In the fast-paced world of welding, safety is non-negotiable, especially when dealing with the intense power of laser welding. As industries increasingly turn to laser technology for its unmatched accuracy and efficiency, the need for advanced protective gear has never been greater.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Laservision to deliver a solution that sets new standards for safety in the field. We’re here to give you an inside look at how this collaboration is shaping the future of welding protection, ensuring professionals have the tools they need to work confidently in high-risk environments.
Handheld laser welding is an advanced technique that uses a focused laser beam to join metal materials with high precision. Operating within a wavelength range of 1000-1100 nm, the beam’s stability ensures consistently high-quality welds. This method minimizes heat-affected zones, preventing material deformation and maintaining both the integrity and appearance of the weld.
Handheld laser welding offers significant advantages over traditional methods. It simplifies the process by reducing setup time and delivers clean, precise welds with minimal distortion. The ability to control heat application further preserves the metal’s structural integrity. Additionally, laser technology extends beyond welding, excelling in applications such as cutting, marking, cleaning, and more—each providing exceptional results across multiple industries.
Laser welding presents significant safety risks, making strict protective measures essential. Only trained personnel should operate laser welding equipment, as proper training ensures awareness of potential hazards and the ability to respond effectively in case of emergencies. To enhance safety, laser welding should be performed in controlled environments, such as protected welding cells that contain laser light. These cells should be equipped with monitoring systems and laser protection windows to prevent accidental exposure to harmful beams.
Additional safety measures include internal monitoring systems that track the laser’s activity, contact monitoring to ensure proper equipment connection, and access control mechanisms to restrict unauthorized personnel from entering the welding area. Visible warning signals and protective covers further enhance operational safety by alerting nearby workers to active welding processes and shielding them from potential exposure. Together, these protective measures create a safer work environment, mitigating the risks associated with laser welding.
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is vital for ensuring safety during handheld laser welding. Eye protection is crucial, as exposure to laser light can cause serious and irreversible damage to the eyes, including retinal burns and corneal injuries. High-quality laser goggles, combined with a full-face shield, provide essential defense against both direct exposure and harmful reflections.
Face protection is equally important in shielding against the intense light and heat produced during welding. A full-face shield serves as a barrier to prevent burns and facial injuries from radiant energy and molten materials. Additionally, welding processes release fine particles and fumes, which can be hazardous if inhaled. Welders should use respiratory protection, such as masks, to filter out harmful particulates and ensure respiratory safety.
Lastly, protective clothing—including heat-resistant gloves and full-coverage attire—protects against burns and injuries caused by contact with hot surfaces or molten metal. By wearing these essential protective items, welders can mitigate the risks associated with laser welding and ensure a safe working environment.
To address the challenges of laser welding safety, Optrel partnered with Laservision, a global leader in laser protection. This collaboration led to the development of the Panoramaxx Laser Series—helmets that combine Optrel’s innovative design with Laservision’s cutting-edge laser protection technology.
These helmets feature advanced components, including a patent-pending inner frame and specialized filters, providing superior protection and comfort for professionals working with lasers. The Panoramaxx Laser Series is built for those who demand both safety and performance.
The Panoramaxx Laser Series sets a new standard in welding protection, offering a comprehensive range suited for both arc and laser welding. Each model is designed with advanced features to provide optimum protection, comfort, and performance. We’re going to take a closer look at the helmets and each of their specifications.
The Panoramaxx Hybrid CLT is the most versatile helmet in the series, designed to handle all types of welding, including the precision demands of TIG and handheld laser welding. The key feature of this helmet is the Crystal Lens Technology (CLT), which enhances visibility and ensures welders have a clear, unobstructed view of their work. With an open state of 2.5, the CLT allows for exceptional clarity when the helmet is not in use, minimizing eye strain and enabling better precision in setup.
ShadeTronic technology automatically adjusts the helmet’s protection between shades 4 and 12, ensuring seamless transitions during different welding processes. This automatic adjustment adapts to fluctuating light intensities, so the welder doesn’t have to manually adjust the shade—ideal for dynamic and multi-phase welding tasks.
For more specialized needs, the helmet offers manual adjustment ranging from shades 3 to 8. This allows welders to adapt to various light conditions, ensuring maximum clarity in every task.
For welders looking for a balance between cost-efficiency and performance, the Panoramaxx Hybrid delivers versatility across multiple welding processes, including laser welding. The 2.5 optics offer an open state of 3, ensuring good visibility when not actively welding, while the ShadeTronic system provides automatic adjustment between shades 5 and 13, covering a wider range of protection levels than any other helmet.
For professionals focused exclusively on laser welding, the Panoramaxx L is specifically engineered to meet the high demands of this process. Unlike the Hybrid models, the Panoramaxx L features a passive helmet design with a fixed shade level of 2, offering continuous protection from laser light without the need for shade adjustment.
This helmet is ideal for consistent laser welding tasks that require steady, reliable protection. With its streamlined focus on laser safety, the Panoramaxx L is a cost-effective solution for specialized laser welding needs.
All helmets in the Panoramaxx Laser Series are equipped with a unique inner frame designed by Laservision, offering protection akin to laser goggles. This patent-pending plastic inner frame is lightweight, yet highly effective at preventing the penetration and reflection of laser beams. Unlike competitors that use metal frames, the plastic frame provides a lighter, more comfortable experience for the welder without sacrificing safety.
Another standout feature is the wide field of vision offered by all Panoramaxx helmets. The series’ nose cut-out design allows for a nearly unobstructed view of the work area, making it easier for welders to maintain precision and control. The large field of vision, combined with the close fit of the inner frame, ensures full protection from harmful laser reflections while maximizing visibility.
Each model in the Panoramaxx series also incorporates a true color view. Without the yellow hue affecting your field of vision, you can see clearly during welding and non-welding phases. The true color view reduces eye strain, increases precision, and improves overall work experience.
Finally, the compatibility with Swiss Air and SuppliedAir gives welders the option to integrate the highest standard in respiratory protection. Whether working in a shop or an industrial setting, these helmets ensure safety from both visual hazards and airborne contaminants.
The partnership between Optrel and Laservision has set a new benchmark in welding safety. With the Panoramaxx Laser Series, professionals are equipped with cutting-edge protective gear designed to keep them safe in the most demanding environments. This collaboration is just the beginning—both Optrel and Laservision are committed to continuously innovating, ensuring that the future of welding safety continues to evolve.
Stay tuned for more advancements as together, we redefine what’s possible.
