Lens Shade Selection Guide

GUIDE FOR SHADE NUMBERS
OPERATION ELECTRODE SIZE X/32 in. (mm) ARC CURRENT (AMP) MINIMUM SHADE # SUGGESTED SHADE # (Comfort)1
Shielded metal arc welding
Less than 3 (2.5) Less than 60 7 -
3-5 (2.5–4) 60-160 8 10
5-8 (4–6.4) 160-250 10 12
More than 8 (6.4) 250-550 11 14
Gas metal arc welding and flux cored arc welding
. Less than 60 7 -
. 60-160 10 11
. 160-250 10 12
. 250-500 10 14
Gas tungsten arc welding
. Less than 50 8 10
. 50-150 8 12
. 150-500 10 14
Air carbon arc cutting
(Light) Less than 500 10 12
(Heavy) 500-1000 11 14
Plasma arc welding
. Less than 20 6 6-8
. 20-100 8 10
. 100-400 10 12
. 400-800 11 14
Plasma arc cutting
(Light)2 Less than 300 8 9
(Medium)2 300-400 9 12
(Heavy)2 400-800 10 14
Torch brazing . - - 3 or 4
Torch soldering . - - 2
Carbon arc welding . - - 14
1 As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark, then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. In oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line the visible light of the (spectrum) operation

2 These values apply where the actual arc is clearly seen. Experience has shown that lighter filters may be used when the arc is hidden by the workpiece.

Data from ANSI Z49.1-2005

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Lens Shade Selection Guide

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