“Ever since 1976, when I developed the first prototype for an auto-darkening welding helmet, I have strived to make the welding process safer, easier and more comfortable. With my new generation of AKETEK® welding helmets, I have combined the latest technology and my own innovations with an efficient manufacturing process – a reliable, affordable helmet that makes welding easier, safer and more comfortable for more welders.”
Dr. Åke Hörnell, founder of Aketek
The inventor of auto-darkening
In 1976 Åke Hörnell built the world’s first auto-darkening welding helmet. It began with his thesis work at Chalmers University of Technology on how welders could be better protected. The breakthrough came later, when he read about liquid crystals and it clicked: with them he could make a filter that turns dark by itself the instant the arc is struck, and clear again the moment it stops.
For the first time, welders could see their work clearly before, during and after every weld, without ever lifting the visor. The filter shields their eyes from the intense, blinding light of the arc, as well as its ultraviolet and infrared radiation. It made welding safer, faster and far less tiring, and it changed the job for good.
An invention that went around the world
Åke founded a company to bring his invention to welders, and it grew into a world leader in welding protection. His helmets set the standard from the late 1970s into the 2000s and were sold in their millions around the world, making auto-darkening the norm in workshops, shipyards and factories everywhere.
Every auto-darkening helmet made today builds on the technology he invented. In 1996 Chalmers University of Technology made him an honorary doctor for a contribution that changed safety and productivity for welders worldwide.
Three generations of liquid crystals
Åke has developed the three main generations of liquid-crystal technology for auto-darkening welding filters: from Twisted Nematic and Low-Twist, both patented by Åke for welding filters, to the technology inside every Aketek filter today.
Aketek today
Aketek continues Åke’s work, dedicated to welding helmets alone. The filter gives a clear True Colour view and uses so little energy that it is always on, with a battery life of up to 88,000 hours. Every helmet is built to be maintained, with replaceable cover plates, headgear and shells.
Our mission is simple: give every welder, professional or hobbyist, safe and reliable equipment with top-class optics at a fair price.
We are AKETEK®. We are welding helmets.