3M Speedglas 9100 MP With Adflo + Welding Filter 9100XXi

The 3M Speedglas 9100 MP with Adflo is designed to accommodate a broad range of welding and cutting processes. Its variable shade range of 5, 8, and 9–13 makes it appropriate for MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), MMA (Stick), flux-cored arc welding, and plasma cutting applications across a wide variety of amperages. The shade 3 passive mode enables safe use during grinding tasks as well. The Adflo PAPR unit complements all these processes by providing continuous fume and particulate filtration regardless of the welding method in use, making this system an exceptionally versatile choice for professional welders who regularly switch between processes or work across multiple job types.

The standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery supplied with the Adflo PAPR unit provides up to approximately 8 hours of continuous use at normal airflow settings, making it suitable for a full working shift in most applications. Battery life will vary depending on the selected airflow rate, filter loading, and ambient temperature. 3M offers an extended-capacity battery for the Adflo system that can significantly increase runtime for environments requiring longer periods of uninterrupted use. Both the standard and extended batteries are user-replaceable, and spare or additional batteries can be purchased separately, enabling a hot-swap approach for operations running multiple consecutive shifts. The battery charger is included with the unit and provides a full charge in approximately 2.5–4 hours depending on battery capacity.

The Adflo PAPR system integrated with the 3M Speedglas 9100 MP provides TH3-class respiratory protection in accordance with EN12941 and meets the requirements of AS/NZS 1716 in the Australian and New Zealand markets. TH3 is the highest protection class available for powered air-purifying respirators under these standards, offering a nominal protection factor that far exceeds that of disposable or reusable half-mask respirators. When fitted with the standard P3 particle filter, the Adflo effectively captures fine welding fumes, metal oxides, and other respirable particulates. Optional combination filters are available for environments where gas or vapour contaminants — such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, or organic vapours — are also present. For most professional welding applications, including stainless steel and exotic alloy welding where hexavalent chromium or manganese fumes are a concern, the Adflo with appropriate filtration provides a high level of respiratory protection and is strongly recommended where engineering controls alone are insufficient.

Standard auto-darkening welding filters have traditionally produced a greenish or yellowish tint in both the light and dark states, which can distort the welder's perception of the weld pool, base material colour, and surrounding environment. The Speedglas 9100 MP ADF uses 3M's true-colour optical technology to render a far more neutral, natural colour palette across the visible spectrum. This means the welder sees the workpiece and arc in colours closer to how they appear under normal white light, which improves the ability to read the weld pool, identify material boundaries, and detect surface defects such as porosity or incomplete fusion. The practical result is enhanced weld quality, reduced eye strain during prolonged use, and a more accurate visual feedback loop throughout the welding process. The 9100 MP filter also achieves optical class 1/1/1/2 — the highest available — indicating superior clarity, diffusion, and homogeneity of the viewing area compared to lower-class filters.