Weld pool illumination - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zeyneb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2021, 06:30:46 pm
content: Hi there,I hope this topic is considered acceptable for the Thermal Imaging forum section. I’m quite sure people who hang out here will have thoughts about what I’m going to show.I like to do TIG welding. I purchased this welding hood.It is a TywelMaster brand from the Aliexpress store: TywelMaster Official Store. Link:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32849261699.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dgM8sc9The inside looks like this:I noticed I can improve my welding with better visibility. I’ve already covered the top and rear side with a cotton shirt and some Velcro to prevent workshop light shining on the inside of the welding hood. That was a big improvement. Now I would like to look for ways to illuminate the weld pool with a modification on the welding hood. I’ve seen a few YouTube videos on this topic. Some people suggested illuminating from the chin area on the welding hood which sound like a good idea to me.LEDs are the way to go right? I would like to go a step beyond cheap LED headlamps. And buy individual LEDs for this application. The design and mounting I can figure out myself, but what would be good LEDs for weld pool illumination seen through an auto-darkening welding hood? Obviously the color rendering is compromised by the welding hood lens. But that doesn’t mean that LEDs with high CRI are wasted right? Further considering the specifications like viewing angle, lumens and color temperature what would be important for this application? Maybe I can also position 5 or so LEDs in a concave pattern but I don’t know if that would be good illumination.Regards, Zeyneb

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 06, 2021, 07:04:41 pm
content: I don't think you'll get anywhere near the intensity you need for it to make any difference.What's the situation you're trying to solve? The arc itself when TIG welding should be all you need to see what you're doing.

author: Zeyneb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2021, 08:12:08 pm
content: When the fluorescent light above the table is lit I can already see more around the weld pool compared to when the light is off. So illumination does help.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2021, 10:06:33 pm
content: Zeyneb,I have no objections to your post but I think you would get more responses if you place it in an area of the forum that covers projects and general technical discussion. LED illumination in the visible spectrum is a long way from thermal imaging.

author: lwatts666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 07, 2021, 05:07:50 am
content: Try using a pyrex cup on your torch. They give better illumination of the weld pool and surrounds. Downside is they are more fragile than the pink ceramic cups.Get an adapter kit to suit your torch. For example, see:You should be able to find something similar at your local welding supply house.

author: BrokenYugo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2021, 06:37:35 am
content: Trouble seeing the puddle is often a matter of the helmet being set too dark. Note that all UV/IR protection is provided by the clear part, the shade should be tweaked for comfortable viewing of the arc and puddle.That said extra light can help, but I don't think LEDs on the hood are going to be an adequate solution, you need a lot of light to compete with that arc. A cheap 500W halogen work light (~9000 lumen) may be a better option, if that's too bright swap in a 300 watt bulb.