Tecmen 900 with FreFlow V1 PRO PAPR
Finally, a reasonably priced well built PAPR welding helmet that offers best in class protection. This unit offers the same or better features as found on 3M helmets, only without the daunting price tag. Welders breathe the cleanest air thanks to a P3 filter with 99.997% efficiency rating, and they get the best view of their work thanks to an optically perfect 1/1/1/1 true color ADF.
Consumables such as filters and lenses are a fraction of the price of other brands, which makes the total cost of ownership of the FreFlow PAPR system drastically more cost effective.
Features of Tecmen 950D Digital Lens
Bluetooth App: Connect to your lens using the Smart ADF app. The app can be used to switch between weld, grind, cut, smart, and mix mode without having to remove your helmet. It can also be used to adjust shade level, sensitivity, delay, and store settings to memory. The app is especially handy for PAPR applications where removing the helmet to change settings can be annoying.
Auto-Shade Adjusting Smart Mode: Say goodbye to manual adjusting of shade level. With smart mode, the ADF monitors the arc in real time, and automatically adjusts shade level by the millisecond to stay in synch with the arc. This greatly enhances clarity of the weld puddle when TIG welding, as the helmet micro-adjusts shade level as amperage is adjusted mid-weld This feature is also a big plus for PAPR applications, as the hood does not need to be removed when making drastic amperage changes.
Tack-Weld Optimized Mix Mode: When welding in mix mode, the ADF has a longer and more gradual return from dark to light state which greatly reduces eye strain when tack welding or stitch welding, especially in high amperage applications. When welding in mix mode, the return to the light state has three phases: delay from dark to intermediate shade, gradient phase (this is when you would re-ignite your arc), delay from intermediate shade to light state.
Memory Mode: Quicky and easily save and recall your preferred settings to one of three memory slots. Save time when switching jobs or tasks. Multiple users can store their own settings when using the Smart ADF app.
Dark Mode: Makes the helmet function as a fixed shade passive lens. This is ideal for situations in narrow spaces where sensors are obstructed, welding with extremely weak arcs, or when multiple welders are nearby.
Weld Mode: If you want to use your helmet the same as any standard auto-darkening helmet, this is the mode for you. Shade levels are adjustable in half shade increments from 9.0-15.0, which makes it suitable for welding at all amperage ranges. Sensitivity is adjusted from 0-5, and delay from 0-10.
External Grind Button: Switch between welding and non-welding tasks by pushing and holding the low profile flush mount rubber button on the outside of the helmet. The button does not protrude from the helmet, so you are unlikely to accidentally trigger grind mode even when laying on the ground in awkward positions.
Perfect 1/1/1/1 Optical Clarity Rating: The 950D ADF achieves a perfect score across all optical clarity metrics. There is absolutely nothing that could be improved on, optical clarity is perfect with no visible distortion.
XL True Color Viewing Area: With a 107 x 75mm (4.21" x 2.95") viewing area, and epic true color experience, this lens will have you wondering how you survived on your old helmet for so long. The lens offers a super low shade level of 2.5 in the light state, which means weld seams and surroundings will be crystal clear. In the dark state the true color lens ensures stark contrast between the work, the weld puddle, and the arc which ultimately results in superior welds.
Shade 5 Side Windows: Stay aware of your surroundings with tinted side windows. Retaining visibility and awareness of your surroundings is a critical safety feature, especially in high traffic environments, or applications where you are surrounded by other welders. Welders need to know when it is safe to take the hood off without getting flashed. Blackout covers are included in the box for those that prefer total darkness in the hood.
High Visibility Digital Controls: Settings are changed with buttons that can be pressed while wearing welding gloves, and settings are clearly displayed on a high resolution color display. This is valuable for old tired eyes, and low light situations, as it nearly eliminates the likelihood that a user applied incorrect settings due to old worn dials with small, hard-to-read numbers.
Helmet Features:
- External grind button
- High quality 950D-G auto darkening lens
- Shade 5 side windows to keep aware of surroundings
- Includes covers for people that want it dark in the hood
- Perfect 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating
- Large 107mm x 75mm (4.2" x 2.95") true colour viewing area
- High visibility colour digital display controls
- Shade level 5-8 for cutting, 9-15 for welding
- Accommodates standard 2" x 4-1/4" cheater lens
- 6 way adjustable headgear ensures all day comfort
- 4 independent arc sensors
- Solar cell powered with two replaceable CR2450 batteries
Pro PAPR Blower Features:
- P3 Filter provides 99.997% efficiency against solid and liquid particles
- Each filter has a built in NFC tag for smart filter life monitoring
- Full colour display screen clearly communicates settings and vital information
- Current filter use time displayed in top left corner
- Current air flow rate, remaining battery life, and filter load displayed in center
- Settings such as language and whether or not the unit vibrates/beeps can be toggled on or off
- Optional stackable odour filter or organic vapour cartridge for additional protection
- Adjustable air flow between 170-210 lpm of air flow
- Intelligent self adjusting air flow adjusts fan speed as filters become dirty
- Includes rechargeable 9 hour lithium ion battery
- Lasts significantly longer on a clean filter, 9 hours is the dirty filter run time!
- Vibrates and beeps when battery is low or filter is clogged
- Includes belt and shoulder strap for added comfort
Included With Product:
- 900 Series PAPR welding helmet
- 950D-G iexp High quality auto-darkening lens
- FreFlow Pro PAPR blower unit
- Breathing hose with FR cover
- Rechargeable lithium ion battery w/charger
- PAPR belt and shoulder strap
- Air flow tester
- 5 pack spare outer lenses
- 2 pack spare inner lenses
- Side window covers
Comparing the TM900 PAPR to the 3M G5-03:
- The lens on the TM900 is larger and more clear than the G5-03, and includes more advanced features
- The total helmet assembly is lighter on your head
- Air flow rate on the Tecmen FreFlow is adjustable, while it is strictly fixed on the 3M Adflo
- The FreFlow has a colour display which tracks filter life, and monitors filter load
- The G5-03 has external air flow adjustment dials on the helmet
- These are a nice touch, but can also get inadvertently adjusted which can be annoying
- The Tecmen grind button is a rubber sealed flush mount button that is held until the ADF flashes. With the G5-03 you slap the side of your head
- The headgear is about the same on both helmets, no major difference here, both are good!
- The overall build quality is incredible on both. Slight edge to 3M, but it results in a heavier bulkier unit that is less comfortable to wear
- Tecmen includes a fabric hose cover and shoulder harness for the blower
- With 3M, these are expensive post-purchase add-ons
- The G5-01 includes a carrying bag, the Tecmen does not
- The total cost of ownership of the Tecmen is less than half of the 3M
- Up front purchase price is ~$1,000 less
- Lenses and filters are half the price
