It boasts a number of key features which set it apart from the competition. First to the Speedglas Adflo welding helmet blower unit itself: The fan unit possesses a brushless motor which means it can run all day every day for several years, outlasting it's competitors. The motor even kicks up when the particulate filter starts to become clogged & an audible alarm sounds when it's time to change the filter.
In the meantime, the blower increases air flow to the helmet from 170 to 200 litres per minute-This can also be activated at the press of a button. Another way to check the blower is running at it's optimum is by dropping on a air flow indicator. If the ball bearing sits above the indicated level, you're good to go.
One landmark change to the Adflo welding helmet was a move away from traditional nickel hydride batteries to lithium batteries. This effectively halved the weight of the battery overnight & improved charging times too. A battery indicator flashes red on the blower unit when it reaches 5%
Adflo's unique filter system:
-The Adflo particle filter is compulsory. Welders requiring respiratory protection need the particle filter to capture metal fumes.
-A Adflo spark arrestor prevents the emission of flammable particles & can be washed.
-Fitting a pre filter prolongs the life of the particulate filter. This is normally changed when it looks like a burnt piece of toast!
-An odour filter removes nasty and unpleasant smells.
-A gas and vapour filter is without competition & protects against specific organic, inorganic, acidic gases and vapours. This sits between the particulate filter & blower unit-it will have a negative impact on your battery life, so it maybe worth upgrading to lithium heavy duty which will offer 50% more life.
The 9100 air head top has some creditable design features and nowhere is this more evident than in the headband technology. It has endless adjustments to ensure your comfort & the air hose even kicks out to the side, allowing you to nod the head back & forth with ease. The head nut & ratchet set is smooth and heavy duty, allowing the Speedglas 9100air(welding) or 9100 FX(welding & grinding) air headtop to be rocked back & forth weld by weld or grind by grind.
Also, the Adflo hose hose is length adjusting meaning you're not left with slack hose sat on you're back.
So what about the legendary Speedglas 9100 lens technology, there are numerous shade variations according to your applications are here's a taster;
-Shade 5 for plasma cutting & oxy/fuel welding, Shade 8; heavy duty plasma cutting above 45 amps, Shade 9: light duty TIG welding & car body repair, Shade 13: iron powder stick & flux cored MIG welding.
Finally, don't forget that it is a Health & Safety requirement to perform regular checks on your Speedglas Adflo.