Sandblasting: Sand Media Creates Dust

Sandblasting is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface or remove surface contaminants. The process can be used to remove old finishes, rust, paint, dirt, and mould.

Sandblasting media is the abrasive material used in sandblasting. There are several different types of sandblasting media, each with unique properties and applications. The best media for a particular job will depend on the type of surface being worked on, the desired outcome, and the equipment being used.

Sandblasting equipment typically consists of a chamber in which sand and air are mixed. The mixture travels through a hand-held nozzle to direct the particles toward the surface or workpiece. Nozzles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.

There are two main categories of abrasive media: dry-media blasting and media that can be used in both wet and dry blasting.

Glass bead blasting: A versatile, environmentally-friendly approach that offers an attractive satin finish

Glass bead blasting is a versatile and environmentally-friendly approach to surface finishing. This process is suitable for a wide range of applications and materials, making it a popular choice for various industries. The finish is known for its attractive satin texture, which can enhance the overall appearance of the component.

Glass bead blasting is a type of media blasting, a popular surface finishing technique. It involves forcibly propelling fine glass beads at high pressure onto the surface of a component. This process is carried out in a well-monitored bead blasting cabinet, which ensures the safety of the operator and the quality of the results.

The process of glass bead blasting is similar to other abrasive blasting techniques. However, instead of using jagged media, glass bead blasting uses spherical glass beads. When these beads impact the surface of the component, they create a uniform finish caused by the sphere "dimpling" the surface.

Benefits of Glass Bead Blasting

Glass bead blasting offers several advantages over other blasting methods. Firstly, it is a safe and environmentally-friendly process. Glass beads are made from lead-free, soda-lime glass, and they can be recycled up to 30 times. This makes glass bead blasting a more cost-effective and sustainable option.

Additionally, glass bead blasting is gentle on the component's surface. It does not affect the underlying colour or dimension of the workpiece, resulting in a brighter finish. This process is also versatile, as it can be used on various materials such as metals, plastics, rubber, and glass.

Applications of Glass Bead Blasting

Glass bead blasting has a wide range of applications, including functional and cosmetic purposes. It is often used for peening, deburring, cosmetic finishing, and preparing metal surfaces for secondary finishes like powder coating and painting. It is also suitable for removing paint, rust, scale, and calcium deposits.

Best Practices for Quality Finishes

To achieve the best results in glass bead blasting, it is important to specify the media and grit size. Fine glass beads will give a uniform, satin finish, while coarse glass beads provide a rougher finish. It is also crucial to use the lowest pressure possible, as glass beads work best at low pressures, increasing their lifespan and improving the finish.

In conclusion, glass bead blasting is a versatile, environmentally-friendly, and effective approach to surface finishing. With its attractive satin finish and wide range of applications, it is a popular choice for many industries. By following best practices and working with reliable partners, high-quality results can be achieved.

Walnut shells: A soft, biodegradable option for blasting softer surfaces like wood without causing etching

Walnut shells are a soft, biodegradable option for blasting softer surfaces without causing etching. They are angular, multi-faceted, and have a Mohs Hardness of 3.5, making them an excellent choice for jet engine parts, turbines, and pistons.

Walnut shells are ideal for blasting wood, such as log homes, as they will not cause pitting or damage to the underlying substrate. They are also effective for removing paint from brick, provided the mortar is in good condition. For steel surfaces, walnut shells can be used to remove surface coatings without damaging or profiling the substrate. For example, they can be used to clean metallic surfaces on automobiles, boats, bridges, and buildings.

Walnut shells are also suitable for more delicate surfaces, such as fiberglass hulls, where a finer grit size is required. They are commonly used for deflashing, deburring, and finishing operations, as well as filler and extender applications.

One of the key benefits of walnut shells is that they are reusable, biodegradable, and do not produce harmful toxins. They are also compatible with multiple metal finishing processes, which can save time and money by eliminating the need to purchase multiple types of blasting media.

When purchasing walnut shells for blasting, they are typically sold by the pallet, with a minimum order of 2,000 lbs. or 40, 50-lb bags. Various grit sizes are available, depending on the specific application and surface being blasted.

Aluminium oxide blasting: An aggressive, lightweight blasting material that creates deep etching without adding surface stress

Aluminium oxide is a highly durable and aggressive abrasive used for blasting, grinding, and polishing applications. Its unique properties make it a versatile choice for a variety of industries. It is a synthetic abrasive made from fused alumina and is known for its hardness, strength, and low dust generation.

Aluminium oxide blast media is a powerful tool for surface preparation, offering efficiency, quality, and durability in a safe and cost-effective package. It is commonly used to remove rust, paint, and other coatings from surfaces, preparing them for painting or other finishes. Its hardness allows it to create a deep etch on surfaces, enhancing the adhesion of coatings.

Aluminium oxide is available in various grit sizes, from coarse to fine, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Coarse grits are ideal for heavy material removal and rough finishes, while fine grits are best for delicate blasting tasks and smooth finishes. It is important to choose the right grit size for the specific application to optimise the blasting process.

Aluminium oxide is a popular abrasive for etching and finishing due to its aggressive nature and versatility. It can be ground down to different grains, like sandpaper, and can be recycled until it begins to break down. Its strength and durability make it suitable for use on a variety of metals, including titanium and stainless steel. Additionally, its low iron content ensures that it will not leave any rust deposits on the surface of the blasted material.

Aluminium oxide is a cost-effective blasting abrasive due to its recyclability and reusability. Its durability allows it to withstand high-pressure blasting without breaking down, making it a long-lasting and economical choice for operations working with tight budgets.

Plastic abrasive blasting: A soft, dry-cleaning media that is ideal for removing unwanted materials without harming the substrate underneath

Plastic abrasive blasting is a soft, dry-cleaning media that is ideal for removing unwanted materials without harming the substrate underneath. It is a versatile process that can be used for many applications, from automotive to aerospace.

Plastic abrasive blasting is a type of media blasting, which is a general term for the process of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure. This process can be used to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants.

The benefits of plastic abrasive blasting include its ability to remove unwanted materials without damaging the underlying substrate. It is a soft media that is ideal for delicate surfaces and can be used to remove paint, mould, rust, or corrosion from soft metals like aluminium without causing any etching. It is also an excellent choice for deburring and general cleaning, as it does not generate excessive surface heat.

Additionally, plastic abrasive blasting produces very low dust, which improves visibility in a blast cabinet environment. This makes it a safer option than other media blasting processes, as it reduces the health risks associated with abrasive blast dust.

When using plastic abrasive blasting, it is important to wear protective gear, including gloves, ear protection, and a respirator. It is also recommended to lay a tarp over the project area to collect the debris and blasting material.

Overall, plastic abrasive blasting is a gentle yet effective process for removing unwanted materials from a variety of surfaces without causing any damage to the underlying substrate. It is a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective solution for many applications.

Steel media: Carbon steel is available in shot or grit form, with the former being used for polishing and the latter for removing rust, paint or scale from steel surfaces

Sandblasting is a process that forcibly propels a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants. Sandblasting media is the abrasive material used in sandblasting.

Steel media is available in shot or grit form. Steel shot is manufactured into a spherical pellet-type abrasive made from carbon steel. It often produces a very smooth surface and is used in cleaning and polishing metal surfaces and parts in automotive, aerospace, construction, foundry, shipbuilding, rail, and more. Steel shot can be used up to 3,000 times and produces minimal dust during the blasting process. Steel shot is ideal for peening applications to impart a clean, smooth finish. This dense, smooth media is also used for descaling, cleaning, and shot peening.

Steel grit is an angular, carbon steel media designed for the quick and effective removal of surface contaminants and coatings. Steel grit is softer than other media and is less likely to fracture, leaving an etched finish. It is ideal for aggressive cleaning applications and will quickly strip many types of surface contaminants from steel and other foundry metals. The angular nature of steel grit produces an etched surface on metal for superior adhesion of paint, epoxy, enamel, rubber, and other coatings. Steel grit is commonly used in cleaning, etching, and surface preparation.

When choosing sandblasting media, it is important to consider factors such as the surface type, desired finish, and environmental impact.

Frequently asked questions