bothers you or not until you try them all. You should choose a lens you’ll be able to work with for a long time, whether it’s gold or tinted.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the lenses need to be lightweight. If the lenses are too heavy, it will place a strain on your neck and nose (depending on the shape of the lens).
Final Verdict
Having a good welding lens is one of the most essential pieces of equipment that you will need when welding. Passive lenses are one of the best ways to make sure that you protect your eyes from UV and IR light, as well as other types of radiation.
FAQ
What Is a Welding Lens?
As a welding helmet is used as a window, a welding lens is fitted into the opening of the helmet. This lens serves as a way to protect the eyes from light, sparks, and flying debris. In terms of eye and face safety, welding lenses are the most comprehensive piece of equipment. They are far more effective in protecting the eyes than traditional eye-protection tools like goggles and other traditional eye-protection tools.
What Are the Types of Welding Lenses?
There are two main types of welding lenses: passive lenses and auto-darkening welding lenses.
In addition to being more affordable, passive welding lenses are usually more durable and reliable. Using electronics, auto-darkening welding lenses adjust their shade automatically as the light arc changes.
Although this feature is great, auto-darkening welding helmets and lenses can malfunction more often than passive ones.
What Is the Minimum Shade for Welding?
As far as safety is concerned, Shade 5 should be the lowest level of protection for any welder during the welding process. Keep in mind, however, that Shade 5 is only suitable for welding processes that require low amps.
Can You Weld with a Shade 5 Lens?
Technically, yes, but we would not recommend it. Shade 5 offers very weak protection (it’s no better than sunglasses) that doesn’t keep the most harmful ultraviolet radiation from damaging your eyes.
Despite the fact that Shade 5 is technically available, it does not offer as much protection as it should.
In addition to creating dazzle and even arc eye when welding with Shade 5, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause serious and irreparable damage. If you have never heard of the term “arc eye”, just Google it or ask a more experienced welder what it means, and prepare yourself for an opportunity to learn something scary.
What Is the Darkest Welding Lens?
As far as welding lenses go, shade 14 is the darkest shade that is recommended by doctors to observe solar eclipses. When it comes to welding, shade 14 is only to be used whenever carbon arc welding is being performed.
Is a Welding Arc Brighter Than the Sun?
The answer is simply no, that is simply not possible. You may find that it seems extremely bright when you get really close to the arc, but it would not be able to compete with the brightness of the Sun.
Does Using a Plasma Cutter Require Wearing a Welding Helmet?
It is true that plasma cutting can also cause serious damage to the eyes, so you should wear at least shade 4 (and only if you are cutting with a low amp plasma cutter). If you are cutting thicker metal, you will need a higher amp plasma cutter, and therefore your lens should be darker.
Does Welding Have Consequences On Your Eyes?
There is a possibility that you could end up in this situation if you don’t follow the recommended steps when it comes to eye protection. If you are not sure what those steps are, you can find it at the top of this article.
Why Are Welding Lenses Green?
You will see a green tint tinting everything you see if you look through the welding lens. It is important to remember that the harmful light can either be ultraviolet or infrared in nature.
The lens should prevent your eyes from being injured by UV and infrared light, but it also permits green light to pass through, so that you can see what you’re doing clearly.
How Should I Clean My Welding Lens?
If the welding lens has too much dirt on it, this can cause the view to be blurry. Lenses can be cleaned in pretty much the same way as any other object.
It is simple and easy to clean passive lenses.
l you need is a soft cloth and you will be able to remove dust from your lens with no problems. When cleaning, make sure you don’t use anything that is rough, as this may scratch the surface and allow harmful rays to pass through, which could result in eye damage as a result.
As a consequence, you need to be sure to keep the lens, sensors, and solar panel all clean when you use a camera with an auto-darkening lens.
Despite the fact that auto-darkening lenses are more complex and sensitive, even small amounts of dirt in the sensors can cause the lens to not function properly. Additionally, accumulating dirt on the solar panel might cause the battery to stop charging.