Not all welding projects are alike, and choosing the correct welding
jacket for your specific application requires taking a number of other
factors into account. One may be tempted to purchase solely on cost but as we
all have experienced, you end up getting what you pay for in the end.
One of the first factors that should be considered when selecting a jacket
is: “What does the application need?” A welder doing predominantly MIG welding
would have different needs than someone doing TIG welding. You should also
consider product durability, material type, comfort, laundering and disposal
requirements.
Below I’ll discuss the two most common materials used in welding environments
— flame-resistant cotton and leather — and how each fabric performs according to
the factors we mentioned above. Also mentioned is a new material called WeldX™
that combines the benefits of both cotton and leather (see Miller’s video demonstration on WeldX™).
Flame Resistant Cotton Welding
Jackets
Flame resistant (FR) cotton is very popular because it is relatively
inexpensive, lightweight (about 9 ounces per square yard) and breathable. An FR
cotton garment often provides the ideal combination of protection, cost and
operator comfort in applications where sparks and spatter are relatively mild,
ambient heat is of a concern and washability is important.
FR fabrics are treated with a chemical that “off-gasses” when it comes in
contact with flames, molten metal or other intense heat sources. This
off-gassing process deprives the area of the oxygen that would be required to
cause combustion. Although most FR cotton fabrics will not start on fire, they
can be charred when exposed to sparks, spatter and molten metal. This exposure
causes susceptibility to future burn through.
Two elements to consider when purchasing an FR cotton jacket are: 1. the
quality of the cotton fabric and 2. the flame retardant application process. A
higher quality, thicker base cotton will provide improved comfort and durability
over the life of the garment.
Flame retardant processes may vary depending on the manufacturer. High
quality control standards are needed to ensure that chemicals are applied
consistently to garments, resulting in safe, reliable products that protect
workers. The Miller Indura Cloth Jacket, made of Indura® cotton, is treated
domestically in the United States and guarantees the material’s flame resistance
for the life of the garment, regardless of launderings. All other non-Indura®
garments only maintain their flame resistance through a specified number of
launderings.
Also to consider is how the FR chemicals are applied to the jacket. Some
companies use a technique of spraying the FR chemical topically which is cost
effective, but leaves the garment feeling more stiff and scratchy. The other
process is sewing the already FR treated thread into the jacket, making it more
comfortable to wear.
Leather Welding Jackets
Because of its density — roughly 30 ounces per square yard — leather has long
been considered the best protective material for welding applications. The
relative thickness of leather prevents heat from penetrating through the garment
and also provides excellent abrasion and puncture resistance. Leather is the
best option where there is high amperage, high sparks and spatter prevalent.
There are many different types, cuts and grades of leather designed for
welding applications — all of which can impact the product’s quality and cost,
as well as the welder’s comfort and mobility.
The top layer of an animal’s hide is the strongest portion and is referred to
as grain leather. Because of its strength, grain leather can be made much
thinner than the under portions of the hide, which in turn allows it to be
lighter and more comfortable. Grain leather, because of its smoothness, tends to
repel sparks and spatter making them ideal for welding applications. See the Miller Arc Armor Leather Welding Jacket for an example.
Another type of leather used in welding jackets is called split leather and
is made from the under portions of the hide. Split leather has more of a suede
look and feel. While less expensive, this type of leather is also heavier,
thicker, and more susceptible to catch sparks and spatter and absorb dirt/oil.
Leather is the heaviest and most insulating material available. A typical,
full leather welding jacket can weigh upwards of 8 lbs., which can increase
welder fatigue. In environments where the ambient temperature can pose heat
stress dangers, a leather jacket can compound those dangers by increasing the
welder’s internal heat due to its lack of breathability. Another disadvantage of
leather is that it becomes stiffer and less pliable over time due to repeated
launderings and exposure to intense heat.
One further consideration to bear in mind is that because chromium is used
during the tanning process, special disposal requirements might apply to leather
garments, resulting in additional complexities.
WeldX™ Welding Jackets
Recognizing the weight and heat stress drawbacks of leather and the
protective and durability limitations of FR cotton, Miller sought out a fabric
that provides the benefits of both these industry staples but not their
disadvantages. The result is the introduction of an exclusive new type of
material to the welding industry: WeldX™.
This jacket uses CarbonX material and a proprietary compound to increase its
ability to shed sparks, spatter and other flaming or molten materials. The
unique coating is embedded into the individual CarbonX fibers instead of applied
to the fabric topically, which enhances the material’s flexibility.
Flame resistance is inherent to WeldX – laundering will not degrade its
performance over time. It also weighs approximately 60 percent less than most
leathers and has micropores in the fabric that together increase breathability
and comfort for the welder, while reducing the potential for heat stress-related
injuries.
Visit the Miller Arc Armor Welding Jackets page at Baker’s Gas and Welding.
About Today’s Guest Blogger
Eric Sommers, Product Specialist, Helmets
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. An ITW
Company
Eric Sommers has been with Miller for six years and most of his career has
been spent with the Miller welding helmet line. He also had been the product
specialist for Miller’s respiratory category.