Tweco says its new auto-darkening welding helmet features four sensors for enhanced performance at an affordable price.

It can be used in both weld mode and grind mode and will darken when TIG welding even at 5 amps. The helmet has a large viewing area of 3.86" x 1.69", weighs 16 ounces, uses solar power to eliminate the need to change batteries and offers all these features for a suggested retail price of $142.

Backed by Tweco support, quality, reliability and a two-year warranty, the St. Louis-based company says, the new helmet comes in three popular styles: Patriot Eagle, Skull and Fire and Yellow Dragon.

When switching from light-to-dark, this Tweco helmet darkens in 33 microseconds, or 1/30,000th of a second. By way of comparison, a human eye blink takes 3/10ths to 4/10ths of a second. When switching from dark-to-light, users can select from three switching speeds: short (0.25s to 0.35s), medium (0.35s to 0.50s) and long (0.50s to 0.80). Operators in high amperage applications prefer a longer transition time, giving the red-hot weld puddle a chance to cool, Tweco says.

Designed to combine safety, strength, flexibility and comfort, the Tweco WeldSkill four-sensor helmet passes every one of the 49 tests required under the ANSI Z87.1-2010 standards, Tweco says. This includes the ability to retain its auto-darkening performance even after high impact by a steel ball.

Tweco placed the sensitivity and delay knobs on the outside of the helmet shell so that operators can make adjustments while welding. When setting the helmet down, a recessed lens design prevents the faceplate from touching the table, protecting it from scratches.

“The four-sensor Tweco helmet offers an unmatched combination of safety, performance and value,” says Indy Datta, Tweco Brand Management, in a company news release. “It was built to withstand the rigors of daily fab shop use, but with an MSRP of $142, DIY welders can also enjoy professional-grade functions that make welding easier.”

The Tweco line includes an extensive array of products from the basic manual welding tools and accessories to MIG guns, consumables, and a complete selection of products for precision robotic welding applications.