Introduction
Hello! If you are into welding or have a workshop, you must have heard about welding curtains. They are very important for the protection of people from the sparks, heat, and UV light produced during welding.
In this guide, we will highlight why you need it, how to choose the best, and include some of the best products, among some of the top products available for purchase.
We will also give you tips on how to set them up and answer some FAQs. Let’s jump straight in!
Why We Need Welding Curtains
Alright, so why do you need care about the welding curtains? Here are a few of the reasons:
Safety from UV Light: During your welding works, a huge amount of UV, which can be devastating to your eyes or skin, is emitted. Welding curtains shield you from those harmful light emissions. Just think about working without any protection and getting a sunburn that is critical or, moreover, eye damage. In a way, curtains help prevent all such injuries and make your place much safer.
Spark Containment: These sparks of welding often fly all over, ignite at places, and sometimes even burn someone. The curtains keep them contained. For instance, if you are welding close to any flammable material, the sparks may ignite these materials rather fast. A good welding curtain should catch these flames and prevent disasters from happening.
Heat Shield: Welding is a seriously hot process. Curtains serve as a barrier to protect you and your gear from the heat. Of course, you’re not looking out to see your expensive tools or belongings placed beside the operation being torched by the heat; hence, welding curtains help in absorbing and deflecting heat from sensitive areas.
Privacy and Focus: A curtain creates a welding space for focused work. It’s similar to owning your private workshop where you have your sole focus on work without disturbance or passerby.
How to Choose the Best Welding Curtain
Choosing the best welding curtain doesn’t have to be extremely hard. Here’s how:
Material: It must be flame-resistant. For doing this, vinyl and fiberglass are pretty good. By use of flame-resistant material, a curtain will not catch fire from sparks and heat, hence providing a solid layer of protection.
Opacity: It should be able to block harmful UV light, but you should be able to see enough to monitor your work. A good curtain will be dark enough to protect you yet not so opaque that you will be unable to see what’s going on inside the welding area.
Size: Measure your workspace and acquire a curtain that will fit in. You want it to cover the entire area. The curtains come in different sizes, so it is essential to have one big enough to enclose your whole welding space.
Mounting Options: Be mindful of where the curtain is going to go. Will you be needing a free-standing curtain or a curtain that mounts on the ceiling or walls? Free-standing curtains offer portability and are versatile; a mounted one supplies greater stability.
Durability: Look for reinforced edges and heavy-duty grommets, adding extra longevity in that respect. Welding curtains do go through a lot of abuses, so strong construction is key to good life.
Portability: Should you move your welding area more often, then get a more portable curtain. Lightweight and portable curtains are easy to install and take down any time, making them very suitable for dynamic workspaces.
Top Welding Curtains in the Market
There are seven welding curtains that can be considered popular and reliable, and these are the following:
1. Steiner 316-6×6 Welding Screen
The Steiner 325-6X8 6×8 ft ArcView Blue Transparent FR Vinyl Welding Screen offers flame-resistant protection for welding applications. Measuring 6×8 feet, it provides ample coverage and durability, reinforced with sturdy seams and grommets for easy mounting.
Pros:
Durability and Strength: Withstands welding and grinding sparks, and minor tension stress.
High-Quality Material: Flame-resistant with excellent shielding properties.
Versatility: Easily customizable for different setups.
Cons:
Size Discrepancy: Some users reported inconsistencies in the advertised dimensions.
2. PVC Welding Screen Panel with Metal Frame
The PVC Welding Screen Panel with Metal Frame (6×8 ft) is a transparent, UV, and flame-resistant welding curtain adhering to CE EN1598-2011 norms. Ideal for workshops and industrial sites, it ensures safety and visibility.
Pros:
Effective and Attractive Design: Blocks welding sparks and UV rays while looking great.
High Satisfaction: Users report it meets their needs and expectations.
Fast Delivery: Quick shipping adds to a positive purchasing experience.
Cons:
Quality Control Issues: Some users report missing parts and damaged packaging.
3. Tillman welding curtain
This item features grommets every 12 inches for easy installation, provides optical protection while allowing light into the work area, and is CFM approved. It’s made from 14 mil flame retardant transparent vinyl.
Pros:
Effective Protection: Blocks grinding particles and welding arcs effectively.
High Quality: Well-made with good weight, recommended for durability and effectiveness.
Versatile Use: Translucent enough to provide privacy without blocking all light.
Cons:
Size Discrepancy: Some users report it’s shorter than advertised.
Transparency Issues: The color might be too transparent for certain applications, impacting visibility.
4. Jackson Safety Welding Curtain
The Jackson Safety Transparent Welding Curtain is designed to reduce welding arc light while providing UV and blue light protection. It creates a containment barrier for efficient fume extraction and is made from durable PVC that’s flame, mildew, and water-resistant.
Pros:
Safety Features: Provides UV and blue light protection, enhancing safety during welding.
Durable Construction: Resistant to tearing, flame, mildew, and water for long-lasting use.
Easy Installation: Built-in grommets for straightforward hanging, suitable for various setups.
Cons:
Size Variability: Some users reported discrepancies in the advertised versus actual dimensions, which may impact fitting specific frame sizes accurately.
5. Retractable Welding Curtains
The Akon Retractable Welding Curtain features a durable PVC or vinyl construction with a retractable design for easy deployment. It provides optical protection by reducing welding arc light and UV exposure, meeting industry safety standards.
Pros:
- Flexible Deployment: Easily retractable for adjustable coverage in various workspaces.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces exposure to welding hazards like UV light and sparks.
- Space Optimization: Ideal for creating temporary welding booths or partitions.
- Durable Construction: Resistant to wear and tear, suitable for industrial environments.
Cons:
- Initial Cost: Higher initial investment compared to fixed welding curtains.
- Maintenance Needs: Requires periodic maintenance to ensure smooth operation and longevity.
Installation of Welding Curtains
Use the following tips on mounting points to easily install your welding curtains:
Measure the space: This will give you the specific dimensions so that the curtain will be a perfect fit in your welding area; there will be no gaps for the sparks or UV light to pass through.
Choose the right mounting: is it going to be free-standing or mounted on the ceiling or the wall? If flexibility comes first free-standing curtains are a good thing, mounted curtains are much more stable.
Secure the Curtain: Check that it is safely fixed with strong frames or mounts such that no gaps can exist. A poorly hanging curtain will not provide the needed protection.
Positioning: Ensure some room length between the Curtain and the welding area such that one can freely move around working on his job. Make sure all four sides where sparks are likely to fly are well covered.
Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect the curtain for damage and replace it if necessary. As a curtain filled with holes and cuts isn’t of much use as protection, maintenance is everything.
Welding Curtains FAQs
Do I need welding curtains in all welding jobs?
Yes, this type of curtain is also used in every welding task because of its safety against UV light, sparks, and heat. Even small welding tasks release harmful light and sparks.
Can I make a welding curtain of any material?
No, it has to be flame-resistant, such as vinyl or fiberglass. Common materials wouldn’t provide the protection you would need.
What should I use to wash my welding curtain?
Mild soap and water. Don’t use heavy-duty chemicals, as they would bring it harm. Clean it frequently to maintain the protective qualities of the welding curtain.
Are welding curtains appropriate for outdoor use?
Yes, some of them are designed for outdoor use. Just make sure they’re weather-resistant and firmly installed. Outdoor welding requires curtains that can withstand the elements.
What is the life span of welding curtains?
This depends on the material used and on how much usage they get. The more regular the maintenance, the longer they are going to last. So, regularly inspect and replace them if they start wearing.
Conclusion
Welding curtains are designed to be installed in every welding setup. They protect you from UV light, sparks, and heat and keep your workplace much safer. With the right curtain and proper installation, you protect yourself and your equipment. We hope this guide was helpful in finding you that perfect welding curtain and that it makes your welding projects much safer and easier. Stay safe and happy welding!