African Fusion August 2019

Welding and cutting

Auto darkening helmets for better comfort and safety

W hen it comes towelding helmets, a larger viewing area gives a better range of vision and improved visibility of thewelding area, enhancing operator control. A key parameter for achieving this is the lens switching speed. This needs to be optimised from light to dark, and also from dark to light to give the welder maximum possible control, comfort and safety. Increasing the number of indepen- dent optic sensors improves the sensi- tivity of the filter in all possible welding

change our world for the better. The Swedish Steel Prize is open to any individual, company or institution and is awarded to the method or product that best displays how the properties of the chosen grade of steel have contributed to a significant innovation. All entries are as- sessed by an independent jury. Together, they review each entry based on its level of innovation, creativity, sustainability, performance and competitiveness. Out of the box thinking as well as entries addressing the environment, digital solu- tions and new trends in the economy are especially encouraged. “The Swedish Steel Prize is a celebra- tion of innovation and good engineering. We are looking for solutions that really positions so that switchingspeeds canbe reliably achieved. Different welding ap- plications also require different shades. When grinding, for example, it is impor- tant to be able to adapt the automatic filter so that thewelder’s eyes can remain protected while he or she prepares the workpiece for further welding. With a comfortable welding helmet the welder is also likely to increase the operating factor, reducing the total time of welding and, therefore, the total welding cost. Helmet comfort is mainly depending on the headband and how it can be adjusted to fit perfectly on the head of each welder. The Weldline range of helmets from Lincoln Electric includes different au- tomatic welding helmets with features that will suit all welders in all welding applications: • Light shade technology that gives natural visionwith better colour per- ception and more control, comfort and security. • Easy clear filter activation at Shade Level 3 for grinding. • Cutting and low current welding set- tings that are adjustable fromshades 5 to 8 for low intensity TIG processes, microplasma, oxy-fuel gas welding and similar processes. • X-mode functionality, where auto- darkening is triggered by the electric arc, without interference from other sources of light. This is ideal when welding outside, for example. • Infotrack, an in-built system for pro- viding useful tracking and control

push the limits of steel – aloneor ina com- binationwith anothermaterial – andwith a sustainable or digital twist that can help make the world a better place,” explains Eva Petursson, Chair of the Swedish Steel Prize jury and head of SSAB’s research and innovation. The winner of the Swedish Steel Prize receives a diploma, a statuette by the sculptor Jörg Jeschke and intensemedia exposure. In conjunction with the Swed- ish Steel Prize event, SSABwill alsomake a SEK 100 000 donation to charity. The prize ceremony takes place at the end of a fascinating and renowned event where participants fromacross theworld meet to learn about new steel technolo- gies, be inspired, network with peers and celebrate innovation. www.steelprize.com/apply information of operational factors such as the current time, total weld- ing time, break alarms and tempera- tures, for example. • Individual welder customisation: Certain helmets are delivered with a set of stickers to enable the helmet’s owner to expressively personalise his or her property. • Security and control: A lens with a natural vision makes it easier to see the weld joint as well as potential dangers around theweldingarea, giv- ing thewelder better control, security and comfort. More natural colours also result inbetter eyecomfort forwelders andbetter recog- nition of features of the arc, weld seam and weld pool. This reduces fatigue and improves operational efficiency. Lincoln Electric has also developed a series of head bands that combine comfort and ergonomics, regardless of the welder’s head shape. A high elastic- ity buffer distributes the helmet weight evenly, while slip resistant dual injection urethane prevents slipping. Detachable and easy relocation provide for a com- fortable fit on diversely shaped heads, even after long wearing times. The topheadgear bandhas alsobeen redesigned to include two top bands with extensive adjustability, settings, and enhanced support. The 2 nd band is designed with rotational motion to increase wearability, while an oversized comfort cushion provides unsurpassed comfort and stability. www.cosmowelding.co.za

The Weldline range of helmets from Lincoln Electric includes different automatic welding helmets with features that will suit all welders in all welding applications.

Swedish Steel Prize 2019 is open for entry A pplications are now being accepted for the Swedish Steel Prize 2019, the

steel industry’s most prestigious award, which celebrates its 20 th anniversary this year. The SwedishSteel Prize is an award for ideas and products that have an impact on future steel solutions, and it attracts competitors fromacross the world. It will be awarded on November 14 th , 2019, in Stockholm, Sweden as part of the Swed- ish Steel Prize 2019 event. Applications are now being accepted. This yearmarks the 20 th anniversary of the SwedishSteel Prize. Over the past two decades, the award has inspired creative engineers, designers and inventors to utilise the endless potential of steel to

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August 2019

AFRICAN FUSION