Comparison Kalibr MSKh-11P vs Vita WH-4404

The smallest degree of obscuration provided by the chameleon mask (see "Type") when the light filter is activated. Recall that dimming is indicated in DIN units, the larger the number in this paragraph, the darker the filter.

This parameter is indicated only for models with dimming control (see "Functions"). From the minimum degree of dimming depends on the extent to which you can adjust the light transmission. At the same time, we recall that a darker light filter protects better from bright light, but worsens visibility; so for some tasks, a relatively low level of obscuration may be optimal. Accordingly, the lower this indicator, the wider the adjustment range of the filter, the more opportunities the user has to adjust it (with the same maximum threshold). On the other hand, the expansion of the adjustment range significantly affects the cost, and such characteristics are not always required. Therefore, nowadays, you can find chameleon masks both with a small ( 5 DIN and even less), and with a fairly significant minimum dimming ( 7 DIN or even 9 DIN). And it’s worth choosing here, depending on what is more important for you: an extensive range of adjustment or low cost.

The greatest degree of obscuration provided by the chameleon mask (see "Type") with the filter activated. For models that do not have dimming adjustment (see "Functions"), this item indicates the standard level of light transmission of the included light filter.

Recall that dimming is indicated in DIN units, the larger the number in this designation, the darker the filter. In turn, a darker mask gives better protection from bright light, but worsens visibility; Accordingly, different degrees of dimming may be optimal for different tasks. Detailed recommendations on this matter can be found in special sources; Here we note a few general points. So, the minimum indicator necessary for safe work with electric welding is 10 DIN ; as a consequence, this is the smallest value of maximum dimming that can be found in modern "chameleons". And most of these masks have higher levels of the greatest dimming — 11 DIN, 12 DIN, or even 13 DIN.

The degree of protection against infrared and ultraviolet radiation provided by the complete mask light filter.

Such protection is relevant primarily when working with electric welding: it is the electric arc that produces a large amount of IR and UV radiation. Exposure to these types of radiation on the skin can cause burns, and ultraviolet light is also harmful to the eyes. The degree of protection in this case is indicated in DIN units, and the larger the number in such a designation, the higher the degree of protection. In this case, 12 DIN is considered the minimum acceptable indicator, however, masks / goggles can be found on the market with higher protection rates — up to 16 DIN inclusive.

From a purely practical point of view, the higher this level of protection, the better; however, this characteristic significantly affects the price, and sometimes also the weight of the mask / goggles. So when choosing, it is worth considering the features of the planned work. For example, it is hardly worth specifically looking for a model for 15 – 16 DIN, if you have to cook rarely and little by little, but for professional use and large volumes of work, this level of protection will be very useful.

The turn-on time of the filter in the chameleon mask (see "Type"), in other words, the time between striking the arc and darkening the filter to the operating level.

From a safety point of view, the turn-on time should be as short as possible: the faster the "chameleon" works, the less bright light from the arc enters the welder's eyes. On the other hand, reducing the reaction time affects the cost of the product. So for relatively small volumes of work, it is quite acceptable to use relatively “slow” masks — for 100 μs or more(especially since even in the simplest models, the reaction time does not exceed 1200 μs, while theoretically the maximum allowable value is 2000 μs). But for more serious use, you should pay attention to more "fast" options; nowadays, you can find masks with response times from 75 to 100 µs, from 50 to 75 µs, and even less than 50 µs.

The range of ambient air temperatures at which the mask is guaranteed to be able to function normally. This parameter is especially important for "chameleons" (see "Functions"), because. the performance of the automatic filter directly depends on external conditions (in particular, at low temperatures, the response time may increase).

The ability to manually select the degree of darkening of the filter in the chameleon mask. This feature is found mainly in professional models; it allows the welder to manually adjust the light transmission for specific conditions. The need to adjust the dimming is due to the fact that for some types of work (for example, TIG welding of ferrous metals), the brightness of the arc is relatively low, and in order to see the weld pool normally, dimming of only 8-9 DIN is enough instead of the usual 12 DIN or more .

— Backlight. Illumination system built right into the mask. This feature is very convenient when working in low light conditions: the backlight does not take up the hands (unlike hand-held flashlights) and does not create problems with wearing a mask (unlike headlamps), while the beam of light is always directed to where the welder's head is turned. On the other hand, such a system requires its own power supply. Therefore, it is used only in "chameleons", while the operation of the backlight additionally consumes battery power.