Just a perfect weld…
March 1st 2008

The latest Speedglas welding shield from 3M is set to steal the show at MACH 2008

Diversified technology company, 3M, is preparing to unveil the latest product in its range of Speedglas welding shields. The launch will take place at MACH 2008 held at the NEC, Birmingham, 21-25 April and is set to be one of the exhibition's key attractions.

The new Speedglas 9100 welding shield and auto-darkening filter series is built using world-class Swedish technology.

The new shield series - only the fourth in 27 years - replaces the Speedglas 9000 series shield, becoming the new product 'platform' for premium personal protective equipment (PPE) for welders.

Keith Washbrook, 3M's Sales Manager said: "3M's range of Speedglas shields is widely recognised as one of the best. This sheild is an innovative new product offering for this market and reaffirms 3M's commitment to the welding industry." Keith continues: "3M's design team has created the ideal shield for the professional welder - a shield with excellent protection, comfort and performance. The revolutionary new design approach fundamentally changes how the user wears the shield, providing improved fit, stability and balance."

Innovative design features The new shield has been designed to address protection, comfort and performance. The innovative head suspension system is all about wearer comfort and is one of the key features of the shield. Wearer comfort is increased because the shield's pivot point is located just above the welder's ears. This fully exploits the shield's centre of gravity, keeping the shield closer to the user's head in both the up and down positions making it feel lighter, more stable and balanced at all times. In essence, the shield's 'lever effect' is shortened, so strain on the user's neck is greatly reduced.

To reduce pressure on vulnerable nerves and arteries found along the forehead, the front of the headband self-adjusts to match the welder's head.

Pressure is evenly distributed between pads, which create an exact fit to the forehead, so users do not need to tighten the headband as much as on conventional models to achieve a secure fit. In addition, the head suspension system has been designed to prevent pressure on sensitive acupressure points above the ear, and on the top and back of the head. Two straps replace the traditional single, top of the head strap and are better spaced to cradle the head providing a more secure and comfortable fit, which evenly distributes the shield's weight.

Auto-darkening filters for comfort The Speedglas 9100 auto-darkening welding filters provide uniform shading and minimal distortion across the entire viewing area. There are seven dark shade settings to choose from: shade 5 (for gas welding/cutting), shade 8 (for microplasma and low-amp TIG welding) and 9 - 13 for most arc welding processes. The series includes three new auto-darkening filter (ADF) models that are differentiated by size - normal, large and extra-large. The 9100XX Filter model is 30% larger than any other Speedglas welding filter.

3M at MACH 2008 3M will have a significant presence at MACH 2008. As well as showcasing the new welding helmet the company will be demonstrating its vast range of abrasive products and new air-powered abrasive tool line.

Join 3M on Stand number 4578, Hall 4 at MACH 08 to see the innovative Speedglas 9100 welding shield and autodarkening filter series. Every day one of these pioneering welding shields will be given away. Bring the card from the front of this publication to the stand for your chance to win.

Features and benefits of the Speedglas 9100 welding shield

Designed for protection, comfort and performance.

? Innovative head suspension system for wearer comfort incorporates: – Closer fit – Lighter feel – Reduced pressure on nerves and arteries in forehead – Reduced pressure on acupressure points in the head – High level of adjustability ? Good coverage of the head ? Improved breathability feature ? Speedglas SideWindows lenses for increased peripheral vision ? Tilt of the shield can be adjusted for preferred viewing angle ? Auto-darkening welding filters provide uniform shading and minimal distortion ? Patented comfort mode for tack welding helps to reduce eye fatigue.

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