Oliver Springs Sand Blasting

Tennessee Metallizing, based in Oliver Springs, TN, offers comprehensive sandblasting and bead blasting services. The company can accommodate any shape or size of part or structure and is equipped with blast cabinets for small parts and a roto-blast head for the interior of pipes with diameters ranging from 6 to 36. Tennessee Metallizing uses sandblasting to clean and prepare surfaces before applying thermal coatings or other coatings, such as wet paint. This process offers greater control and is more cost-effective than traditional methods like scraping or grinding.

Sandblasting to clean and prepare surfaces

Sandblasting is a technique that uses a stream of abrasive particles to clean, strip, and prepare surfaces. It is a process that has been used for decades to clean and prepare surfaces before painting or coating them with another material. The process involves forcing solid particles of abrasive material, such as sand, against a hard surface to smooth it, roughen it, or remove paint and other surface contaminants.

A sandblaster uses high pressure to accelerate dry silica particles to speeds fast enough to erode metal and other materials at a microscopic level. The process can be done using compressed air or a centrifugal wheel to propel the blasting material.

Sandblasting is commonly used to clean and prepare surfaces, but it can also be used for:

• Removing paint or rust from metal or masonry surfaces
• Creating decorative patterns on walls or glass
• Smoothing scratched surfaces
• Removing dirt and other unwanted materials
• Removing rust and corrosion from metal
• Creating a key for paint or other coatings on concrete or wood
• Fire damage clean-up
• Etching concrete surfaces to create a decorative effect

Benefits

Sandblasting is a fast, efficient way to clean or strip surfaces. It can be used on a variety of materials and is often used to prepare surfaces for painting or coating. It offers greater control and is more cost-effective than using a scraper or grinder. It also provides a better base for the adhesion of the coating.

Precautions

Sandblasting can be noisy and messy, and it requires pricey machinery. It is not recommended as a DIY technique as it can be dangerous and may damage property if done incorrectly. It can also be harmful to health if the correct safety equipment is not used, as it can cause respiratory problems and lung damage.

Sandblasting for small parts

Sandblasting is a great way to clean and prepare surfaces for painting or other finishes. It can be used on small parts, like those for cars, boats, and homes, as well as larger industrial and residential projects. If you're looking to sandblast small parts, there are a few things you should know.

First, you'll need the right equipment. Sandblasting small parts typically requires a blast cabinet, which is a closed chamber that contains the sandblasting media and debris. This helps to ensure a clean, contained work area and can make it easier to manage small parts. You can find blast cabinets in a range of sizes and configurations, from small desktop models to larger standalone units. Some blast cabinets even come with features like built-in lights and vacuum systems to help keep your work area clean.

When sandblasting small parts, it's important to use the correct media. The type of media you use will depend on the material you're working with and the finish you want to achieve. Common media types include sand, glass beads, and sodium bicarbonate (also known as soda blasting). For example, if you're working with soft metals, glass beads might be a good choice, as they provide a gentle yet effective cleaning action. On the other hand, sand is a versatile option that can be used on a variety of surfaces, but it can create a lot of dust, so it's important to use it with a vacuum system or respirator.

In addition to the media, you'll also need to choose the right nozzle for your sandblaster. Nozzles come in different sizes and materials, such as ceramic or silicon carbide. The size of the nozzle will depend on the size of the part you're working on and the desired finish. It's important to monitor your nozzle during use, as they can wear down over time, affecting the pressure and performance of your sandblaster.

When sandblasting small parts, it's crucial to take safety precautions. Sandblasting creates a lot of dust and debris, which can be harmful if inhaled. Be sure to wear a respirator or mask to protect your lungs, and consider using a shop vacuum to help contain the dust. Safety gear such as gloves and helmets is also recommended to protect your skin and eyes from flying debris.

Finally, sandblasting small parts can be a time-consuming process, so it's important to be patient and take your time. If you're outsourcing the work, expect to pay by the hour for sandblasting services, with rates varying depending on the provider and the scope of the project.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right equipment and media for your project, you can effectively sandblast small parts to achieve the desired finish.

Sandblasting for interior of pipes

Sandblasting is a process that uses compressed air or water to propel abrasive media through a nozzle and onto the interior surface of a pipe. This process removes rust, scale, and other contaminants from the surface, leaving a clean and roughened surface that is ready for coating or other surface treatments.

There are several types of internal pipe blasting equipment available, including handheld devices, robotic systems, and automated blasting machines. The choice of equipment depends on the specific application, including the size and shape of the pipes, the type of abrasive media used, and the desired level of automation.

For example, smaller inner pipe sizes up to 300 mm are best handled using a tool that creates a 360-degree blast pattern using a deflection tip. For pipes with inner dimensions of more than 304 mm, a Spin blast tool that uses a revolving blast head to give a high-impact, uniform blast finish is recommended.

One such tool is the Rotoblast Internal Pipe Blasting Tool, which is designed for pipes with an internal diameter ranging from 10" to 35". This tool uses a twin-nozzle spinning blast head to ensure fast and effective blasting. It is manually controlled, but an optional electric winch is available to aid in consistency and reduce labour costs.

Sandblasting is a quick, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to prepare steel surfaces for further processing. It is commonly used in industrial applications such as oil and gas pipelines, water treatment plants, and chemical processing plants.

Sandblasting for thermal coatings

Sandblasting is a crucial step in the process of thermal coating, as it ensures that the surface is clean and ready for the application of the thermal coating. It is a common technique used to remove impurities, rust, or old coatings from the surface of a material, creating an even finish. This process involves using a blasting machine to force sand or other abrasive materials through a nozzle at high velocity, removing any unwanted substances. Sandblasting is effective for heavy-duty applications such as paint removal, rust cleaning, and surface preparation.

There are several types of grit blasting that can be used for thermal coating preparation, including dry ice blasting, micro-abrasive blasting, hydro blasting, bead blasting, and wet abrasive blasting. Each method varies in terms of the abrasive material used, the level of precision, and the environmental impact. For instance, dry ice blasting uses frozen particles of carbon dioxide, which are softer and less harmful to fragile surfaces than traditional sand. Micro-abrasive blasting is known for its precision accuracy, making it suitable for work on delicate parts. Hydro blasting is notable for its accuracy and lack of cleanup, as the waste spray dries naturally without causing damage to the surrounding areas. Bead blasting, on the other hand, uses small glass beads that are less harmful to the environment, and these glass media can be recycled. Lastly, wet abrasive blasting is perfect for preparing surfaces for plating and bonding, and it helps reduce dust production.

The choice of grit blasting method depends on the specific requirements of the project, the desired surface finish, and the compatibility of the media with the coating's chemistry. Regardless of the method chosen, grit blasting plays a vital role in ensuring the proper adhesion of thermal coatings by creating a clean and even surface.

It is worth noting that sandblasting and grit blasting can be hazardous to workers' health, as they may be exposed to dust and toxic metals, leading to lung damage. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the safety of blasting operations and ensure proper training and protective gear when performing these tasks.

Sandblasting for corrosion protection

Corrosion is the natural destruction of metals due to chemical and physical environmental factors. It is a significant challenge for many industries, causing extensive damage to equipment and infrastructure. The prevention of corrosion is critical to ensuring the longevity and safety of these assets.

Sandblasting is an effective method for mitigating corrosion and is widely employed to prepare surfaces for protective coatings. It is one of the oldest and most commonly used techniques in corrosion protection. The process involves propelling fine sand particles onto a metal surface using compressed air, removing surface impurities and creating a clean and roughened surface. This enhances the adhesion of subsequent coatings, improving their durability and protective qualities.

Sandblasting is ideal for preparing large surfaces, such as ship hulls, bridges, and storage tanks. It is a highly versatile process that can be adapted to various surfaces, shapes, and sizes. It is also environmentally friendly, as the sand used is reusable, and the process generates less waste than chemical methods.

Before sandblasting, metal parts must be cleaned to remove contaminants like dirt, grease, and old coatings, which could interfere with the final coating process. After sandblasting, it is essential to treat the exposed metal with a protective coating as soon as possible to prevent re-rusting, especially if moisture is present.

Tennessee Metallizing, based in Oliver Springs, TN, offers comprehensive sandblasting services for corrosion protection. They serve a wide range of industries, including OEMs, fabricators, architects, and military and government agencies. Their sandblasting process prepares surfaces for thermal coatings or other coatings, such as wet paint, ensuring a better base for greater adhesion.

Frequently asked questions