3M Infrared Welding Flip-Up Shade 3 Safety Glasses — ANSI Z87.1+ Fits-Over
$23.49
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.4/5 — WC Safety Review of the 3M Infrared Welding Flip-Up Shade 3, the fits-over gas-work shade with a flip-up lens. Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published 3M ...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.4/5 — WC Safety Review of the 3M Infrared Welding Flip-Up Shade 3, the fits-over gas-work shade with a flip-up lens.
Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
The 3M Infrared Welding Flip-Up Shade 3 (model 90033) is an ANSI Z87.1+ welding safety glass with a built-in Shade 3.0 infrared filter, designed for brazing, soldering, and light oxy-fuel cutting. The shaded lens blocks the bright light and IR of light gas processes while the impact-rated polycarbonate base shields against sparks, slag, and debris. It's a fits-over (OTG) design that wears over most prescription eyewear, and the flip-up lens lets you switch between shaded and clear vision without removing the frame.
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Why the 3M Infrared Welding Flip-Up suits gas work
Brazing, soldering, and light oxy-fuel cutting throw off bright light and infrared a clear lens won't filter — but they don't produce the blinding radiation of an electric arc. This 3M flip-up fits that middle: a Shade 3.0 IR filter to cut the glare and IR of light gas processes, on an impact-rated base that stops sparks and slag. Two features set it apart — it fits over your prescription glasses, and the shade flips up so you get clear vision between welds without taking the frame off. Our full 3M welding flip-up review rates it 4.4/5, and the safety glasses buyer's guide covers matching eyewear to the task.
Safety first: Shade 3.0 is for lower-radiation gas work only — it is not a substitute for a welding helmet during arc welding (MIG/TIG/stick), which requires a much darker shade and an auto-darkening filter; match the shade to the process using an OSHA/ANSI shade chart. And it is a fits-over safety glass, not a sealed goggle: it does not seal against a chemical splash hazard like flux splatter, fine dust, or fumes, which need a sealed goggle, face shield, or respirator. Choose eyewear against measured hazards with the when-do-you-need-safety-glasses guide.
What the listing documents
From the published specs: an ANSI Z87.1+ welding safety glass with a built-in Shade 3.0 infrared filter for brazing, soldering, and light oxy-fuel cutting; an impact-rated polycarbonate base that shields against sparks, slag, and debris; a fits-over (OTG) design that wears over most prescription eyewear; a flip-up lens to switch between shaded and clear vision; model 90033. As 3m safety glasses go, this is the flip-up shade — a genuine flip up welding safety glasses and a true shade 3 welding safety glasses for light gas processes.
Choosing the right shade for the process
Shade selection is a safety decision, not a preference: too light a shade lets harmful radiation through. Shade 3.0 covers brazing, soldering, and light oxy-fuel cutting; heavier gas cutting and gas welding need a darker shade. Always match the shade to the process and its radiation level using a recognized OSHA/ANSI shade selection chart. Compare other shaded options in the welding safety glasses collection, and the broader eye protection collection for face shields and helmets where the process demands them.
Where it sits in the 3M line
This flip-up is 3M's dedicated fits-over welding shade; the anti-fog flagship Solus 2000 also offers IR-shade variants for gas work, while the SecureFit and premium Solus 1000 are the general non-shaded frames, and the Virtua CCS adds a tether for on-off task work. Keep a clear, non-shaded glass from the clear-lens collection for the non-welding parts of the job, and an anti-fog model where hot gas work fogs the lens. Browse the full 3M safety glasses collection, and the best safety glasses 2026 roundup places the line against other brands.
Where it fits by job and crew orders
The Shade 3.0 fits-over flip-up suits brazing, soldering, and light cutting in fabrication and maintenance — especially for prescription-glasses wearers — with the construction, manufacturing, and mechanics guides ranking frames by task, and smaller-faced wearers should check the small-face guide and women's fit guide. For arc welding use a proper helmet; where the hazard adds splash or fumes, add a sealed goggle from the safety goggles collection or a respirator. For crew orders, quantity purchasing runs through a free Amazon Business account — volume pricing, PO numbers at checkout, and tax-exempt eligibility for qualifying organizations, with the walkthrough linked in our footer.
Reading the Z87 marking, and what it does not cover
Protective eyewear in the US is built to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, and OSHA 1910.133 requires eye protection that meets it. The marking on the frame is the specification, and the important distinction is a single character: Z87 is basic impact, Z87+ is high impact — tested with a quarter-inch steel ball at 150 ft/s for spectacles. If the work throws anything, Z87+ is the line.
The suffixes narrow it further: D3 is splash and droplet, D4 dust, D5 fine dust. These matter because a spectacle cannot earn D3 — droplet protection needs a sealed goggle. Safety glasses are impact protection, not chemical splash protection, however wraparound the lens looks, and substituting one for the other is a common and consequential error.
A face shield is also secondary protection under 1910.133: it is worn over primary eye protection, never instead of it. And tint is not shade — a dark lens without a stated IR/UV shade number offers no rated protection against radiant energy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 3M Infrared Welding Flip-Up Shade 3?
The 3M 90033 is an ANSI Z87.1+ welding safety glass with a built-in Shade 3.0 infrared filter for brazing, soldering, and light oxy-fuel cutting. The shaded lens blocks the bright light and IR of gas processes while the impact-rated base shields against sparks, slag, and debris. It's a fits-over design with a flip-up shaded lens.
Can I use it for arc welding (MIG/TIG/stick)?
No - this is critical. Shade 3.0 is for lower-radiation gas work only. Arc welding produces far more intense light and radiation and requires a welding helmet with a much darker shade and an auto-darkening filter. Shade 3.0 glasses will not protect your eyes while arc welding.
What does the flip-up lens do?
The shaded lens flips up on a hinge, so you can drop it down for shaded vision while brazing or cutting, then flip it up for clear vision between welds - without taking the frame off. It saves swapping eyewear as you move between tasks.
Does it fit over prescription glasses?
Yes - it's a fits-over (OTG) design that wears comfortably over most prescription eyewear, so you keep your own glasses on underneath while getting the Shade 3.0 filter and impact protection.
What processes is Shade 3.0 appropriate for?
Lower-radiation gas processes: brazing, soldering, and light oxy-fuel cutting. Heavier gas cutting or gas welding needs a darker shade - always match the shade to the process and its radiation level using an OSHA/ANSI shade selection chart.
Is it ANSI Z87.1+ rated?
Yes - it is an ANSI Z87.1+ rated safety glass, so beyond the shaded filter it meets the high-impact standard, shielding against sparks, slag, and flying debris during gas work.
Can I wear it under a welding helmet?
Because it's a fits-over frame with a flip-up shade, it's often used for gas work directly; for arc welding you must use a proper helmet, and lighter secondary eye protection can be worn under it when the helmet is lifted.
Does it protect against sparks and slag?
Yes - the impact-rated polycarbonate base is built to shield against sparks, slag, and flying debris common to cutting and gas work, in addition to filtering the light and IR radiation.
Is it a sealed goggle?
No - it is a fits-over safety glass, not a sealed goggle. It does not seal against a chemical splash hazard such as flux splatter, fine dust, or fumes; for those, use a sealed goggle or face shield, and a respirator for fumes.
How do I pick the right welding shade?
Match the shade number to the process and flame or amperage intensity using a recognized OSHA/ANSI shade selection chart - too light a shade exposes the eyes to harmful radiation. Shade 3.0 covers light gas work; heavier processes need darker shades.
How do I care for the lens?
Rinse grit before wiping and use a lens-safe cloth; avoid harsh cleaners on the filter coating, and keep the flip-up hinge clean. Retire the lens once scratches enter your line of sight - a scratched shaded lens no longer filters or protects reliably.
How do I order for a crew?
Quantity purchasing runs through a free Amazon Business account - volume pricing, PO numbers at checkout, and tax-exempt eligibility for qualifying organizations. The bulk-ordering walkthrough is linked in our site footer.
Brand / Vendor
3M
Model / SKU
90033
Product Type
Safety Glasses
Price
$23.49 (Amazon)
Rating
4.3 / 5 — 187 Amazon ratings
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.3 / 5· 187 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Perfect for protecting you eyes
Perfect for when I need to grind metal at work. I don’t often find myself grinding metal so I didn’t think it would be worthwhile to get prescription glasses for it, but these clip on ones are perfect! I would say the fit is a little strange on my new glasses, they definitely fit my previous ones in my picture better. But nonetheless they work just as intended and help keep the strain from my eyes while working. Definitely worth the purchase to add to my arsenal of safety equipment.
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Decent reduction of flame glare
I work with a Smith little acetylene/oxy torch and the flame brightness was causing noticeable retinal irritation. I don't know the specs on the UV and radiation reduction but these #4 lenses help alleviate the after image and are not too dark to see the area of brazing. I had previously tried a number 6 which was too dark. These flip lenses are easy to attach to my reading glasses for the close up work.
Verified Purchaser · September · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Well worth the money
Heating/cutting with clear safety glasses hurts your eyes but green faceshields restrict airflow and get hot. These protect your eyes from the bright light without trapping hot air in front of your face and are way lighter than a faceshield
Verified Purchaser · June 4, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Great product Great seller
This was the only place I could purchase these welding flip downs, they are great and will buy a second pair at some point,The items were just as described even though I felt the shipping was slow from purchase to delivery but item actually arrived 4 days before scheduled delivery day
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Wish I’d found these years ago.
I struggled for years seeing what I was doing when OA welding and brazing because I also needed my reading glasses. I tried tinted face shields but they are clunky and hard to store because it so big. While looking for welding supplies here I came across these clip ons and decided to try them. What a wonderful surprise I could see the welds clearly! The lenses do block UV like advertised as I see no spots after welding. The clipping mechanism takes a bit to get used to but it works and doesn’t come off. I particularly like that they are small, light and flip out of the way.
Verified Purchaser · July 22, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Good
Would like darker shade. But these are good
Verified Purchaser · April 3, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Broke in less than a minute
The shades themselves are very effective for what they are rated for. The clip, however, is pure trash. The very first time I tried clipping them to my glasses they broke. There is 3 pieces simply held together with light frictionNo plastic molding, screws, or apparently even glue....
Verified Purchaser · August 2, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Very convenient. Work well.
I have been using these for blacksmithing, and metal casting. I have also used them when monitoring a pottery kiln firing. There is not a precise definitive recommendation on what is needed to protect your eyes but Shade 3 seems to be the most often recommended protection level. I have looked at OSHA recommendations and also "on line" chat discussions.I wear glasses and it was more difficult to find something that works with glasses. I first tried a pair of shade 3 glasses that are worn like regular glasses but sized to fit over your prescription glasses. However, having two pairs of glasses resting on top of my ears and nose got uncomfortable. The clip on and flip up ones are perfect. They are comfortable. Also it is convenient to flip them up occasionally but not have to take them off when I have stepped away from the fire. Further the Shade 3 is not so dark that I have to flip them up to walk around. I normally work outside but can go in to my work bench, grab a tool, and go back out while leaving the shades down. Only if the light is dim do I feel that the shades are giving me some trouble seeing. If you have good natural light or a well lit interior work space you will be fine. Also I am able to judge metal temperature while wearing these. A few times I experimented by taking them off and seeing if my judgement of the metal temperature changed without them and it didn't.
Verified Purchaser · May 19, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Built sturdy, works great, doesn't look too ridiculous
Normally safety eyewear looks so absurd you'd never want to be seen in public in it. But these actually look pretty cool, I wear them outside on bright days and it's like very protective sunglasses with a nice green tint. Additionally, they do a fantastic job of protecting eyes from various vision hazards like welders and lower-power lasers. Other reviews have stated the product seems to break easily but this was not my experience, so far mine have had no issues after a couple weeks of frequent use. Perhaps they're sensitive to vibration and I'm not encountering that issue since there isn't much machinery vibration involved in my workplace.
Verified Purchaser · November 3 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
These don't quite dim the sparks as much as I'd like, but do fit my glasses pretty well
These weren't horrible I guess, but I figured with the little Xing Ding DX-808 jewelry welding machine spot welder I had that they would work a little better. I still end up having to close my eyes when I make the spot weld since the spark is pretty bright even with these on and I end up having a lingering light that I see for a bit afterwards, so I'm not so sure how effective these are. They do fit pretty well over the jumbo sized aviator style safety glass frames I wear though, which is nice. I'm not sure how much I'll be using them for the intended purpose. I probably should have spent a little more to get an auto-dimming set of goggles, but I'll use these for now just in case of unintended sparks to offer some protection.
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
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