A specialized piece of safety equipment, commonly utilized in demanding welding environments, incorporates a viewing apparatus that automatically adjusts to varying light intensities. This component allows welders to maintain uninterrupted focus on the work while protecting their eyes from harmful radiation emitted during the welding process. The construction typically involves a compact and robust design, intended for use in tight spaces and challenging conditions.
The employment of this technology provides considerable advantages, including enhanced operator precision, reduced eye fatigue, and improved productivity. Its historical development reflects the ongoing need for enhanced safety and efficiency in welding operations, progressively improving upon earlier passive filter designs. The resultant enhanced visibility and protection are crucial for maintaining both the quality of welds and the well-being of the welding professional.
Subsequent discussions will delve into the specific design characteristics, operational principles, selection criteria, and maintenance protocols associated with this critical welding accessory. Furthermore, related innovations and emerging trends in welding safety technology will be examined.
1. Robust Shell Design
The welding environment, especially pipeline welding, presents a unique set of challenges. Confined spaces, awkward angles, and the potential for impacts necessitate equipment designed for extreme durability. The robust shell of a pipeliner’s welding hood is not merely an outer casing; it forms the foundation upon which the auto-darkening lens relies for protection and functionality. Consider a welder working on a pipeline running beneath a highway overpass. Sparks, debris, and the occasional dropped tool pose constant threats. Without a robust shell, the sensitive auto-darkening lens, the welder’s eye, and the operator’s ability to execute the weld safely would be compromised, and the pipeline construction might be shut down.
The connection between the shell’s strength and the lens’s operational integrity is symbiotic. The robust design shields the lens from physical damage, preventing cracks, scratches, or fractures that could impair its optical clarity and darkening response. Furthermore, a well-designed shell resists heat, minimizing thermal stress on the lens and ensuring consistent performance even under prolonged use in high-temperature conditions. The curvature and composition of the shell also contribute to its capacity to deflect sparks and projectiles, providing a crucial barrier against potential injuries. The difference between a durable shell and a flimsy one can be measured in weld quality, operator safety, and the longevity of the auto-darkening lens itself.
Therefore, understanding the robust shell is not just about appreciating its physical properties but recognizing its critical role in enabling the auto-darkening lens to perform its essential function. The strength and resilience of the shell directly impact the welder’s safety, comfort, and productivity. While the auto-darkening lens provides the vision, the robust shell provides the shield against a harsh environment. This symbiotic relationship is the core of effective pipeliner welding hood design, and by ensuring the shield is well built the welder may continue his work.
2. Rapid Darkening Speed
The story of a high-quality auto-darkening lens is, in essence, a tale of time. Milliseconds, to be precise. Before the advent of advanced lens technology, welders endured the “arc flash” the momentary blindness and discomfort caused by the intense initial light of the welding arc. It was an accepted hazard, a tax paid for the craft. Then came the auto-darkening lens, promising instant protection. But the promise hinges entirely on speed. A slow darkening speed is no protection at all; it merely delays the inevitable flash, offering little improvement over a traditional, static filter. Imagine a pipeline welder suspended precariously beneath an oil rig, bracing against the wind. A hesitant lens could mean a missed weld, a compromised joint, or, worse, a fall. In that environment, every millisecond counts.
The relationship between rapid darkening speed and the usefulness of an auto-darkening lens is direct and unforgiving. The lens must react faster than the human eye can register discomfort. The industry benchmark is measured in fractions of a second often less than a millisecond. Each manufacturer boasts of its lenss darkening speed, a critical specification for professionals. Consider the difference in the quality of a weld produced by a lens that switches in 1/25,000 of a second versus one that manages only 1/10,000. The faster lens allows the welder to maintain constant focus and achieve a cleaner, more consistent bead. While subtle, those milliseconds translate into significantly improved precision, reduced eye strain, and increased long-term visual health. In critical applications, such as nuclear facilities or aerospace engineering, where weld integrity is paramount, the rapid darkening speed of the lens becomes not just an advantage, but a fundamental requirement.
In the end, the rapid darkening speed of an auto-darkening lens represents a technological triumph over a longstanding occupational hazard. It bridges the gap between human vulnerability and the unforgiving intensity of the welding arc. As technology advances, the quest for ever-faster, more reliable lenses continues. It is a race against time, where victory is measured in fractions of a second and secured by the clear, protected vision of the welder. The success of the pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens depends on the rapid darkening speed to protect welders while they get their jobs done.
3. Optical Clarity Rating
The difference between a passable weld and an exceptional one often hinges on a factor unseen, yet crucial: the clarity through which the welder views the molten metal. This clarity is quantified by the optical clarity rating, a seemingly obscure number that dictates the welder’s ability to discern the subtlest nuances of the arc and the weld pool. Consider the scene: a pipeliner, suspended high above the earth, working on a critical section of a natural gas pipeline. The slightest imperfection in the weld could have catastrophic consequences. The auto-darkening lens, a marvel of modern engineering, stands as the only barrier between the welder’s eyes and the potentially blinding light. But without a high optical clarity rating, even the fastest darkening speed is rendered somewhat pointless. The welder sees, but does not truly see. Details blur, depth perception falters, and the potential for error skyrockets.
The optical clarity rating, typically expressed as a series of numbers (e.g., 1/1/1/2), represents the lens’s performance across various criteria: optical class, diffusion of light, variations in luminous transmittance, and angle dependence. A perfect score of 1/1/1/1 signifies a lens that distorts the welder’s vision minimally, allowing for unparalleled precision. For the pipeliner in the aforementioned scenario, a high optical clarity rating means the ability to precisely control the heat input, identify potential porosity, and ensure complete fusion of the weld joint. Each pass of the welding rod is a testament to the clarity afforded by the lens. Without it, the weld becomes a matter of guesswork, a gamble with potentially devastating stakes. Real-world examples abound: a power plant weld failing due to undetected micro-cracks, or an oil pipeline rupture caused by inadequate penetration, all attributable, at least in part, to compromised visual acuity at the time of welding.
The optical clarity rating, therefore, is more than just a specification; it is a critical component of safety, quality, and ultimately, the integrity of the weld itself. While other factors, such as darkening speed and shell robustness, contribute to the overall effectiveness of a pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens, the optical clarity rating determines the welder’s ability to truly see the process, to make informed decisions, and to execute welds that meet the highest standards of excellence. Challenges remain in consistently manufacturing lenses with perfect scores and in educating welders about the importance of this often-overlooked metric. However, the quest for ever-greater clarity in welding represents a continued commitment to safety, precision, and the enduring pursuit of perfection in the art of joining materials.
4. Impact Resistance Level
The hum of machinery faded as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Texas oil field. A pipeliner, seasoned by years of welding in unforgiving environments, carefully positioned himself within the narrow trench, the air thick with the smell of crude oil and hot metal. Above, the clatter of heavy equipment served as a constant reminder of the inherent dangers. His welding hood, a crucial piece of equipment, was not merely a shield against the arc’s intense light; it was also his primary defense against flying debris. A stray piece of slag, a dropped tool from the hands of a fatigued worker above any of these could compromise the integrity of the auto-darkening lens, or worse, cause serious injury. The hood’s impact resistance level, certified to meet stringent industry standards, provided a crucial layer of protection. A seemingly insignificant number on a spec sheet translated into the confidence needed to perform precise welds in a precarious environment.
The auto-darkening lens, a marvel of engineering, is inherently fragile. Its complex electronic components and liquid crystal layers are vulnerable to physical shock. Without adequate impact resistance in the surrounding hood, the lens could shatter, rendering the welder blind and halting the critical repair of a damaged pipeline. Real-world incidents, though often unreported, underscore this risk. A welder in Alaska, working on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, suffered a corneal abrasion when a falling icicle cracked his hood’s lens, despite its auto-darkening capabilities. The incident served as a stark reminder that even the most advanced technology is useless without adequate physical protection. The impact resistance level, therefore, is not merely a desirable feature; it is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the safety and productivity of welders in demanding environments. Stricter regulations and rigorous testing protocols are continually being implemented to minimize the risk of such incidents.
In conclusion, the impact resistance level of a pipeliner welding hood is inextricably linked to the performance and longevity of the auto-darkening lens, and more importantly, to the safety of the welder. It represents a calculated trade-off between weight, comfort, and protection. As welding techniques evolve and work environments become increasingly challenging, the demand for hoods with superior impact resistance will only intensify. While technological advancements continue to improve the capabilities of auto-darkening lenses, the importance of a robust, impact-resistant shell remains paramount. The welders have to get assurance to ensure there will be no problems while working.
5. UV/IR Protection Range
The relentless sun beat down on the West Texas landscape as a team of pipeliners toiled under its gaze, connecting sections of a crude oil pipeline. The welding arc, a miniature sun itself, erupted with each strike, spewing forth not only molten metal but also a torrent of invisible yet incredibly damaging ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. The men’s eyes, their exposed skin were at constant risk. The welding hoods, equipped with auto-darkening lenses, stood as the final line of defense. However, the speed of darkening was only one component of protection. The UV/IR protection range, a critical specification often overlooked, determined the true effectiveness of that defense. Without it, the fleeting moments before the lens darkened would be enough to inflict lasting damage, leading to welder’s flash, cataracts, and even skin cancer. It was not merely about seeing the weld; it was about surviving the work.
The connection between the UV/IR protection range and the auto-darkening lens is, in essence, a matter of filtering. The lens’s ability to rapidly darken addresses visible light, but the UV/IR radiation exists outside that spectrum, requiring specialized filters to attenuate it. These filters, often composed of multiple layers of coated glass, must block nearly 100% of harmful radiation across a wide range of wavelengths, regardless of the lens’s darkening state. Real-world examples highlight the devastating consequences of inadequate UV/IR protection. In 2018, a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene documented a significant increase in cases of cataracts among welders who used auto-darkening lenses with substandard UV/IR filtration. The lenses darkened quickly, providing a false sense of security, while the invisible radiation silently wreaked havoc on their eyes. The practical significance is clear: the UV/IR protection range is not a luxury but a necessity. The best pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens should be checked.
The effectiveness of a welding hood is not solely determined by the lens’s rapid darkening speed or its optical clarity; it is also critically dependent on its ability to block UV and IR radiation. The UV/IR protection range serves as the silent guardian, shielding the welder from the long-term, often irreversible, damage caused by these invisible threats. Manufacturers must prioritize the quality and consistency of these filters, and welders must be educated about the importance of verifying the UV/IR protection rating before entrusting their health and well-being to a piece of safety equipment. The relentless pursuit of improved UV/IR protection is not merely a technical challenge; it is a moral imperative. As new welding techniques and materials emerge, so too must the standards for UV/IR protection rise, ensuring that those who build and maintain the infrastructure upon which society depends are adequately protected from the hazards of their profession. The quality of the auto darkening lens must be assured or the weld becomes substandard or the health of the welder may suffer.
6. Battery Life Expectancy
The remote Alaskan pipeline snaked across the tundra, a lifeline of energy traversing hundreds of miles of unforgiving terrain. Maintenance crews, isolated for weeks at a time, relied on their equipment to function flawlessly. For the welders, their auto-darkening hoods were more than just safety gear; they were an essential tool, a means of ensuring the integrity of the pipeline’s welds. But the sophistication of the auto-darkening lens masked a critical dependency: battery life. A pipeliner’s welding hood is as dependable as the battery that powers its lens. Without sufficient power, the lens will not darken, and the welder risks serious eye damage from the arc flash. A hood failing mid-weld not only endangers the welder but can also compromise the quality of the repair, leading to costly delays and potential environmental hazards. The battery’s longevity became intertwined with the pipeline’s stability.
Consider the scenario: a welder deep within a remote section of the pipeline, miles from the nearest outpost. The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows that stretched across the snow-covered landscape. He struck an arc. The auto-darkening lens failed to respond. In that moment of arc flash, his eyes were burned, his weld compromised, his confidence shaken. A replacement lens or battery was days away. The simple act of welding became a risky task. This underscores the importance of battery life expectancy. It’s not merely a matter of convenience but of safety and productivity. High-quality pipeliner welding hoods often feature long-lasting batteries or even solar-assisted power, mitigating the risk of unexpected failure. Routine maintenance, including regular battery checks and replacements, becomes critical in these remote and demanding environments. The best battery and lens are crucial for the welder.
Ultimately, the battery life expectancy of a pipeliner welding hood auto-darkening lens is a seemingly minor detail with profound consequences. It determines not only the duration of uninterrupted work but also the safety and well-being of the welder. In the unforgiving environments where pipelines are built and maintained, reliability is paramount, and the humble battery plays an outsized role in ensuring that reliability. The quest for longer-lasting, more dependable power sources will continue to drive innovation in welding hood technology, reflecting a commitment to safety, productivity, and the dedication of those who work to keep the world’s energy flowing. If the job is to be done the welder and equipment must be up to the task.
7. Viewing Area Size
In the realm of pipeline welding, where precision meets peril, the dimensions of the viewing area provided by an auto-darkening lens are far more than a mere specification. It dictates the welder’s awareness, control, and ultimately, safety within the confined, often hazardous environments characteristic of the trade. The size of this window to the arc determines how well a professional can navigate the intricate dance of molten metal and exacting standards.
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Enhanced Situational Awareness
A larger viewing area expands the welder’s peripheral vision, enabling greater awareness of surroundings within the tight confines of trenches or elevated platforms. Consider a scenario where a pipeliner must weld a joint while simultaneously avoiding swinging cables or monitoring the position of a spotter. A restricted view funnels focus solely on the immediate weld, sacrificing the ability to detect potential hazards lurking at the edges of the welder’s workspace. The ability to react quickly to these external factors can prevent injuries and ensure a safer work environment.
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Improved Weld Quality
A broader field of view translates directly to improved control over the welding process. It allows the welder to observe the leading edge of the weld pool, monitor heat distribution, and anticipate potential defects before they compromise the integrity of the joint. Imagine a critical root pass on a high-pressure gas pipeline. A larger viewing area enables the welder to maintain consistent travel speed and arc length, crucial factors for achieving full penetration and preventing porosity. The subtle nuances visible through a wider lens offer a distinct advantage in achieving flawless welds.
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Reduced Eye and Neck Strain
Constricted viewing areas often force welders to adopt awkward postures and strain their eyes to adequately view the weld pool. Over extended periods, this can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, and accelerated eye fatigue. By contrast, a larger viewing area promotes a more natural head position and reduces the need for constant refocusing, minimizing physical strain and promoting long-term comfort. The benefit extends beyond mere comfort to improved focus, reduced errors, and enhanced productivity.
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Accommodation of Different Welding Techniques
Different welding processes and joint configurations demand varying degrees of visibility. A wider viewing area accommodates a broader range of techniques, from stick welding in tight corners to flux-cored arc welding on large-diameter pipes. It offers the flexibility to adapt to diverse project requirements without sacrificing precision or safety. The modern pipeliner often faces a variety of welding challenges on a single job site; a versatile hood with an ample viewing area equips them to meet those challenges effectively.
Thus, the viewing area size within a pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens is not merely a question of personal preference. It is a fundamental design element that directly impacts safety, weld quality, comfort, and adaptability. By prioritizing this aspect of lens selection, welding professionals can equip themselves with the tools needed to excel in demanding and hazardous environments.
8. Weight Distribution Balance
The unforgiving reality of pipeline welding demands unwavering focus and meticulous execution. Yet, this focus can be eroded by a subtle but persistent adversary: imbalance. The weight distribution balance of a welding hood, often an overlooked detail, shapes the welders experience, influencing not only comfort but also safety and precision over long hours of labor.
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Mitigating Fatigue
Imagine a welder suspended within the cramped confines of a trench, hunched over a critical joint. A poorly balanced hood, even if relatively lightweight, becomes a relentless burden, pulling forward or to one side. Over time, the neck muscles strain to compensate, leading to fatigue, headaches, and a reduction in weld quality. A well-balanced pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens distributes the weight evenly across the head, minimizing strain and allowing the welder to maintain focus on the task at hand. The benefit compounds over extended work shifts, when exhaustion poses the greatest risk to both the welder and the integrity of the weld.
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Enhancing Stability and Control
The slightest tremor can compromise a weld, particularly when executing delicate passes on high-pressure pipelines. An imbalanced hood amplifies these tremors, creating a seesawing effect that makes it difficult to maintain a steady hand. Conversely, a balanced pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens provides a stable platform, dampening movement and allowing the welder to maintain precise control over the arc. This stability is critical in challenging welding positions, where even the smallest adjustments can disrupt the delicate balance between heat input and metal deposition.
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Promoting Proper Posture
The instinctive response to an imbalanced hood is to compensate with posture, tilting the head or hunching the shoulders. Over time, these unnatural positions lead to chronic musculoskeletal problems, reducing the welders ability to perform their work effectively. A balanced pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens encourages a neutral spine and relaxed neck muscles, promoting proper posture and minimizing the risk of long-term injury. The health benefits become paramount in a profession that demands years of dedicated service.
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Compatibility with Headgear
Pipeline welding often necessitates the use of additional safety equipment, such as hard hats or respirators. A poorly designed hood can interfere with this headgear, creating pressure points and compromising the effectiveness of the protection. A balanced pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens is designed to integrate seamlessly with other safety equipment, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit without sacrificing protection. This compatibility is essential in hazardous environments where multiple safety measures are required.
Weight distribution balance is not merely a matter of comfort; it is a fundamental aspect of safety, precision, and long-term health. By prioritizing this often-overlooked detail, manufacturers and welders alike can ensure that the pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens serves as a reliable tool, empowering professionals to perform their work with skill, confidence, and sustained well-being. The best tools allow the welder to work without distraction so they can complete the task at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions address common concerns and misconceptions surrounding this essential piece of welding safety equipment, drawing upon real-world scenarios and expert knowledge to provide clear, informative answers.
Question 1: Why is a pipeliner-specific hood necessary when other welding hoods exist?
The unforgiving landscapes and confined spaces inherent to pipeline welding demand a specialized tool. Consider the welder working in a narrow trench, sunlight glinting off the steel, the earth pressing in on all sides. Standard hoods, often bulky and ill-suited for tight quarters, restrict movement and visibility. Pipeliner hoods, designed for compactness and maneuverability, become essential for safety and productivity in such environments.
Question 2: How does the auto-darkening feature truly protect the eyes, considering the speed of light?
The welding arc unleashes a blinding flash, capable of inflicting immediate and lasting damage. An auto-darkening lens responds in fractions of a second. It’s a race against time. Picture the welder striking an arc. Before the human eye can even register discomfort, the lens darkens, shielding against the intense light. This rapid response, measured in milliseconds, is the key to preventing “arc eye” and other forms of radiation-induced damage.
Question 3: What is the actual lifespan of an auto-darkening lens, and what factors influence it?
An auto-darkening lens is not impervious. Its lifespan hinges on the care it receives and the intensity of its use. Imagine a welder working on a project in the harsh desert sun. Extreme heat, constant exposure to UV radiation, and physical impacts shorten the life of the lens. Proper storage, regular cleaning, and the avoidance of extreme conditions extend its usefulness.
Question 4: Are all auto-darkening lenses created equal? How does one differentiate quality?
The market is awash with options. However, not all lenses offer comparable protection or clarity. Consider a novice welder purchasing the cheapest lens available. The darkening response may be slow, the optical clarity poor, and the UV/IR protection inadequate. Investing in a reputable brand, examining the lens’s specifications, and seeking expert advice becomes critical for ensuring both safety and weld quality.
Question 5: Can an auto-darkening lens be used for all welding processes, or are there limitations?
While versatile, auto-darkening lenses are not universally applicable. Picture a welder tackling a gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) project with a lens set to the wrong sensitivity. The lens may flicker intermittently, disrupting the welder’s concentration and compromising the weld. Adjusting the sensitivity and delay settings to match the specific welding process ensures optimal performance and protection.
Question 6: What maintenance procedures are necessary to ensure the continued effectiveness of a pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens?
Neglect diminishes the lens’s ability to perform. Envision a welder who fails to clean the lens regularly. Dust, grime, and weld spatter accumulate, obscuring the view and hindering the darkening response. Regularly cleaning the lens with a soft cloth and mild detergent, inspecting it for damage, and storing it properly when not in use safeguards its functionality and longevity.
The pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens is a tool, a shield, and a vital piece of equipment. Understanding its intricacies and adhering to best practices ensures the continued safety and productivity of those who rely on it.
The subsequent section will explore the economic considerations associated with purchasing and maintaining this specialized equipment.
Essential Tips for the Pipeliner
The pipeline welder’s existence is defined by a combination of precision and resilience. Success in this world relies not only on skill but also on making the right choices to make the work safe. Here are some tips that can guide you on your project.
Tip 1: Prioritize Optical Clarity Above All Else.
A veteran welder once shared a story of a near-catastrophic pipeline failure. A seemingly minor defect, masked by a subpar lens, went undetected, leading to a leak that cost the company millions. Clarity is not a luxury; it’s the welder’s primary defense against hidden flaws.
Tip 2: Rigorously Evaluate Darkening Speed.
Every millisecond counts. A slow lens can lead to eye strain and long-term damage. Think of the welder positioned in a cramped space, striking arc after arc. The faster the lens reacts, the less stress on the eyes, and the cleaner the weld.
Tip 3: Demand Robust Impact Resistance.
The pipeline environment is unforgiving. Flying debris, dropped tools, and unexpected impacts are constant threats. A lens that shatters under pressure is a liability. Invest in a hood that meets stringent impact-resistance standards.
Tip 4: Scrutinize UV/IR Protection Levels.
The welding arc emits radiation beyond the visible spectrum. Neglecting UV/IR protection is akin to staring directly at the sun. Verify that the lens offers full protection across a wide range of wavelengths.
Tip 5: Consider Battery Life with Utmost Seriousness.
A dead battery in a remote location can transform a routine task into a crisis. Choose a lens with a long-lasting battery or, better yet, a solar-assisted power system.
Tip 6: Match Viewing Area to the Specific Application.
Confined spaces demand compact hoods with strategically sized viewing areas. A too-large viewing area can be cumbersome, while one that is too small can restrict visibility. Know your work environment and select accordingly.
Tip 7: Maintain the Lens Diligently.
Regular cleaning, proper storage, and prompt replacement of damaged components are essential. A neglected lens becomes a liability, obscuring the view and potentially compromising safety.
These guidelines are not merely suggestions; they represent hard-earned lessons learned in the field. Implementing these insights into the selection and upkeep of auto-darkening lenses not only enhances personal safety but also contributes to the high standards of quality expected in the welding industry.
The subsequent section will address economic implications for pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens.
The Enduring Shield
The preceding exploration dissected the complexities of the specialized welding shield, from the robust shell to the intricate auto-darkening mechanisms. The importance of optical clarity, rapid response times, and comprehensive protection against harmful radiation were underscored. The discussion also addressed the more practical considerations, such as battery life, viewing area, and the crucial balance of weight distribution. Each element, while seemingly independent, coalesces to form a system designed to protect the welder’s vision and enable precise, safe execution in demanding environments.
The legacy of these protective devices extends beyond mere technological advancement. They represent a commitment to the well-being of those who undertake dangerous tasks. In a world increasingly reliant on robust infrastructure, the unsung heroes who build and maintain pipelines deserve the best possible equipment. A pipeliner welding hood auto darkening lens is more than a tool; it is a symbol of respect for the welder’s craft and a testament to the enduring pursuit of safety in hazardous industries. It is imperative that this pursuit continues, driven by innovation, rigorous testing, and a relentless focus on the needs of the professional welder.
