During the grinding process, the grind mode option is used to improve visibility by lowering the shade. Grind mode, which is controlled by a switch or button, can increase the welding operator’s productivity and safety.
We’ll in this reading, we’ll briefly explore what grind mode use on a welding helmet, it diagram, how it works. we’ll also explore the different ways to use it & its Advantages.
Let’s begin!
What is Grind Mode On a Welding Helmet is?
A welding helmet’s grind mode increases productivity and safety by enabling welders to quickly convert to a lighter shade for grinding jobs without taking off their gloves or helmet. Welders prefer this choice primarily because it eliminates the need for them to remove their helmets between welds.
Diagram
How Does Grind Mode Work?
An auto-darkening filter (ADF) has two main roles that are useful to understand how the grind mode on a welding helmet operates.
First, it is a filter made to stop invisible light, such as UV and infrared radiation, which are released from the welding arc. Your eyes can sustain severe short-term and long-term damage from these dangerous rays. The lens’s filter is a coating that produces the standard shade level, this has adequate light to set up or check the weld.
Since the filter is a power-free lens coating, it constantly shields your eyes from harmful radiation. The filter alone will keep you safe up to the helmet’s darkest shade setting thanks to an ADF constructed in accordance with ANSI Z87.1 requirements.
The ADF also automatically darkens the lens. It’s made to cut down on visible light so you can see the arc and weld pool easily. Your eyes aren’t impacted and try to adapt when sensors swiftly darken the shade after detecting the arc.
Arc sensors detect the sparks from grinding processes, which are not as bright as a welding arc. When in weld mode, the helmet will darken to a solid black screen if it senses sparks.
To stop the auto-darkening feature from being activated by sparks, you can switch to grind mode. You can see to work while your helmet shields your face and eyes from the metal particles since the lens stays in its default position.
Different Ways To Use Grind Mode
These are the following ways to use Grind Mode On a Welding Helmet are as follow:
Grind Control Internally:
On some versions, the grind mode is activated by a tiny button, knob, or switch on the inside of the helmet. This is where the control is most inconvenient. To locate the little switch, you must slightly raise the hood, take off your gloves, and put your hand in front of your face, being cautious not to interfere with other crucial settings.
Usually, the only way to make the modification is to take off the helmet. Every time you wish to move from weld mode to grind mode and back again, you will have to go through this process. If you have to bounce back and forth a lot, this becomes boring really fast.
It’s easy to forget that a lot of older helmets are in grind mode since they lack an indication to let you know. An illustration of where a grind mode switch is located on a welding helmet’s inside. A bright flare will appear when you weld in grinding mode.
Although it’s unpleasant and you’ll need to rest until your vision improves, you won’t be exposed to harmful radiation. Grin mode is frequently skipped by operators who are irritated with internal switches. They will put on safety glasses and elevate the mask to protect themselves.
Metal fragments can easily bounce off of glasses or even a mask by themselves. Wearing both is necessary for good welding safety. The helmet’s built-in grind control switch is ineffective and difficult to operate. Although grind mode is a helpful tool, there are better alternatives.
External Grind Control:
The welder will find a control switch much more convenient when it is positioned to the exterior of the welding helmet. You may still need to take off your gloves to use the remote, but you can activate grind mode without raising or taking off your hood.
The function is unchanged except for the control’s location. You are still in charge of establishing it, and it is still a manual process. You may anticipate a reminder that grind mode is engaged, as this function is often included on more recent auto-darkening lenses. Better optics and general usability can also be advantageous to you.
This lightweight helmet has outstanding vision and an external grinding mode control. The possibility of collision or splatter damage is a drawback of external switches. The advantages, in my opinion, much exceed this danger. You’ll be safer and more productive since you’re more likely to use this function with an external switch.
Automatic Grind Control:
This Optrel welding helmet’s fully automated darkening lowers the possibility of human mistake. Its sophisticated sensors are not fooled by grinding sparks, so your view won’t be overly obscured. It recognizes variations in brightness between welding operations and modifies the shade as necessary.
Let the newest technology take care of shade adjustment while you continue working. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, this technology makes welding more easy and productive, despite its high cost.
Shield Flip-Up:
Some welders enjoy this model since it’s a convenient alternative. A transparent protective barrier is left behind as the auto-darkening lens rotates up and out of view. It satisfies standards for high-impact eye and facial protection since it is made of polycarbonate. However, it doesn’t cut down on brightness or hazardous rays because it lacks a filter.
It’s perfect for inspection, grinding, and even weld preparation. A transparent shield lowers eyestrain and increases visibility of details, while a #3 shade decreases brightness by 87%. Enhancing the illumination in your workspace or even experimenting with a welding helmet light are more options if you have problems seeing details.
You run the danger of serious eye injury if you don’t remember to lower the ADF before welding while wearing this kind of helmet. Although the ones I’ve looked at also feature a conventional grinding mode, it’s often found within the helmet.
Advantages
Here are the main benefit of grind mode:
- Increased visibility during grinding.
- Convenience: Switching to grind mode without helmet removal.
- Safety: Helmet protection reduces eye exposure to hazards.
- Productivity: Quick switch saves time and effort.
FAQs
What does grind mode mean?
Grind Mode is a powerful mindset that allows us to unlock our full potential, maintaining focus and momentum in the face of distractions and obstacles. By adopting this approach, we maximize our productivity, inching closer to our goals with each passing day.
What shade is grind mode?
Many also feature a lower shade setting, often #3.5 or #4, for ‘grind mode. ‘ This enhances visibility during grinding or prep work, reducing the need to remove the helmet.
What is the best setting for a welding helmet?
- Welding Helmet Sensitivity Settings
- Low Sensitivity (1-3): Best for dark environments.
- Medium Sensitivity (4-7): Suitable for most conditions.
- High Sensitivity (8-10): Ideal for bright areas or when using high-amperage welding.
Can you use a welding mask for grinding?
The PersonalPro for welding work is a versatile fresh air welding helmet suitable for electrode, MIG/MAG and TIG welding and also for grinding work.