Low weight shield
June 1st 2007 3M has launched its lightest ever
auto-darkening welding shield,
weighing in at just 360 grams.
Fusing the performance of the 3M
Speedglas Auto darkening Shield
with new, lightweight liquid crystal
cell technology, the new 3M
Speedglas SL (super light) welding
shield with auto darkening filter
(ADF) incorporates a number of new
features that optimise its comfort,
visibility, protection and durability.
A survey by 3M highlighted that
the top priority for many of its arcwelding
customers was a welding
shield with lighter weight.
To improve wearer acceptance and
thus increase wear time, 3M resolved
to create a product that would
match the performance and strength
of the Speedglas welding shield, but
achieve lighter weight and increased
comfort.
The product is said to be
particularly suited to the automotive
industry and for occasional welders
where lightweight PPE is key.
The shield is said to be at least
26% lighter overall than other
models. A versatile headband uses a
pattern of holes that enables it to be
breathable and conform to different
shaped and sized faces and heads.
The shield can be tilted to set a
preferred viewing angle and set closer
or further away from the face to
accommodate different sized noses,
safety glasses and/or 3M respirators.
The welding filter features four
user-selectable sensitivity settings
and five dark state levels (8 to 12).
A motion detector automatically
turns the filter on and off as the
welder picks up or sets down the
shield.
3M says that the tough, nonabsorbent
shield retains its strength
in high humidity. More articles from 3M UK PLC: | 
