Find HS Code and trade information for arc welding head

Arc Welding Head

An arc welding head, also known as a welding helmet, is a specialized protective headgear used during arc welding processes to protect the welder from hazards including intense light, heat, sparks, and debris.

Material

Welding helmets are constructed from a variety of materials, each offering different levels of protection and features:

• Thermoplastics: Commonly used for the helmet shell due to their impact resistance and heat resistance. Polycarbonate and nylon are frequent choices.
• Fiberglass: Offers high heat resistance and durability.
• Leather: Used for neck flaps and other components requiring flexibility and heat protection.
• Polyurethane: Found in comfort liners and padding.
• Optical Filters: A critical component, these are made of specialized glass or liquid crystal layers to block harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation, as well as visible light.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a welding helmet is to safeguard the welder from:

• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes (arc eye/welder's flash).
• Infrared (IR) Radiation: Causes burns and can lead to long-term eye damage.
• Visible Light: Intense visible light can cause temporary or permanent vision impairment.
• Sparks and Debris: Protects the face and neck from molten metal particles.
• Impact: Shields against accidental impacts from tools or materials.

Function

Welding helmets function through a combination of features:

• Optical Filter: Blocks harmful radiation. Filters are rated by a shade number; higher numbers indicate darker tints for higher amperage welding.
• Viewing Area: Provides a clear field of vision for the welder. Larger viewing areas are preferred for greater situational awareness.
• Auto-Darkening Filter (ADF): A common feature in modern helmets. ADFs automatically darken the filter upon detecting the arc, eliminating the need for manual flipping of the helmet. They often include adjustable sensitivity and delay settings.
• Shell: Provides impact resistance and physical protection.
• Headgear: Ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
• Comfort Features: Padding, ventilation, and adjustable straps enhance user comfort.

Usage Scenarios

Welding helmets are essential in a wide range of welding applications:

• Stick Welding (SMAW): Requires high shade numbers due to the intense arc.
• MIG Welding (GMAW): Moderate shade numbers are typically sufficient.
• TIG Welding (GTAW): Lower shade numbers are often used, especially for low-amperage applications. Helmets with precise control are preferred.
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): Requires shade numbers similar to stick welding.
• Plasma Cutting/Welding: Specialized helmets are available with filters optimized for plasma applications.
• Industrial Settings: Used in manufacturing, construction, and repair facilities.
• DIY/Home Welding: Essential for safe hobby welding.

Common Types

• Passive Welding Helmets: Utilize a fixed-shade lens. Require manual lifting of the helmet between welds. Less expensive but less convenient.
• Auto-Darkening Helmets (ADF Helmets): Automatically darken the lens upon arc detection. Offer greater convenience and safety. Subdivided into:
  • Fixed Shade ADF Helmets: Offer a limited number of shade settings.
  • Variable Shade ADF Helmets: Allow for adjustable shade levels.
  • Digital ADF Helmets: Feature digital controls and advanced features like memory settings and sensitivity adjustments.
• Flip-Up Helmets: Combine a traditional welding helmet with a clear face shield that can be flipped up for grinding or other tasks.
• Fiberglass Helmets: Durable and heat resistant, often used in heavy-duty industrial applications.
• Lightweight Helmets: Designed for extended use and improved comfort.

Arc welding heads fall under machinery used for arc welding of metals. Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 8515310000: This HS code covers electric (including electrically heated gas), laser or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electron beam, magnetic pulse or plasma arc soldering, brazing or welding machines and apparatus, whether or not capable of cutting. Specifically, it includes machines and apparatus for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals that are fully or partly automatic.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof.
  • 15: Electrical machines and apparatus having individual functions not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter.
  • 31: Machines and apparatus for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals.
  • 00: Fully or partly automatic.

• 8515390020: This HS code also covers electric machines and apparatus for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, but for other non-rotating type, specifically AC transformer type.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof.
  • 15: Electrical machines and apparatus having individual functions not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter.
  • 39: Machines and apparatus for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals.
  • 00: Other Non-rotating type.
  • 20: AC transformer type.

Tax Information: Both HS codes 8515310000 and 8515390020 currently have a base tariff of 1.6%, a surcharge tariff of 25.0%, and a tariff of 30.0% effective April 2, 2025. This results in a total tariff rate of 56.6%.

Important Note: When declaring either of these HS codes, it is important to determine whether the arc welding head is fully/partly automatic or a non-rotating type (AC transformer type) to ensure correct classification.