Welding helmet integrates five levels of protection

The new 3M Speedglas 9100 MP welding helmet integrates five levels of protection — head, eye, face, respiratory, and hearing — into one system.

The helmet features adjustable settings for the headband and face seal to profile each user’s head and face. The clear, protective visor, which measures about 8 by 4.25 in., is curved to offer views up, down, and side to side. Welders can dial in filter settings for auto-darkening switching of the welding filter.

The hard hat shell is made from heat-resistant polycarbonate and meets the ANSI Z89.1-2009 requirements for Type 1 Class G hard hats, as well as the requirements of CSA Z94.3 for CSA marked products and the high impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2010. An optional aluminum fabric reflects radiant welding heat.

The Adflo powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) has a slim, lightweight, ergonomic design that fits into tight welding spaces. The airflow remains constant at about 7 CFM, regardless of the battery's charge or the particle loading of the filter. For welding environments that require supplied-air respiratory protection, the Speedglas Fresh-air III supplied-air regulator system allows welders to regulate the airflow from a supplied air source and cool or heat the air entering the headgear by as much as 50 degrees F.