How the chameleon mask works
First, I will briefly describe the principle of operation of the chameleon mask. In the light filter, between ordinary glasses, there is a layer of liquid crystals. They work in pairs with photocells called sensors. Under normal lighting, the crystals are located perpendicular to the plane of the glass and transmit light well. When a bright flash occurs from the welding arc, photo sensors detect it and give a command to turn the crystals. The latter become parallel to the plane of the glass, darkening it.
The filter works automatically. When the arc goes out, the crystals rotate to their original position, increasing the throughput of the glass. There is no need to raise and lower the mask every time. The place where the seam begins is clearly visible, it is convenient to remove the slag and perform grinding without changing the PPE.
Adjustment options
It is not for nothing that the filter is called a chameleon, since it changes its darkening automatically when a welding arc appears or disappears.
Preparing the Headband
The mask on the performer’s head should be secured tightly, but without irritating the skin. Expensive models have adjustment not only for head coverage, but also several types of fasteners for a more precise fit to the individual parameters of the welder.
Distance from eyes to filter
This parameter is adjusted strictly individually using special locking nuts , because each person has different visual acuity. The distance from the screen for both eyes should be the same. After adjustment, the clamps securely secure the set position.
Shade level
It depends on the types of welding and the magnitude of the current; its optimal parameter is selected from the tables . Professional helmets guarantee manual adjustment during the work process, which is made by each performer according to his own feelings. In the budget version, similar adjustments are located inside the product.
Filter sensitivity
It is adjusted before starting work, taking into account the fact that the photocell is triggered an instant before the arc is activated, and the screen brightens after a few seconds, when the metal has cooled and will not have a negative effect on the retina.
Delay time
Produced by a regulator located on the inner surface of the cartridge , spot welding is performed with a short delay, and for other types of welding work a longer period of time is used.
Common problems with chameleon masks
Now I will outline the disadvantages that you will encounter when switching to using self-darkening filters.
- The most common problem with a chameleon mask is that it malfunctions in the cold. For some models, the limit occurs at an air temperature of -5 degrees, for others -10º C. The delay occurs due to liquid crystals, which begin to turn tightly. As a result, the welder catches “hares”. If you work in the cold for a long time, you will not like this PPE.
- The second problem with chameleons is false positives when you don’t cook and the filter darkens spontaneously. Photocells react to a bright beam of sunlight entering the field of view of the sensors, or to a welding arc from neighboring posts. Once, my partner and I were welding a large stainless bumper from an SUV with two TIG machines (the frame pipes burst at the joints upon impact). So my mask didn’t clear up at all. I had to lift it up to see where to start the next stitch. As a result, both “ate enough hare meat.”
- The third disadvantage of chameleon masks is that they do not work if there is an obstacle between the photocell and the welding arc that blocks the light. At the same time, light enters the welder’s eyes. Most often this occurs due to horizontal pipes or ceilings above the welder's head. They do not interfere with his vision of the welding zone, but they cover the photocells. But all these problems can be solved, so you shouldn’t be afraid to buy a chameleon mask. I just talked about them so you know what you might encounter.
In cold weather, the mask will have to be periodically brought into a warm place so that the crystals warm up. You can isolate yourself from other welders with shields and adjust the sensitivity of the PPE to a lower level. In case of frequent work in hard-to-reach places with obstacles, use a mask with 4 photocells. It is more difficult to accidentally block them at the same time, so the dimming will work correctly.
Solar panels, battery life
Some chameleon welding helmets are designed with a built-in, non-replaceable battery that is charged via a solar auxiliary panel. These helmets often require a charging period in direct sunlight before first use, and a similar charging period if they are stored for a long time, which can be a real problem when you want to start welding work as quickly as possible. The disadvantage of this type of mask is the fact that as soon as the battery wears out, the light filter does not work. It is better to buy a welding helmet in which the filter is powered by a replaceable battery and a solar panel, which allows you to start welding right away. Choose a filter with AAA batteries due to their low replacement cost and worldwide availability. Choose lithium batteries for longer life, but note that lithium batteries are more expensive than regular batteries. The service life of a regular AAA battery is about 2000 hours for MIG/MAG, MMA and other types of welding.
Is it worth overpaying for a brand or is a cheap mask enough?
Although cheap masks under 1000 rubles copy the design of branded chameleons and the stated characteristics in terms of reaction time to a flash of light, the size of the viewing window, and other settings, they are inferior in quality. Here, as with cars. A BMW is expensive, but it will break down 10 times less often than a VAZ, and it will be more pleasant to drive.
So it is with branded chameleon masks. Outwardly, everything is the same, but it fits more comfortably on the head, does not press anything, and then the forehead does not hurt after a long day of work. The glass in branded chameleons gives a clearer picture without distortion, which is especially important when welding at low currents of 20-30 A in order to see what is happening in the weld pool.
After a cheap mask, your eyes may hurt, even if you didn’t catch any rabbits. The sensors in them do not always work correctly. If you weld something a couple of times a year, you can buy one, but for more frequent use, I advise you to invest in a quality product.
How to check without welding
Important! You need to know that to check the functionality of the automatic mask filter without welding, you need to use a light source with unstable radiation.
- The filter reacts well to the spark of a flint lighter. Just for the spark, not for the burning flame.
- A conventional incandescent lamp operates on alternating current at a frequency of 50 Hz. A person does not notice this, but an automatic filter picks up the vibrations and darkens the screen.
- The TV control panel or the glowing smartphone screen covers only a small fraction of the spectrum perceived by the light filter. This is mainly infrared radiation, to which one of many layers reacts.
Some advanced chameleon masks have a “TEST” button , designed to test the quality of the filters. They are functional if, after pressing it for a certain time, the mask screen darkens.
TOP 5 chameleon masks in terms of price-quality ratio
As usual, I will give the TOP 5 best chameleon masks for purchase, which I consider optimal in terms of characteristics, quality and price. Don’t be afraid, I won’t list Speedglas products so as not to generate outrage about the cost in the comments. Although Speedglas masks are beyond praise. So, I think the best are:
- Fubag Ultima 11 - viewing window 100x49 mm, works with two photosensors, 3 DIN in the clear state, 11 DIN in the darkened state. Weighs only 425 g. One of the cheapest masks among those worthy of attention.
- Bars MS 307 Premium with ASF 777 - a huge viewing window of 100x100 mm gives a wide overview. Top class 1/1/1/1 lenses provide clear vision. True Color technology with real color reproduction is used. In the open position, the dimming is constant 4 DIN. When closed, the adjustment range is 5-13 DIN. The price of the mask is not exorbitant.
- Tecmen ADF 730S TM15 - designed to operate at temperatures from -10 to +55 degrees. Clear visibility thanks to high optical class 1/1/1/1. All controls are outside, so as not to be distracted by removing the mask while working. The light filter interacts with four sensors at once.
- ESAB Savage A40 is one of the most popular. By the way, my first mask. The dimensions of the viewing window are 100x50 mm, optical class 1/1/1/2. There is an external grinding mode button. Welding shade 9-13 DIN. Four sensors are built in. From experience I can say that the quality is excellent, the filter works clearly.
- Tecmen ADF 815S TM16 is a professional chameleon mask with 4 sensors, optical class 1/1/1/1, shade range 5-13 DIN and external grinding button. Designed for frost -10 degrees. Viewing window 97x62 mm.
Specifics of the right choice
When purchasing a chameleon mask, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Availability of a certificate. Cheap analogues from Chinese manufacturers do not have them, however, there are fake similar documents, so you need to be especially careful.
- Check the markings of the main indicators, the degree of darkness is at least 6 din.
- On the helmet, external control buttons are not allowed, but only switches to prevent accidental disabling of the protection.
- Convenient headband fastening.
- The dead weight of the product is of no small importance.
Before paying for your purchase, please read the instruction manual.
Cheap offers from Asian manufacturers raise doubts about their high quality.
Does a beginner need a chameleon mask when working with MMA?
When working with TIG or MIG welding, the chameleon is essential because it affects productivity. MMA welding is less commonly used for volumetric welding processes. Should a new RDS student spend money on an automatic mask?
My answer is yes"! Will explain. When you are just taking your first steps in welding, there are no developed reflexes: maintaining the height of the arc as the electrode is shortened, performing transverse vibrations to apply a wide seam, making a seam intermittently on thin metal, etc. Each process has to be literally controlled by the mind. A mask with a regular light filter only adds distractions. I remember that at the beginning it was very difficult to orient myself in order to accurately hit the place where the seam began with the electrode. You start to strike with the electrode, flashes of light appear, and you need to use them to navigate where the joint is. If this is the front part of the product, then all these marks had to be additionally cleaned with a grinder. While you are knocking with the electrode, the arc does not light up the first time - this way you can “jump away” far from the place where you started welding. Numerous knocks knock off the coating, the electrode begins to stick, it needs to be burned a little on a rough piece of metal.
When using a chameleon, this unnecessary pain is eliminated and welding skills develop faster. I put on the mask, pointed it at the joint, knocked - everything is controlled thanks to visibility. After finishing welding, the slag was immediately removed - the mask protects the eyes from hot scale.
MMA welding in limited areas with a regular helmet requires constant raising of the shield. Once I welded the frame of a truck crane under the boom. There was nowhere to lift the mask with the constant darkening of the filter - there was a huge hydraulic cylinder above my head. I took it off and put it on the frame while I beat off the slag. Then I couldn’t lift it - it stuck to the hot area that had been boiled a minute earlier. With a chameleon there would be no such losses.
Where should you not buy a chameleon mask?
When welding the bottom with an electrode, burns are inevitable, especially when trying to carry out local repairs so as not to completely change the bottom. The burnt hole is welded in a circle, with an intermittent arc, allowing the deposited metal to cool. This is how the walls build up and the hole gradually narrows until it is completely brewed.
If you want to buy PPE with a self-darkening filter, I’ll tell you where you shouldn’t do it. For example, a chameleon mask from Avito can be half the price in online stores. In this case, the seller indicates that the product is new. Interestingly, in the Avito security section it is written that a price that is too attractive is most likely a scam and such an account is managed by scammers. The goal is to receive an advance payment and disappear, receive full payment and disappear, receive full payment and send a cardboard mask for 200 rubles.
Buying a used chameleon mask through advertisements on the Internet is especially dangerous, because some functions may not work in it, and you won’t be able to get your money back. Common defects include:
- unauthorized enlightenment at the time of welding;
- lack of response to adjusting sensitivity;
- It is not adjustable in terms of darkness, although the range is 9-13 DIN.
I advise you to buy a chameleon mask only in a trusted store, where you can easily apply for a warranty card, return the product, and get advice. If this is an official dealer of an imported brand, be sure to buy the original.
