Safety should be your priority while doing MIG welding. MIG welding is considered a dangerous business. You should always give importance to safety and wear safety helmet with the right shade lens for MIG welding. The purpose of the MIG welding lens is to protect your eyes from welding sparks, ultraviolet rays, spatter, myriads and hazards.
Proper lens for MIG welding is very important to work in a good manner. If you are a professional MIG welder or new in this industry then no need to be a worry. Here, I am going to help you to choose the right shade for MIG welding. Let’s scroll down and read this complete article.
Table of Contents
Why To Choose MIG Welding Lens Shades
The main purpose to purchase a MIG welding lens is because of the protection of your eyes. Your eyes are really important and you should care about them.
If you don’t use a proper shade lens for MIG welding then it can also damage your eyes. UV radiations are also very harmful for your eyes face and other open parts of the body. The consistent work without MIG welding lens shades can also lead to skin cancer. That’s why always protect your eyes and skin by wearing a MIG welding lens.
How To Choose a Suitable Shade Lens for MIG Welding?
When you are going to choose the suitable lens shade for yourself or thinking about what shade lens for MIG welding then not forget about the material on which you work. The material factor is vital and can really help you to choose the best welding shade for yourself. After this, you have to pick one between fixed and variable shade lenses.
If you have to work only on a single matter or need to follow only one process then fixed shade is good for you. Otherwise, if you have to deal with various materials or various processes then variable shade is preferable to purchase. You can also get help from our other buying guide about choosing a welding helmet. That will definitely help you to choose a right welding helmet and proper shade for MIG welding
What Shade for MIG Welding?
As the higher amperage welding operator is more powerful than the low amperage. Also, the welding amperage is directly proportional to the shade number. Hence, the amperage is higher, the darker or higher shade you need.
The lens shade for MIG welding is available from 10 to 13. You can choose any of them according to your need. The lens shade is completely dependent on material and amperage.
Most people ask what shade lens for MIG welding is suitable. Usually, all shades in 10 to 13 are used by MIG welders. The lower shade is lighter than the higher numbers. It is more visible than the higher shades.
According to a study, it is recommended for MIG welders to start with darker to see the welding area. After that move toward the lighter shade, as it gives a sufficient view of the welding area.
What is the Suitable Lens for MIG Welding?
There are some MIG welding lens shades described with the material on which you are going to work, that will help you to choose one for yourself.
MIG Aluminum
If you have to weld on MIG aluminum then;
- Shade 10 lens is suitable for 80 to 100 amps.
- Shade 11 lens is suitable for 100 to 175 amps.
- Shade 12 lens is suitable for 175 to 250 amps.
- Shade 13 lens is suitable for 250 to 350 amps.
MIG Steel
If you have to weld on MIG aluminum then;
- Shade 10 lens is suitable for 80 to 100 amps.
- Shade 11 lens is suitable for 100 to 175 amps.
- Shade 12 lens is suitable for 175 to 300 amps.
- Shade 13 lens is suitable for 300 to 500 amps.
MIG Flux Core
If you have to weld on MIG aluminum then;
- Shade 10 lens is suitable for 125 to 175 amps.
- Shade 11 lens is suitable for 175 to 225 amps.
- Shade 12 lens is suitable for 225 to 275 amps.
- Shade 13 lens is suitable for 275 to 350 amps.
Auto Darkening Lens Helmet
The recent technology introduced auto-darkening lens helmets in the welding industry. It has the feature to be darkened and lightened by itself. It remains darker until deactivation.
When the welders strike an arc, the auto-darkening lens helmet senses the flash that what shade lens for MIG welding and gets darkened instantly according to the pre-adjustable shade. Moreover, it is expensive, heavier, and needs batteries to work. The major disadvantage of this auto-darkening lens helmet is that it’ll useless if the electronics fail.
It is okay to use but not highly recommended as compared to fixed and variable shade.
Conclusion
Shade lenses provide you a comfortable path to continue the work without getting hurt. If you want to make your welding safe then make sure to purchase a best-fitted lens for yourself. The hurdle is only to find an accurate shade lens for MIG welding.
Purchasing a suitable shade lens for MIG welding is depend on few factors. You need to consider the type of matter with the amperage that you have to deal with. Also, not let someone else to decide lens shade for you because everyone has his own vision sensitivity.
Thousands of brands providing their services to sell MIG welding shade lens. If you are still confused then you can concern with them to find what shade for MIG welding suitable. Further, if you follow the above points described in this article, you’ll surely find a suitable one. Make sure at start not to go with shades less than 11 or 10.
FAQs
- Can I use any other shade of lens?
MIG welding with any other shade except 10 to 13 is insufficient. The lens shades 10, 11, 12, and 13 are specifically designed for MIG welders. Instead, the lighter shades like 5 are suitable for light work.
- What is the time limit of the MIG lens?
The durability of the MIG lens depends on how much you care and use it and how you use it. If you properly maintain it then it can easily use up to 2 or 2.5 years. While if you do negligence in its care then it can hardly go for a year.
- Do MIG lens are expensive?
Not really! MIG welding lens shades are not highly expensive. Multiple prices and qualities are available, and you can purchase any of them according to your budget. You can easily purchase a good quality lens around $100.
James is a welding expert, accomplished author, and trusted guide with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With his in-depth knowledge and engaging writing style, James has become a true authority in the field, offering readers and clients invaluable expertise and insights to take their welding skills to new heights.