Author: Stephanie Cox

Different Types of Welding Torches

Welding torches are widely used for joining two or more metals together. It gives a permanent grip. Welding torches are extensively used in large factories and industries for manufacturing machines. Some of the common industries are the aerospace industry, refrigerator industry, automobile factory, etc. Here is a brief description of some categories of welding torches that are popular for welding works.

Various Categories of Welding Torch

types of welding torches

Welding torches are one of the essential welding apparatus. In electrical welding, the torch serves the electric flow to the electrode, and the shielding gas is carried to the welding arch’s zone. And in gas welding, the torch conducts the gas mixture and guides the gas flame.

There are distinctive types of welding and cutting torches. Each of them is manufactured to serve different purposes. Types of welding torches are classified in a very diverse way.  One of the most common types of torches based on human usage are:

  • Positive pressure type;
  • Injector type.

Positive Pressure Type Welding Torch

These are some of the most common types of torches used.  They are also known as equal pressure type or medium pressure type welding torch.

In positive pressure torches, a supply of oxygen and fuel gas is required. These gases burn at the end of the torch’s tip, and a flame is produced.

The torch body consists of a metallic body, hand torch valve, mixing chamber, and finally, a tip. The body is designed in such a way that there is a required amount of supply of oxygen and fuel gases. Then pressure is created when the energy is forced into the mixing chamber.

The hand valve is located either beside the hose or at the end of the torch body. The handle is used to turn on or to shut off the gas.

The mixing chamber is located inside the body of the torch. Mainly energy is produced here. Read more: Top Rated Dab Torches Analysis

Injector Type Welding Torch

Externally they have so many similarities with the positive type of torches. But the internal mechanism of injector types is different. The main feature is the unique capability of controlling low acetylene pressure.

An injector torch can draw out the residue from the cylinder. It helps a lot to reduce wastage. Positively pressured torches cannot do this.

The oxygen pressure in these torches is operated much higher than the positive torches. So the best output can be found by using this definite type of torch.

Welding torches are used to direct the welding electrode into the arc, conduct welding power to the electrode, and provide shielding of the arc area.

Basically, there are three different techniques to use welding torches. They are soldering, brazing, and welding fittings & pipes.

Based on the usage in plumbing industries and soldering, brazing, there are mainly four kinds of welding torches. They are:

  • Propane torches.
  • Brazing torches.
  • Mapp Gas Torches.
  • Oxy-Acetylene Welding torches.

Propane Torches

They are identified as air-fuel torches. Because here, a mixture of propane and oxygen is used.

This mixture, when burnt, produces a flammable heat, which is required for the welding process. This feature makes it environment friendly.

Propane torches are best for melting snow and ice, removing parking lot markings and other paint removals, thawing frozen pipes and equipment, pre-heating metals for welding or branding, melting tar and asphalt. Read more: How to Choose the Best Plastic Welder

Brazing Torches

It is a process of joining two or more metals by melting and flowing filler metal to the joint. The melting point of the filler metal should be lower than the linking metal.

Brazing torches are used to join two or more metals together with considerable strength.

Brazing accords tighter control and produces a clear joint without the requirement of secondary finishing. Any kind of metal and nonmetals can be brazed by using this torch.

These torches produce less thermal distortion since they don’t melt the base joint while working.

But under high temperatures, brazed joints can get damaged. So the user must be conscientious while working with it.

Mapp Gas Torches

The name of this particular gas torch comes from its original chemical composition, which is methylacetylene propadiene propane. This torch is an easy alternative to acetylene.

The definite gas used in this torch is colorless in both gas and liquid form. The flame produced from this gas is not actually very much appropriate for welding. But it is widely used for underwater cutting. And high gas pressure is required to do it. But the cut is fast and safe. It is also used in combustion with air for brazing and soldering.

This torch is very much famous for plumbing works and manufacturing of refrigerators.

Oxy-acetylene Welding Torches

A mixture of oxygen and fuel gases is mainly used in this type of torches to create flame for welding. The mixture is commonly called oxy-fuel.

With oxy-fuel, both welding and cutting can be performed. Oxy fuels are used to weld and cut metals under very high temperatures.  The flame produced from oxy-fuel torches can yield up to 3480 degrees Celsius. It is the only torch that can cut steel.

Oxyacetylene torches are widely used in glass industries for polishing. In jewelry production for water welding the metals. In automotive repair for removing seized bolts. In platinum works and in electric furnaces.

There are two types of oxy-acetylene welding torches. They are:

  • Positive pressure type welding torch;
  • Injector type welding torches;

Brief descriptions of both of them are discussed above earlier.

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Best Torches For Lampworking Glass Blowing.

The first question every aspiring glass blower asks is, “What torch should I get?” This isn’t an easy question to answer, because the answer is yes to all of them! The real question is “What is the best torch for you and what do you want to make?”

 

Here’s a list of some of the best torches used by glass artists around the world. Each torch manufacturer brings something different to the table with their unique designs. These torches are used for a number of applications that require certain specifications. Please note: this list was created in no special order (alphabetically).


Bethlehem Burners

Bethlehem Burners are constructed entirely of stainless steel, keeping the burner body cool. The torches are equipped with modular valves with precision needles making fuel adjustment smooth and precise. With the low-pressure design and precision front face, the artist will experience a flame that combusts at the face of their art work, wrapping their glass in a penetrating heat at a far better fuel ratio than ever experienced before. Superior design, durability, and complete combustion make Bethlehem Burners one of the highest quality torch manufacturers on the market today.

 


Alpha
Bethlehem Burners - Alpha

Overview:

The Alpha Glass Bead Burner is an excellent starter burner for the glass artist working in the medium to small range. The Alpha delivers more flow at a low gas pressure producing the ideal glass working flame. Affordable and convenient, the Alpha is the only torch on the market today designed with your needs in mind. Do you work at home with low-pressure household natural gas? If so, the Alpha would be a dream-come true! The Alpha will melt both soft and borosilicate glass with ease. The torch can also be used at the traditional flame settings of 5 psi gas and 20 psi oxygen. It works equally well with propane, natural gas and other fuels.

Features:

  • • All stainless steel construction that stays cool while the flame is super hot.
  • • Allows for a higher volume of fuel at a lower inlet pressure-7 cu. ft./hr. at only 2 psi.
  • • Ideal to operate on household gas (1/4 psi) and oxygen concentrator (7 psi).

Specifications:

  • • Burner configuration: Center Fire – 6 jets, Pentagon shape face, Diameter 5/8″.
  • • Suggested glass size: up to a 5/8″ / 16mm rod and up to a 19mm Tube.
  • • Dimensions: 5″ long with a 6″ base
  • • Net Weight: 2.5 lbs

 

 

Bravo

Bethlehem Burner - Bravo

Overview:

The low-pressure, stainless steel Bravo Bench Burner was designed specifically with the needs of the artistic flameworker in mind. A dual-purpose torch, it will work easily with both soft and borosilicate glass. Made with the precision and quality of all Bethlehem burners, the Bravo’s output is surface-mixed and whisper-soft. By varying the atmosphere of your flame, you can use your torch like a fiery paintbrush for shading and highlights. The razor-sharp center is excellent for creating small details. For marbles, sculpting, and vessels, this sleek torch is both cost-effective and fuel-efficient.

Features:

  • • All stainless steel construction that stays cool while the flame is super hot.
  • • Allows for a higher volume of fuel at a lower inlet pressure- 15 cu. ft./hr. at only 2 psi.
  • • Can also operate on household gas (1/4 psi) and oxygen concentrators (7 psi).  Includes B size fittings for both Oxy and Fuel connections. Purchase a 4 Inlet to 2 Inlet Adapter (Part #’s EQ101) if you are not going to use a foot pedal.

Specifications:

  • • Burner configuration: Center fire – 6 jets, Outer fire – 12 jets, Face dia. – 1″ (25.4 mm)
  • • Full flame consumption: Gas: 2 psi; 15 cu. ft./hr. (425 l/hr.); Oxygen: 8 psi; 66 cu. ft./hr. (1867 l/hr.)
  • • Works: Rod – 1″ (26 mm) Tube – 38 mm
  • • Dimensions: 6” long with a 6” base
  • • Net Weight: 3 1/2 lbs.

 

 

Champion
Bethlehem Burners - Champion

Overview:

The Champion Bench Burner is a two stage, stainless steel, surface mix flame working torch with separately controlled outer and inner flames. Each stage is controlled by one gas and one oxygen valve, and the torch comes standard with a four port manifold.

The low-velocity flames of the Champion torch allow flame workers to produce a wide range of fuel mixtures while keeping the flames workable and gentle to the glass. These flames bathe the glass in even heat and gently heat the glass from all sides, much like working glass in a furnace. This type of flame is excellent for every style of flame working, including large hollow work, solid milli work, color-mixing and fine detail work with difficult colors. The large diameter, low-velocity flames produced by the outer fire of the Champion, make evenly heating large amounts of glass with no cold spots a breeze! Even highly oxidizing flames are soft and even.

The Champion was engineered for low-pressure, high heat performance and is one of the most efficient large torches on the market today.

Features:

  • • Comes standard with a four stud manifold.
  • • New ball-bearing scroll provides smooth adjustments and automatically locks the torch at the desired angle.
  • • Reconfigured gas and O2 ports for most efficient fuel combustion.
  • • Stainless steel construction keeps the torch cool to the touch, even at hottest flame.

Specifications:

  • • Burner configuration: Center fire – 6 jets, Outer fire – 30 jets, Face diameter -1 1/8″ (28.575 mm)
  • • Full flame consumption  Gas: 5 psi; 24.96 cu. ft./h (706.8 l/hr.  Oxygen: 20 psi; 88.13 cu. ft./hr. (2496 l/hr.)
  • • Works:  Rod – 44 mm tube – 80 mm +
  • • Dimensions:  6 7/8″ long with a 8″ base
  • • Net Weight:  8 3/4 lbs.The first question every aspiring glass blower asks is, “What torch should I get?” This isn’t an easy question to answer, because the answer is yes to all of them! The real question is “What is the best torch for you and what do you want to make?”

    Here’s a list of some of the best torches used by glass artists around the world. Each torch manufacturer brings something different to the table with their unique designs. These torches are used for a number of applications that require certain specifications. Please note: this list was created in no special order (alphabetically).


    Bethlehem Burners

    Bethlehem Burners are constructed entirely of stainless steel, keeping the burner body cool. The torches are equipped with modular valves with precision needles making fuel adjustment smooth and precise. With the low-pressure design and precision front face, the artist will experience a flame that combusts at the face of their art work, wrapping their glass in a penetrating heat at a far better fuel ratio than ever experienced before. Superior design, durability, and complete combustion make Bethlehem Burners one of the highest quality torch manufacturers on the market today.


    Alpha
    Bethlehem Burners - Alpha

    Overview:

    The Alpha Glass Bead Burner is an excellent starter burner for the glass artist working in the medium to small range. The Alpha delivers more flow at a low gas pressure producing the ideal glass working flame. Affordable and convenient, the Alpha is the only torch on the market today designed with your needs in mind. Do you work at home with low-pressure household natural gas? If so, the Alpha would be a dream-come true! The Alpha will melt both soft and borosilicate glass with ease. The torch can also be used at the traditional flame settings of 5 psi gas and 20 psi oxygen. It works equally well with propane, natural gas and other fuels.

    Features:

    • • All stainless steel construction that stays cool while the flame is super hot.
    • • Allows for a higher volume of fuel at a lower inlet pressure-7 cu. ft./hr. at only 2 psi.
    • • Ideal to operate on household gas (1/4 psi) and oxygen concentrator (7 psi).

    Specifications:

    • • Burner configuration: Center Fire – 6 jets, Pentagon shape face, Diameter 5/8″.
    • • Suggested glass size: up to a 5/8″ / 16mm rod and up to a 19mm Tube.
    • • Dimensions: 5″ long with a 6″ base
    • • Net Weight: 2.5 lbs

     

     

    Bravo

    Bethlehem Burner - Bravo

    Overview:

    The low-pressure, stainless steel Bravo Bench Burner was designed specifically with the needs of the artistic flameworker in mind. A dual-purpose torch, it will work easily with both soft and borosilicate glass. Made with the precision and quality of all Bethlehem burners, the Bravo’s output is surface-mixed and whisper-soft. By varying the atmosphere of your flame, you can use your torch like a fiery paintbrush for shading and highlights. The razor-sharp center is excellent for creating small details. For marbles, sculpting, and vessels, this sleek torch is both cost-effective and fuel-efficient.

    Features:

    • • All stainless steel construction that stays cool while the flame is super hot.
    • • Allows for a higher volume of fuel at a lower inlet pressure- 15 cu. ft./hr. at only 2 psi.
    • • Can also operate on household gas (1/4 psi) and oxygen concentrators (7 psi).  Includes B size fittings for both Oxy and Fuel connections. Purchase a 4 Inlet to 2 Inlet Adapter (Part #’s EQ101) if you are not going to use a foot pedal.

    Specifications:

    • • Burner configuration: Center fire – 6 jets, Outer fire – 12 jets, Face dia. – 1″ (25.4 mm)
    • • Full flame consumption: Gas: 2 psi; 15 cu. ft./hr. (425 l/hr.); Oxygen: 8 psi; 66 cu. ft./hr. (1867 l/hr.)
    • • Works: Rod – 1″ (26 mm) Tube – 38 mm
    • • Dimensions: 6” long with a 6” base
    • • Net Weight: 3 1/2 lbs.

     

     

    Champion
    Bethlehem Burners - Champion

    Overview:

    The Champion Bench Burner is a two stage, stainless steel, surface mix flame working torch with separately controlled outer and inner flames. Each stage is controlled by one gas and one oxygen valve, and the torch comes standard with a four port manifold.

    The low-velocity flames of the Champion torch allow flame workers to produce a wide range of fuel mixtures while keeping the flames workable and gentle to the glass. These flames bathe the glass in even heat and gently heat the glass from all sides, much like working glass in a furnace. This type of flame is excellent for every style of flame working, including large hollow work, solid milli work, color-mixing and fine detail work with difficult colors. The large diameter, low-velocity flames produced by the outer fire of the Champion, make evenly heating large amounts of glass with no cold spots a breeze! Even highly oxidizing flames are soft and even.

    The Champion was engineered for low-pressure, high heat performance and is one of the most efficient large torches on the market today.

    Features:

    • • Comes standard with a four stud manifold.
    • • New ball-bearing scroll provides smooth adjustments and automatically locks the torch at the desired angle.
    • • Reconfigured gas and O2 ports for most efficient fuel combustion.
    • • Stainless steel construction keeps the torch cool to the touch, even at hottest flame.

    Specifications:

    • • Burner configuration: Center fire – 6 jets, Outer fire – 30 jets, Face diameter -1 1/8″ (28.575 mm)
    • • Full flame consumption  Gas: 5 psi; 24.96 cu. ft./h (706.8 l/hr.  Oxygen: 20 psi; 88.13 cu. ft./hr. (2496 l/hr.)
    • • Works:  Rod – 44 mm tube – 80 mm +
    • • Dimensions:  6 7/8″ long with a 8″ base
    • • Net Weight:  8 3/4 lbs.
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How to clean that oxyfuel cutting tip

Mike Richardson is your quintessential small-business owner. He works hard at making a living, and he’s always looking out for a way to save money.

He’s spent the last 12 years doing millwright work and machinery repairs at log-processing facilities in the Pacific Northwest, with the last two years working on his own. (He’s been at it since dropping out of high school, getting his GED, and lying about his age so he could land his first fabricating gig at a union shop.) Today he works with four other guys as part of Redline Mobile Welding and Construction.

“Originally I was going to be a pipe welder, but then I found out there was a lot of money to be made without traveling on the road all the time,” Richardson said.

So now he spends more time closer to his Elma, Wash., home. Every day is different, but it usually involves the same maximum effort. It could be using the oxyfuel torch to do a simple task like shortening up chains or something more complex, such as scarfing out cracks in a debarker machine and then welding them back up. On most days someone is using that torch a majority of the time (see Figure 1)

With that in mind, Richardson noticed an online ad showing a tool that supposedly cleans out oxyfuel cutting tips without the need for tip cleaners. If it’s one thing he did know it was that he had some tips that needed some help.

“The ad made me think about those tips for a little bit,” Richardson said.

Attempts to clean those tips never really panned out using regular tip cleaners, according to Richardson. The job is just too big for them. Once solidified, the molten slag that rolls back into the tip during torch usage renders the tip useless. Good technique can avoid that in many instances, but even the best fabricators have to wrestle with slag as they get aggressive with their tips in those difficult jobs.

“We all have tip cleaners rolling around our toolboxes, but guys always mess with those things and inevitably screw the cutting tip up,” he said. “It’s never the same if you have to use a tip cleaner on it.”

Richardson reached out to the sponsor of the online ad, slagRebel, and the company sent him a modified tool that is designed to clean out those scarfing tips as well as straight tips (see Figure 2). Richardson found that the tool gave new life to tips that were once headed for the garbage.

Clearing out the Slag

“When I first got it, I wanted to play with it,” Richardson said. “I cleaned out the shop trucks’ toolboxes and found all of these gnarly tips. They were just going to be thrown away. Some had metal rusted on the end of them, and some of them had broken tip cleaners inside of them, where a guy had tried to clean the tip and gave up.”

Figure 2
The stainless steel slagRebel tool is small enough to fit in a toolbox or in a worker’s pocket.

Richardson started with a coffee can full of the used tips that he had collected from the trucks. He had planned to set aside at least 30 minutes to bring these tips back to life. He started the job by facing all of the tips with a file to clean them up a bit. He then ran them through the slagRebel.

The slag-removal tool comprises four pieces: an upper member, a lower member, an insert for the lower member, and a piston. To begin the process, the tool’s inventor, Van Steel, a construction professional with 40 years of experience on heavy industrial projects, suggests a vise be used. The idea is that a vise will keep the tool stable during the slag-removal process and avoid the potential of hand injuries.

The lower member is placed in the vise and secured. The used cutting tip is placed into the insert, and the insert is placed into the lower member in the vise. The upper member is then threaded onto the lower member, encasing the cutting tip. (Currently the slagRebel is designed to work with Victor® Series 100, Victor Series 300, and Harris cutting tips. Specialty tools can be made depending on the application.)

The upper member is filled with potable water, which typically is available at job sites. A piston is then inserted into the upper member’s tube.

By striking the piston with a dead blow hammer, the fabricator drives water through the cutting tip orifices, which forces the slag to dislodge. Water and air escape through a weep hole in the lower member. To see if the slag has been removed, the fabricator needs to take out the piston, remove the upper member, pull out the tip, and inspect it. If slag remains, Steel recommends repeating the process. He estimates that 100 foot-pounds of striking force creates approximately 35 PSI of pressure, which normally is sufficient to dislodge and clear the orifices of slag.

After the slag is dislodged, Steel recommends using fresh water to rinse the tool clean of debris.

“I built this for my own use out of necessity years ago during my welding days,” Steel said. “It seems like slag buildup and blowback never happened at a convenient time. Most of my welding jobs were in remote places, such as working on a pipeline or offshore platform. On those jobs, if we didn’t have a spare tip, the job would stop until I could get a tip or have one delivered.”

After tackling his cleaning job on the used tips, Richardson was sold on the usefulness of the slag-Rebel tool. With one or two whacks of the tool, he said every single one of the tips had clear ports. He did some final cleaning with a needle tip cleaner, but he noted that they were ready to be reused after having the ports cleaned.

“When a guy spends $25 on a torch tip and he sees it ruined or not performing well, he thinks he can save it. At least, that’s what we’ve always done. We throw them into the shop truck, where they usually stay,” Richardson said. “I wouldn’t even have gone looking for them if I hadn’t gotten this tool to work with.”

Richardson said he has used the slagRebel in the field and has yet to find a tip that he couldn’t clean with it. As long as the seal is good at the base of the tip, where it’s not sucking air, those cleaned-out tips are good for continued use.

He admitted that he and his co-workers aren’t cleaning out every tip when they sense subpar performance with the torch. It’s just easier to grab another tip and throw the clogged tips back into the truck. After all, they are on the clock for fab and repair work. They can clean the tips out later.

“If nothing else, I’m saving money on torch tips. For a small guy like me with only a few employees, that’s a big deal,” Richardson said.

The tool also saved a day of work one time when they grabbed a truck that wasn’t fully stocked for field work. Those backup tips weren’t in the truck when a replacement was needed. Richardson said the slagRebel cleaned the clogged tip, and they got back to work.

“It really helped me out then,” he said.

Making a Bigger Impact

Steel said the tool should last a lifetime, unless a fabricator loses it. That’s why when you order one you get a holster to keep the slagRebel in.

“It’s a quick turnaround on the investment,” he said. “A guy cleans out 15 to 20 tips, and he’s paid for it.”

Steel said that he thinks the tool can have a much larger financial impact on big projects. For example, oxyacetylene cutting tips often are considered consumables and are associated with consumables in typical overhead costs, not unlike toner cartridges. When you can extend the life of oxyfuel cutting tips and save lost productivity, those savings fall directly to the bottom line. He added that companies also minimize downtime associated with injuries that may occur when people use tip drills to clean out slag from the cutting tips.

“It’s human nature not to like changes, but torch users will quickly recognize these benefits that we’ve been talking about. Accepting the consequences of clogged tips in terms of lost productivity and tip replacement costs is what has happened over the years and is counterproductive,” Steel said. “People typically say, ‘It is what it is.’ Well, they’ll know better when I can get the word out to the rest of the world.”

Cutting tip manufacturers and welding supply shops may not want the world to know, as they do well in selling replacement cutting tips. But someone like Redline’s Richardson is glad he found out about the tool. It’s a tip he’s willing to share with any fabricator who asks him about it.

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What is a torch?

torch is a portable handheld electric lamp that is battery powered. They’re also referred to as flashlights in the US, whereas torch is the more popular name in other English-speaking countries.

Throughout history, people have had a need for light sources which could move with them, which led to the evolution from candles to oil lamps and kerosene lamps. However, these methods of lighting are potentially dangerous, as they have a flame as the light source.

The invention of the incandescent electric light bulb and dry battery at the end of the 1800s provided a solution to this risk, and enabled the invention of the device used today.

Led-Lenser-TT-LED-Torch

When were handheld torches invented?


The first dry cell battery was manufactured by the National Carbon Company in 1896 after German physician Carl Gassner invented it in 1888. It’s a type of electric battery which was an improved version of its predecessor, as its electrolyte was a paste instead of a liquid.

Thanks to this, it could work in any position and wouldn’t break or spill as easily – making it ideal for a portable light source. So in 1899, British inventor David Misell developed the first model.

Torch or flashlight?


Before it was invented in the 1890s, the word torch was used to describe a stick that could be lit and used as a light source.

Led-Lenser-SEO-3-LED-Head-Torch

When flashlights became widely used across the globe, they were originally known in Britain as electric torches. The word electric was later dropped, as it became synonymous with what Americans referred to as a flashlight.

But this device was originally named a flashlight when it was first invented, because the zinc-carbon batteries which powered it couldn’t provide constant currents for extended periods of time – which meant they had to keep being turned off.

It was given the name by Russian inventor Conrad Hubert, who brought Misell’s invention to market. However, it’s now argued that because modern-day models no longer have to be turned off, so they no longer ‘flash’, this name shouldn’t be used.

Led-Lenser-X21R2-LED-Torch

How do torches work?


Modern-day devices most commonly feature LED bulbs. In order for electrons to be produced, the light must have some type of power source, so they’re powered by batteries, which can be either disposable or rechargeable.

Alkaline batteries are very affordably priced and able to last between four and 10 hours on one set, while rechargeable batteries are powered by lithium-ion.

The different parts


The tube part is the section that holds the different parts of the device, which is called the case.

The bulb is the source of illumination, and is usually either a tungsten filament incandescent bulb or – more commonly in newer models – an LED bulb.

The batteries rest on a small spring that’s connected to two contact strips, which are thin strips of metal – often made of copper or brass – located throughout the device. This makes the electrical connection between the batteries, the lamp and the switch. These parts conduct electricity and complete the circuit.

When the switch is pushed to the ‘on’ position, it begins a flow of electricity powered by the battery.

The reflector part at the front is formed of plastic and coated with a shiny aluminium layer which bends around the bulb, to direct the rays forward so they provide a steady light beam. This is then covered with the lens; a clear plastic at the very front of the device which protects the glass bulb from breaking.

When the switch is pushed into the ‘off’ position, the contact strips are moved apart and the path for the electrical current is broken, which stops the device producing light.

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The Importance of Carrying a Flashlight and Its Advantages

The first models of flashlights that were ever made were heavy and bulky and used mostly by campers and hikers. However, these amazing tools have evolved greatly during the years and the big heavy torches of the past, today are replaced with more compact and brighter units thanks to LED technology. LED torches use a light that produces more brightness than the standard halogen or incandescent torch lights.

Thanks to their design and range of amazing features, led torches have become a must-have tool for outdoor activities and a significant part of any home emergency kit. If for some reason, you still don’t own one, maybe it’s time to consider investing in a quality model that can serve you in all kinds of situations.Five Ways a Flashlight Can Save Your Life | BatteriesInAFlash Blog

Identifying potential threats – Thanks to LED technology, today’s torches are much brighter than the previous models and have a longer beam distance. Bad things can happen when you at least expect them, so being prepared to react properly can save your life. For example, walking to your car at night or coming home walking through a dark street hides a lot of potential dangers and a flashlight can help you spot anything unusual before it’s too late.

  • Self-defense – The high brightness of an LED flashlight can help you to temporarily blind the attacker and gain valuable time to run and save yourself. A flashlight with 60-100 lumens is powerful enough to cause temporary blindness when it is pointed directly to the eyes. Some models of led torches feature a strobe mode that is specifically designed to disorient the person by emitting super bright light rapidly. Also, the sturdy, metal construction makes the torch a perfect non-lethal weapon, so in case you need to, you can use it to hit the attacker with it.
  • Emergency situations – In case of a power outage, the flashlight can instantly save the situation. No matter whether that happens while you are at home or outdoors, having a quality torch with you can be a life savior as you can use it to send signals about your location. Some models have special SOS modes which makes them perfect for such situations.
  • Save your phone battery – Your phone’s flashlight is a really great feature that many find useful in a lot of different situations. But honestly, if you keep it turned on for a prolonged period of time, chances are the battery will run out very quickly so you will be left without both light and phone. Being without these two things at the same time can be a real problem in certain cases, so instead of wasting your phone’s battery, be smarter and get yourself a torch.

When it comes to their features, it’s worth mentioning that flashlights today come with many features and options. When buying a flashlight as an everyday carry (EDC) you will want to consider the basic features and then decide whether you need some additional ones.

  • Brightness – Most flashlights today use LED bulbs because they are brighter and more efficient than incandescent ones. The light output is typically measured in lumens and lights can have anywhere from 20 lumens to 2000 or more.
  • Beam Distance – Beam distance is measured in meters as the distance from the flashlight to an object or to moonlight space. It is also referred to as ‘throw’ or ‘flood’.
  • Run time – This one is measured in hours. Some flashlights can run for 100 hours or even more in low output mode. For everyday carry model, you should choose a light with a higher lumen output. Somewhere in the 500-1000 lumen range.
  • Construction – The model you consider buying should be durable and to be able to withstand tough conditions. Look for LED flashlights that are made of top quality military or weapon-grade aluminium. Also, a textured grip helps to keep the light from slipping out of your hand, which is particularly important if you need to use the light for self-defence.
  • Size – Make sure the model you chose is comfortable to use and carry. It should be lightweight and compact, and it should also easily fit in your pocket or bag or be clipped to a belt hook.

Some other important features to consider:

  • Switch Types – Some ledtorches have multiple switches in order to allow the user to quickly operate the light in different situations. The different switch types are tail-cap, body and head/tail twist. The tail-cap and body switches can be simple on/off or they can also cycle through modes. Rotating or twisting switches turn the light on and change modes by turning either the head or tail of the light. These switches are ideal for cases when the light is stored in a bag or a backpack and you don’t want it to accidentally get turned on.
  • Impact resistance – This one is measured in meters and it is determined by how well a flashlight holds up when it’s dropped from a particular height onto a concrete surface.
  • Water-resistance – The water resistance of ledtorches is measured using an IP rating system and comes in three categories:
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Light Pollution Effects on Wildlife and Ecosystems

For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. It’s encoded in the DNA of all plants and animals. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night.

Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and protection from predators.

Scientific evidence suggests that artificial light at night has negative and deadly effects on many creatures including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants.Light Pollution Harms Life on Earth but the Solutions are Simple - SCARCE

Artificial Lights Disrupt the World’s Ecosystems

Nocturnal animals sleep during the day and are active at night. Light pollution radically alters their nighttime environment by turning night into day.

According to research scientist Christopher Kyba, for nocturnal animals, “the introduction of artificial light probably represents the most drastic change human beings have made to their environment.”

“Predators use light to hunt, and prey species use darkness as cover,” Kyba explains “Near cities, cloudy skies are now hundreds, or even thousands of times brighter than they were 200 years ago. We are only beginning to learn what a drastic effect this has had on nocturnal ecology.”

Glare from artificial lights can also impact wetland habitats that are home to amphibians such as frogs and toads, whose nighttime croaking is part of the breeding ritual. Artificial lights disrupt this nocturnal activity, interfering with reproduction and reducing populations.

Artificial Lights Can Lead Baby Sea turtles to their Demise

Sea turtles live in the ocean but hatch at night on the beach. Hatchlings find the sea by detecting the bright horizon over the ocean. Artificial lights draw them away from the ocean. In Florida alone, millions of hatchlings die this way every year.

Artificial Lights have Devastating Effects on Many Bird Species

Migrating Birds

Photo by Michael Menefee

Birds that migrate or hunt at night navigate by moonlight and starlight. Artificial light can cause them to wander off course and toward the dangerous nighttime landscapes of cities. Every year millions of birds die colliding with needlessly illuminated buildings and towers. Migratory birds depend on cues from properly timed seasonal schedules. Artificial lights can cause them to migrate too early or too late and miss ideal climate conditions for nesting, foraging, and other behaviors.

Ecosystems: Everything is Connected

Many insects are drawn to light, but artificial lights can create a fatal attraction. Declining insect populations negatively impact all species that rely on insects for food or pollination. Some predators exploit this attraction to their advantage, affecting food webs in unanticipated ways.

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The Advantages of LED Lights for the Environment

LED Lights

Taking care of the environment is a responsibility that everyone should feel accountable for. Most of us are already aware of environmentally friendly processes such as recycling to minimize the amount of waste we produce and reduce our carbon footprint. However, a lot of people are unaware of new and upcoming technologies that we can use to help reduce carbon emissions. A good example of this is LED lighting, which provides many environmental advantages.

 

Energy Efficient

LED lights are up to 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent lights. 95% of the energy in LEDs is converted into light and only 5% is wasted as heat. This is compared to fluorescent lights which convert 95% of energy to heat and only 5% into light! LED lights also draw much less power than traditional lighting; a typical 84-watt fluorescent can be replaced by a 36 watt LED to give the same level of light. Less energy use reduces the demand from power plants and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

 

LEDlightsense

 

No Toxic Elements

LED lights contain no toxic elements. Most offices currently use fluorescent strip lights which contain noxious chemicals such as mercury. This will contaminate the environment when disposed of in landfill waste. Disposal has to be arranged through a registered waste carrier so switching to LED avoids the cost and time implications required for compliant disposal – and helps to protect the environment from further toxic waste.

 

Fewer Lights Needed

LEDs have a better quality of light distribution and focus light in one direction as opposed to other types of lighting which waste energy by emitting light in all directions, often illuminating areas where light isn’t required (such as the ceiling). This means that fewer LED lights are needed to achieve the same level of brightness given off by fluorescents and incandescent lights. Fewer lights will reduce energy consumption and will therefore be a benefit to the environment.

LEDlightsense

Lifespan

A longer life span means lower carbon emissions. LED Lights last up to six times longer than other types of lights, reducing the requirement for frequent replacements. This results in using fewer lights and hence fewer resources are needed for manufacturing processes, packaging materials, and transportation.

 

About the Author:  Alex Connell, Public Relations Officer at LED LightSense. Alex builds a good reputation for the organization and manages its relationship with the public. He is also a writer promoting the environmental and performance benefits of LED lights.

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Are Tactical Flashlights Effective?

When it comes to lighting options that double as personal protection and self-defense, tactical flashlights are a great option.  If you’re a camper, rider, night jogger, or hiker, you know the importance of having a good flashlight. Now imagine if that light could also give you the peace of mind that if you absolutely had to, you could defend yourself against an attack.

A tactical flashlight is an effective tool for self-defense. It can produce light powerful enough to deter an attacker, optically disorient them, or be used as a blunt force self-defense weapon. They are commonly used as an everyday carry or mounted to a gun to light up a target. 

Originally designed as a permanent fixture on a gun, they are still extremely effective as a weapon-mounted light.

 


 

What Is a Tactical Flashlight?

A tactical flashlight is more than just the ordinary flashlight you keep in your kitchen and reach for during a blackout. Tactical flashlights are specifically designed and intended to be used by people of service like the military, police, search and rescue, and any other type of security or law enforcement agencies.

One of the major differences between a tactical flashlight and a regular flashlight is the high-durability, damage-resistant metal housing. They are more compact and made of sturdy, military-grade materials to ensure maximum durability. Tactical flashlights are not just meant for shining a light in the dark; they are also ultra-bright and have longer battery life.

Even if you’re not in the military or police, and don’t own a handgun or pocket knife, a tactical flashlight can be your first line of defense. They are perfectly legal and can be carried into places like theaters, offices, airplanes, and other places where guns are not allowed. Let’s get more into how you can use tactical flashlights, armed or unarmed.

 


 

What are Tactical Flashlights Used For?

As stated previously, the use of a tactical flashlight is way beyond just simple illumination. Tactical flashlights have a range of uses in all different kinds of situations.

When tactical flashlights were first designed, they were meant to be attached to rifles, pistols, and shotguns for easy identification of targets during low-lit shooting applications.

A tactical flashlight allows the shooter to aim the weapon and illuminate the pathway to target without using a separate flashlight.

With a tactical flashlight, marksmen, soldiers, and law enforcement officers were able to concentrate a powerful light beam to disorient almost blinding their enemies.

A tactical flashlight goes beyond military use and serves several other functions. Here are some of them:

Self-defense

Tactical flashlights are sometimes overlooked when it comes to self-defense, but they can be very effective depending on how they are used. Darkness aids in the advantage of attackers/enemies and increases their chances of successfully carrying out their acts.

With a flashlight, you can easily identify whoever is lurking in the shadows and eliminate that advantage. In most cases, simply shining a powerful light on the attacker will surprise them and cause them to flee, which is the main objective in self-defense.

However, if the sudden beam of light causes an attacker to lunge towards you, you can shine the powerful beam directly in their eyes, temporarily blinding and disorienting them. With your attacker struggling you have time to flee or defend yourself further.

Illumination

Tactical flashlights are compact, so they can easily fit in your pocket, handbag, or backpack.

If you find yourself walking alone at night and sense you could be in danger, you can easily reach for your flashlight and illuminate the path you’re walking on. When a potential assailant sees such a bright light, their advantage has been compromised, and they will think twice before attacking you.

Besides helping to protect you from a potential attacker, a bright tactical flashlight will give you the advantage of seeing your environment clearer, perhaps preventing you from hitting your foot against a rock or falling into an unforeseen hole.

For Emergencies

Usually, when the power goes out, the first thing we all reach for is a flashlight. Most times, it’s somewhere tucked away in the back of a kitchen cupboard, in a closet, or under the sink. If your car breaks down at night, or you’re involved in or witness a nighttime car accident, the first thing you would want to reach for is your flashlight.

While a regular flashlight is good in such situations, a tactical flashlight is even better. The powerful beam will help you navigate your way out of dangerous situations, signal for help, or enable you to escape safer.

For Signaling for Help

As mentioned earlier, a tactical flashlight can be very useful when signaling for help. If you find yourself in an emergency situation where you think you’re lost or need to ask for help from drivers on the road, the first thing that comes to your mind is to make sounds by yelling or movement by waving your hands.

A tactical flashlight can enhance or replace those functions when they become unusable at night. It used to be that if you wanted to signal someone over distances using a flashlight you would put your hand in front of the light and remove it to simulate an on/off for Morse code. These days that function is built right into a tactical flashlight by means of strobe and SOS functionality.

 


 

What Makes a Good Tactical Flashlight?

Ideally, your tactical flashlight should be compact, durable, have a better output, and run for longer periods. If it isn’t any of those things, it’s no different from an ordinary household flashlight.

Before considering a flashlight as tactical, here’s what you should look for:

  • Small and Compact. You want something small enough and convenient to carry with you just about anywhere. Your tactical flashlight should be able to fit in the palm of your hand. Your flashlight should be no bigger than the size of your palm.
  • Light output.  For a tactical flashlight to be effective, it should produce enough light to disorient an attacker. You should aim for a flashlight with at least 120 lumens.
  • Waterproof. A tactical flashlight should be able to work in all kinds of weather. It should be waterproof so it doesn’t become damaged when used in the rain or other wet conditions.
  • Ruggedly constructed. Your tactical flashlight should be made of strong, durable materials that won’t bend, break, or crack easily. Ideally, it should be made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s a tough yet light metal.
  • LED Bulb Type. LED bulbs are the absolute best option to use. Incandescent bulbs aren’t very energy efficient. LED bulbs last significantly longer than incandescent and cause less battery drain. Also, LEDs are stronger and built like a tank, unlike incandescent bulbs that break easily when dropped.
  • Light Modes. A good tactical flashlight should feature a strobe mode which allows you to flash the light very quickly at intervals. If the light is very bright, it can cause an irritating glare effect and disorient anyone in its path. You can also use it to signal for help by sending out codes.
  • Battery. The type of battery your flashlight uses can affect its runtime, light output, and overall performance. There are several types of batteries that are used with tactical flashlights, but Lithium-Ion is known to last longer than other batteries.

 


Tactical Flashlights – Weapons hiding in plain sight

Why not have a tactical flashlight when you know you are going to be in the dark anyway.

Have the upper hand when you are in low light. It might initially seem unnecessary because every time you have your flashlight on you probably won’t go into stealth mode with your ninja skills ready to activate in a heartbeat. No one is usually ready to be attacked, but heaven knows it happens.

It happens when someone least expects it, especially when you are in less optimal conditions like the dark when you are more vulnerable. Why not help yourself have the upper hand in a situation where someone is already catching you off guard in the dark.

Protect yourself:

Event: Camping
Situation: Went to pee in the woods at night and stumble upon a wild animal
Uses:

  • Shine bright light at animals, stunning predator, being able to leave the situation
  • Animal tries biting and clawing you, you use the blunt of the light to defend yourself, you get away
  • You are hurt and can’t walk, but can light signal for help and someone can help get you medical attention

Event: Normal Bedtime Routine
Situation: You are starting to drift off to sleep and hear a window shatter and an intruder breaks in.
Uses:

  • You had your tactical flashlight in your bedside table, whip it out, turn it on, shine it their way, and deter a burglar. They flee with nothing missing.
  • You keep your light off, hide, and wait for your moment to physically defend yourself if necessary.
  • You go to your gun safe dial in your code and bust out your shot-gun with a tactical flashlight mounted and announce to them, “Get Out!”. Then, in the darkness you break the silence by cocking the shotgun, creating that even more ‘serious’ noise that should help deter a very large percentage of would-be robbers. If you still need to engage, you have the upper hand with an extremely bright light that can be set to certain ‘modes’ depending on the light you want. In this scenario where you have the upper hand as far as knowing your surroundings, you could set the tactical flashlight to strobe mode which could help you disorient the intruders enough for you to make your next move, whether it is lethal or not.

There are thousands of different situations that a tactical light can become a lifesaver, having one puts you in a much better scenario and hopefully, all you will have to use it for is lighting your way, but you never know.

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Flashlights: Tips to Pick a Top Torch

Flashlights run the gamut of price and quality. Here, we break down how to choose a good flashlight, including the best flashlight LEDs, batteries, designs, and more.

If you’ve purchased only cheap flashlights, you may not realize there’s a world of technology packed into these small, seemingly simple devices.

Flashlights have a devoted following. Some top models, like those manufactured by Okuma, cost hundreds of dollars and are meant to last a lifetime.

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How many flashlights do you need? What features set one flashlight apart from another? We spoke to Jeff Sapp — the founder, chief machinist, and business manager of the small but renowned brand Okluma — to break it down for you here.

Rechargeable Batteries

For the vast majority of users, a good-quality rechargeable battery is a must. Improvements in lithium-ion batteries are the reason modern flashlights can be so bright. Battery capacity and discharge rates are continuing to improve every day. And they last a long time, typically between 300 and 500 charges. After that, they can be recycled.

“No one should be throwing batteries away,” Sapp said. Look for a good-quality lithium-ion battery designed to power your specific flashlight. And watch out for fakes.

“There are tons of battery counterfeiters on eBay or Amazon,” Sapp said. “If there’s a good deal, it’s likely counterfeit. Buy it from the source or authorized dealers.”

Sapp noted that counterfeits — which are not much less expensive than the real deal — can actually be dangerous, as the poorly made knockoffs can even burn you or start fires.

Lumens: How Much Do You Really Need?

The lumen wars are real. Hop on Amazon and you’ll find many lights pumping out unrealistic numbers like 25,000 lumens or more. And while most of the lights on Amazon actually don’t make anywhere near the lumens they’re claiming, you almost certainly don’t need that many lumens for adequate brightness.

“There’s a point at which you are making lumens that aren’t useful and are just creating heat. And if you can’t hold it because it’s too hot, that’s not very useful,” Sapp said. “Because of the way your eyes work, 2,000 lumens is not twice as bright as 1,000 lumens.”

As a rule of thumb, Sapp said to look for a flashlight that can shine 800 to 1,200 lumens at its highest output. Obvious exceptions to this would be for people like search-and-rescue pros who need to light up objects far away. But for most users, it’s the lower power settings that matter the most. Lower modes are used more frequently than high, so it’s important to get those right.

Low-Light Modes

Okluma flashlights have a setting the brand calls Moonlight Mode. This creates just a few lumens and is great for use inside a tent or when looking at close objects. Low power modes also don’t ruin your night vision, so they are great when you want just a little light to clarify the scene.

For most, 100 to 200 lumens is fine for the vast majority of flashlight work. That’s plenty to light up a campsite or a trail while walking. And at this rate, most flashlights will have many hours of run time.

Higher settings are best reserved for fast activities like cycling on trails or spotting far-off objects.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

Where high-end flashlights really shine is light color and quality.

Cheap lights often have a very blue hue, with a color temperature of 7,000 or 8,000 Kelvin. This bluish light is easy to make bright with cheap LEDs, which saves money in manufacturing.

But your eye won’t love them. High-Kelvin LEDs will barely allow you to distinguish one color from another. A lower color temp — between 3,000 and 5,000 Kelvin — will produce a more useful and appealing light. This also helps in the next category, CRI.

Okluma flashlight2016_0812_01181700

The Color Rendering Index describes how closely the colors you see when using a flashlight compare to how they appear in natural sunlight. A good CRI of 80-90 is very close to sunlight. Lower numbers may not show color well.

Using high-quality LEDs that help your eye render color will result in a much better user experience. This is where Okluma thinks it’s got it right. The brand spent a lot of time trying to balance lumens and light quality.

LEDs

All modern, quality flashlights (and even most cheap ones) use light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Incandescent flashlights are now entirely obsolete.

Quality LEDs make all the difference in light quality, efficiency, and color. Most reputable brands use either CREE or Nichia LEDs in their products. (Okluma uses only Nichia LEDs.)

“That’s all we use unless the customer requests something else,” Sapp said. “They are super-efficient, and the color is fantastic.”

Like batteries, watch out for counterfeits. Buy from reputable dealers.

Water Resistance and Durability

“It’s important,” Sapp said. “It needs to work in wet conditions. You should be able to drop it and shouldn’t be a big deal.”

For most users who don’t need a dive light (as in, you aren’t a diver), look for an IPX4 rating. This means it’s splash-resistant from all angles, even after an impact test has been applied.

Interface

How many modes does the light have? How do you step through them? Is the interface predictable? Simple is likely better.

Does it have an electronic or mechanical switch? Okuma prefers mechanical because electronic switches slowly drain the battery even when the flashlight isn’t in use.

Knife Blades: Common Steels Explained
Finally, a small detail that some find important in usability: Can it tail stand? If you want to set alight in the ground pointed up to light a space, it should tail stand with no rounded buttons on the tail.

Low-Voltage Protection

Lithium-ion batteries can be permanently damaged or even start a fire if they’re over-discharged. The flashlight should watch the voltage and take care of the battery for you.

Warranty

Okluma ships with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. Sapp said one of his goals is for people to buy his lights with a mindset that they will last a lifetime. These lights are meant to be repaired, rebuilt, and maintained to last for generations.

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLASHLIGHT

How to Choose a Flashlight

Flashlights are often an underrated tool when it comes to camping and hiking and just general outdoor use. People think that anything that emits light will be good enough, that they’ll barely need it. In truth, a good flashlight is an investment. One that will save you money because you don’t have to continually buy cheap flashlights every couple months. A good flashlight will also show you its true value when you are in need.
While there are many different features to a flashlight, most good flashlights will have some similar characteristics. The three main features for a flashlight are Dimensions, Battery, and Light. Each of these characteristics are very important when it comes to selecting a flashlight.

 

CAMPING FLASHLIGHT DIMENSIONS

The dimensions of your flashlight is very important. Along with size, shape, materials, and weight, I also consider the application of its features in the dimensions. Like, where is the switch to turn it on and off? Does it have a clip? How easily can you change the focus of the light? One of the most important things when it comes to its features is how easily accessible they are. A goodCamping flashlightflashlight should have a sturdy switch or button for turning on and off and an easy way to change the focus of the beam, usually was twisting the plate around the lens. Something you can quickly use while wearing gloves, or have cold hands.
It should be made out of a sturdy but light material. A good flashlight will have some weight to it when you hold it, usually cheap flashlights feel like it’s not there at all (because it’s made out of weak plastics that are painted). These good materials should make sure your flashlight is water and impact resistant (if they don’t, pass on the product).

 

CAMPING FLASHLIGHT BATTERY

The right battery will make sure your flashlight has a good amount of time in which it can work, especially at its highest power. Some lesser flashlights have very strong light but not the battery output to back it up, making that feature useless. LED lighting is probably the best as it produces high energy for long periods of time which gives a chance for your batteries to hold up.
There are many different kinds of batteries your flashlight could have. AA, AAA, rechargeable, or not. Make sure the flashlight you’re interested in is something you can resupply when you want. Some flashlights use the CR123A, which is a good battery as long as you’re sure you can find them, as without the internet they can be hard to purchase.

 

PROPER LIGHT FOR CAMPING

The light is one of the most important parts of a flashlight. Before, even just a few years ago, you’d want to make sure your flashlight filled the role that you wanted it to fill, and you would need a different flashlight for different roles. But now flashlights are more flexible and accommodating. A good flash should haveFlashlight Parts - choose a flashlightaround 4 different settings for the beam. This will make sure that your flashlight can be used for whatever task you have before you.
As already mentioned, LED lights are very good and mercury free. An 
LED flashlight ensures that you are getting powerful and effective lights without wasting a lot of battery. Each setting on the beam of your flashlight should be filling a role. Some lesser flashlights will simply change the spread of the beam by restricting light instead of refocusing it. This is bad. A good flashlight will have a very strong beam once focused all the way. This is great for doing very close up and detailed work. And when it is placed on the most wide setting, the light encompasses a very large area.
A flashlight is an important and effective tool to have. Buying a high quality flashlight will ensure that you needn’t buy another because it is made of good materials and fulfills its job well. This will save you money in the long run. And a well made flashlight will be a reliable tool for years to come.

NEED MORE THAN A FLASHLIGHT?

There are some instances when a flashlight just isn’t enough. Whether you need the convenience of a camping lantern or 360 degree coverage, there are times when a lantern can be advantageous over a flashlight. If you’re wanting a camping lantern in addition to your flashlight, check out our top-rated camping lantern.

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