Introduction:
Welding is one of the essential joining processes in industries. It is the most professional job, requiring more remarkable skills. A welder needs to follow all the precautions while welding because of highly infectious infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Protecting your eyes during welding is one of the most critical tasks, and welding goggles are the Instrument that provides the protection. They are auto-darkening, adjusting according to your surroundings to relieve the stress in your eyes and protect them from becoming red. Hence, having a proper One is very important before welding. This article will take you through some of the basics theory with selection parameters and currently best available products in the market. So, let’s get started.
The other safety equipments that you must have during a wleding operations are
- Welding helmet
- Welding Jackets
- Welding Boots
- Welding pants, apron, gloves, etc.
After going through various review articles, and YouTube videos, we have prepared a list of the best available products in the market to start with. The list is as follows:
List of Best Auto-Darkening Welding Goggles
| Name of product | Image of product | Frame material | Package Dimension | Rating (Reviews) | Price |
| 1. YESWELDER True Color Auto Darkening |  | ABS and PP | 9.49 x 8.31 x 4.49 inches | 4.4(1228) | Check Price |
| 2. Miller Electric Welding Goggles |  | ABS | 12 x 4 x 9 inches | 4.3 (178) | Check Price |
| 3. YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered |  | Plastic | 8.4 x 5.6 x 2.3 inches | 4.1 (620) | Check Price |
| 4. Servore Auto Shade Darkening |  | Plastic | 7.5 x 3.5 x 3 inches | 3.9 (41) | Check Price |
| 5. Mekeran Assemblable Welding Goggles |  | Silicone+PP | 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches | 4.4 (67) | Check Price |
What are Welding Goggles and Shades Explained
Welding goggles are device that protects the eyes during welding. They protect eyes from optical radiation and heat and the most intense radiations such as infrared and ultraviolet. We must note that it covers only the eyes and is not responsible for protecting the entire face. Hence, this is the main working difference between Welding Goggles and Welding Helmets.
The optical filter device in the product should be suitable to protect from these dangerous radiations, particularly welding. Hence, knowing the welding process involved is very important before buying one for yourself. During the use of arc welding, a full-face cover is essential. Some of the welding goggles also provide a mask for full-face cover that neglects the use of welding helmets.
Video Link to understand the working of welding goggles:
The Product consists of different parts, which are listed below:
| Part name | Function and Location |
| Front frame | Support and hold the Lens |
| Rim or eye wire | The place where the eyeglasses are attached |
| Bridge | The part that connects left and right reams |
| Bar | It is a part of the bridge that is located above |
| End piece | The place where we have glass hinge |
| Nose pad | Buffer frame attached to user’s nose |
| Guard arm | It is supporting leg where nose pad is attached |
| Leg glasses | Link the glass with the user’s eyes |
| Hinge | Used to connect the front frame and glass legs |
| But portion | It is located close to Hinge and support the Hinge |
| Bend | Makes the protective glasses curve downward |
| Shaft | Part of the temple that connects the bend and but portion |
| Earpiece (Temple tip) | It is the tip of the temple |
| Dowel Hole | hinge hole located on the but portion and serves to connect the temple and rim. |
| Shield | A plastic piece located in front of the end piece |
The shades of glasses are essential because it helps in the protection of the eyes by quickly changing concerning the surrounding. Different types of Welding processes require different minimum welding protection shading numbers to protect your eyes from stress and become red. For example, shielded metal arc welding requires glasses of a minimum shade of 7, 8, 10, and 11 for the best protection. A comprehensive list of recommended shade numbers for the different processes is present at this link. Click the link to check out.
Factors to be Considered While Selecting Welding Goggles
Choosing the right product for your needs requires good research and knowledge of the subject. We have already given you the Introduction to the product and shades and select the proper shade for your use. In this heading, we will be looking at all the factors or parameters to consider while selecting one for your needs. The factors are as follows:
1. Clear Lens:
Select the Lens which meets the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 standard for Industrial impact resistance. It should also be best for Industrial applications and protect you completely from all the sparks, splashes from work, and harmful radiations.
2. Shades:
The Lens is available with different shades that protect your eyes and adjust with the surrounding. They are available at different ranges numbered from 1 to maybe 14. Since there are many availabilities for different shades, selecting the right ones for yourself is difficult. There is a comprehensive list of shades available for different welding processes, which are shown in the table:
| Type of Welding processes | Electrode size (Inches) | Arc current (Amps) | Minimum protective shades |
| Shielded Metal Arc welding | Less than 3 | Less than 60 | 7 |
| 3-5 | 60-160 | 8 | |
| 5-8 | 161-250 | 10 | |
| More than 8 | 251-550 | 11 | |
| Gas Metal Arc welding and Fusion cored arc welding | Less than 60 | 7 | |
| 60-160 | 10 | ||
| 161-250 | 10 | ||
| 251-550 | 10 | ||
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | Less than 50 | 8 | |
| 50-150 | 8 | ||
| 151-500 | 10 | ||
| Air carbon and Arc cutting | Light | Less than 500 | 10 |
| Heavy | 500-1000 | 11 | |
| Plasma Arc Welding | Less than 20 | 6 | |
| 20-100 | 8 | ||
| 101-400 | 10 | ||
| 401-800 | 11 | ||
| Torch brazing | 3 | ||
| Torch soldering | 2 | ||
| Carbon Arc Welding | 14 |
This table will help you find the right Shade for your application. To know more about shades visit This source link.
3. Material:
Polycarbonate is the best choice for welding lens material, and thermoplastic types are the best overall material choice. Some of the Other materials available are Glass and Nylon. Selection of material should be made thinking of the criteria set by ANSI Z87.1 and OSHA.
4. Style of goggles:
Select the goggles with auto-darkening features, which consist of suitable shades. The goggles are available in two different types, one is passive, which has a fixed shade that is one of the Shades available in the list mentioned above, and the Other is Auto-darkening which contains variable shading and can adjust in different environments.
If you are working with a single type of welding process, go with passive-type goggles, as they will be cheap. But, if you are working with different welding processes, go with auto-darkening, which will help you adjust to different surroundings.
5. Sensitivity:
This factor represents the adjustment time, i.e., how lenses adjust to the change in the surrounding. The value should be less, which will help you adapt rapidly to the changing surroundings.
6. Viewing area:
Looking perfectly through the lens is very important. Hence, the size of the viewing area should be sufficiently large to accommodate the eyes and gives the best view of the products to be welded. Do check the viewing area (called lens dimension) before buying one for your needs.
7. Cost:
This is less important as many goggles are available at various prices. Hence, you can take it as per your condition.
Best Welding Goggles: Reviews
1. YESWELDER True Color Auto Darkening
- Optical Clarity of 1/1/1/2
- Large Viewing area
- Rating: 4.4/5
The First Product on our list is from YESWELDER Store. The Product is reliable in terms of use and is made up of durable and light material at the same time. It has a large viewing area which helps to see the target location at any position of welding. It is small and compact, allowing the welders to access places where we cannot use the traditional welding helmet. It comes with two premium sensors and has excellent welding clarity. So, if you have a job requiring welding at complicated positions with limited space, this product is for you.
Key features:
- Optical Clarity of 1/1/1/2
- Can be used for TIG, MIG, Plasma Welding, and Grinding Applications
- Large Viewing area
- Wider Panoramic view with Brighter Color
- Meets the Safety Standard of ANSI Z78.1
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | JingsuMexin Optoelectronics Technology Co. Ltd |
| Part number | LYG-R100A |
| Item Number/Model number | LYG-R100A |
| Frame Material | ABS+PP |
| Item Weight | 7 Ounces |
| Package Dimension | 9.49 x 8.31 x 4.49 inches |
| Lens dimensions | 1.37 Inches * 4.82 inches |
| Average Battery Life | 3000 Hrs |
| More detail(s) | Check here |
Pros
- Low Switching Time
- Best for Basic and advanced Welding
- Lightweight
- Large Battery life
- Compatible with Hard Hats and Eye Protection
2. Miller Electric Welding Goggles
- Welding in all the positions
- Lightweight
- Rating: 4.3/5
The Second Product on our list is from Miller Electric, which produces high-quality and durable products. The Goggles cover the entire face and have the lens covering the eyes. We can use it for gas welding, MIG Welding, TIG, MIG, stick welding, and Gas cutting. The Product is ideal for use with hard hats. The frame material is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, which is lightweight and durable so, if you have high-Intensity welding work, this product is for you.
Key features:
- Can do Welding in all the positions
- Fit for all the varied face profiles
- Eye covering fit blocks out light for precision welding
- Lightweight
- Contains shade 5,7,8,11, and 13
- Certified with ANSI Z87.1
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Miller Electric |
| Part number | 267370 |
| Item Number/Model number | 267370 |
| Frame Material | ABS |
| Item Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
| Package Dimension | 12 x 4 x 9 inches |
| Finish | Anti-Fog |
| Shade available | 3 |
| More detail(s) | Check here |
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight
- Best for Advanced Welding and Cutting
- Anti-fog provides effective viewing
- Can fit for all face profiles
- Adjustable elastic band for comfort
Cons
- Cost is high
3. YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered
- True Color viewing
- Extremely lightweight
- Rating: 4.1/5
The third product in our is from YESWELDER Store. It is the second product from the same manufacturer and has the additional feature to charge solar energy. The viewing area is large and has two premium sensors. We can use it for TIG, MIG, and quick tag welding. It gives you access to the location where we cannot use traditional welding helmets. The product is suitable for all welding positions and has very less switching time to accommodate the change. If you are looking for a product for variable positions and complicated welding then this product is yours.
Key features:
- Compatible to be used for modern welding processes
- The large viewing area for effective viewing
- Ideal for use with hard hats
- True Color viewing
- Extremely lightweight for hours of working
- Response time is very small
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | JingsuMexin Optoelectronics Technology Co.Ltd |
| Part number | LYG-Y200L |
| Style | LYG-Y200L |
| Frame Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 4.8 Ounces |
| Package Dimension | 8.4 x 5.6 x 2.3 inches |
| Lens dimensions | 4.29*1.28 Inches |
| Shade available | 3,11 |
| More detail(s) | Check here |
Pros
- Compatible with Hard Hats and respirators
- Extremely Light-weight
- Better Clarity with rear color viewing
- Easily weld at difficult locations
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- No side protection
- Advanced welding with these goggles is not possible
4. Servore Auto Shade Darkening
- Low Switching Speed
- Wider Panoramic view
- Rating: 3.9/5
The Fourth product on our list is from Servore. The product is made of plastic which makes it light and durable for usage. It contains a Darkening state of 5-8 for cutting mode and 9-13 for welding mode. The Battery is Lithium Battery with a life of 1000 hours. We can use it for Grinding, Gas welding, Gas cutting, Arc Welding, TIG Welding, and MIG Welding. The view is excellent and is best for TIG Welding usage. If you have variation in your use and want a high-performing goggle, this product is for you.
Key features:
- Low Switching Speed
- Separate mode for Cutting (5-8) and Welding (9-13)
- Wider Panoramic view with Brighter color
- Highly flexible for comfortable welding
- Compatible with Hard Hats, respirators, and eye protection
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Servore |
| Part number | 2018-01-26-0280 |
| Item Number/Model number | ARC-513 |
| Frame Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 12.8 Ounces |
| Package Dimension | 7.5 x 3.5 x 3 inches |
| Sensors | Dual Sensing (RF + Photo) |
| Shade available | 5-13 |
| More detail(s) | Check here |
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight
- High range of Shades for Cutting and welding
- Low Switching Speed
- Compatible for Hard Hats, Respirators, and Eye Protections
- Dual Sensing for RF and Photo
- Delay time can be adjusted in 7 different modes
Cons
- Higher cost price
5. Mekeran Assemblable Welding Goggles
- Low Switching time
- The viewing quality is excellent
- Rating: 4.4/5
The Fifth and Final Product on our list is from Mekeran. The Product is highly comfortable with the ergonomic design providing a lot of internal space, making it easy to operate and wear. The Material of the Product is highly resistant to any dirt, corrosion and makes it lightweight. The Product can protect your face, neck, ears, and so on for complete safe welding. If you are working under challenging situations over a prolonged duration, then this Product is for you.
Key features:
- Efficient protection from Infrared and Ultra-violet rays
- Low Switching time
- Suitable for low and high-intense welding
- Viewing quality is excellent
- Several different delay modes
- Adjustable parts make it comfortable
- Extremely light product
Specifications:
| Manufacturer | Mekeran |
| Part number | MK10227 |
| Item Number/Model number | TR1012 |
| Frame Material | Silicone and PP |
| Item Weight | 1.01 Pounds |
| Package Dimension | 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches |
| Lens dimensions | 4.72×1.37 Inches |
| Shade available | 4, 5-13 |
| More detail(s) | Check here |
Pros
- Variables shade up to 13
- Extremely simple to use
- Ideal for low and high intense welding
- Compact and lightweight
- Ergonomic design with ample Internal space
- Used for Cutting, grinding and welding
Cons
- Issue with the Battery sometimes
Conclusion
The products mentioned above are some of the best available in the market. This can be the starting choice for yours on the list. Purchasing a protective goggle for your use requires many details to be considered. We have already mentioned the parameters for you. Here, we will be giving a summary of all the factors according to your priority. The key factors are as follows:
- Always Look for the type of welding you are performing and list down all the available ones for that.
- Choose the best material for the Lens and cover. The best available in the market are polycarbonate and thermoplastics for lens and cover, respectively.
- Choose the suitable shading, which will be best for your welding processes. The shades table is already present in the article.
- Choose one that provides a quick response to change in the environment, reducing the strain on your eyes.
- Consider the price and product availability at your location.
FAQs:
Q 1: How to use the Welding goggles?
Ans: Welding goggles are worn on the eyes to protect them from heat and harmful radiation. The goggles are directly worn on the face, and they automatically change themselves according to the surroundings according to the availability of shades.
Q 2: What is the best material for the lens and cover?
Ans: The best lens material is Polycarbonate because it follows the ANSI Z87.1 parameter. The Others available in the market are Glass and Nylon. The best cover material is thermoplastic and its derivative.
Q 3: Do all goggles fit all sizes?
Ans: No, not necessary. You need to tally the size of goggles with the dimension around your eyes for a better fit.
