T. LOUIS, Feb. 22, 2012-The new Tweco® WeldSkill® 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 oz., uses solar power to eliminate the need to change batteries and offers all these features for an MSRP of $129.

When switching from light-to-dark, this WeldSkill helmet darkens in 33 microseconds, or 1/30,000th of a second, one of the fastest reaction times available (by way of comparison, a human eye blink takes 3/10th to 4/10th 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.

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. 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 WeldSkill helmet offers an unmatched combination of safety, performance and value,” says Indy Datta, Product Line Management. “It was built to withstand the rigors of daily fab shop use, but with an MSRP of $129, DIY welders can also enjoy professional-grade functions that make welding easier”.

Backed by Tweco support, quality, reliability and a two-year warranty, the new helmet comes in four popular styles: Carbon Fiber, Patriot Eagle, Chopper Rider or Skull & Fire.

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.

Thermadyne is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. Thermadyne is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of metal cutting and welding products and accessories under a variety of premium brand names including Victor®, Tweco®, Arcair®, Thermal Dynamics®, Thermal Arc®, Stoody®, TurboTorch®, Firepower® and CIGWELD®. For more information about Thermadyne, its products and services, visit the company’s website at www.thermadyne.com