3M has launched the Speedglas Welding Helmet QR Series, which swiftly convert many of the industry’s hard hats into auto-darkening welding helmets. Using the 3M™ Speedglas™ Quick Release Rail (QR) System, the new 9100 QR and 100 QR welding helmets clasp onto a hard hat via a releasable ratcheting mechanism. Providing the ability to attach and detach a welding helmet from a hard hat meets the growing demand from welders requiring continuous head protection and the performance of an auto-darkening welding helmet.

“When talking with welders at sites that require hard hats, we found a need for a welding helmet that can be quickly removed from a hard hat to help avoid neck strain when not welding,” said Kim Gates, product marketing manager, 3M Personal Safety Division. “Many welders only weld part-time, but require full-time head protection when working in areas with overhead hazards. With this new quick-release rail system, welders can detach the welding helmet quickly – even with a gloved hand.”

When performing non-welding tasks, users can conveniently detach the welding helmet. Or, they can pivot the helmet to a raised parked position. This parked position creates a low center of gravity, reducing the forces on a welder’s neck. The low profile helps allow the welder to get into smaller or difficult spaces when the helmet is in the raised position.

While the QR rail system is designed to fit many of the industry’s hard hats, 3M recommends using it with the 3M™ Hard Hat H-701R,  as it comfortably integrates with 3M eyewear and earmuff protection.

The 3M™ Speedglas™ Welding Helmet 9100 QR is compatible with the 3M Speedglas Welding Filter Series 9100. The 9100 series welding filters feature outstanding optical performance, variable dark shades 5, 8, 9-13 and arc detection for low amp TIG. As an alternative, the easy-to-use 3M™ Speedglas™ Welding Helmet 100 QR can be an excellent auto-darkening welding helmet for the part-time welder. It features five adjustable dark shades 8-12 and can be used for most arc welding processes.

The 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 QR completes the 3M 9100 series product line, which includes the 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 MP for heavy-industry welders requiring head protection, as well as powered and supplied-air respiratory systems.

3M offers a comprehensive, diverse portfolio of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) solutions providing respiratory protection, hearing protection, fall protection, reflective materials for high-visibility apparel, protective clothing, protective eyewear, head and face protection, welding helmets, and other adjacent products and solutions such as tactical safety equipment, detection, monitoring equipment and protective communications equipment.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.