Overview of Sandblasting Process
Sandblasting is a surface finishing process that propels abrasive particles at high velocity to clean or etch a surface. The abrasive used can be sand, glass beads, metal grit, walnut shells, or other media. An air compressor forces the particles through a blasting nozzle onto the target surface.
Applications include removing rust, paint, oil and dirt from metal, stone, concrete, and brick. The process smooths rough surfaces, textures smooth surfaces, and shapes objects. Sandblasting efficiently cleans larger surface areas more thoroughly and evenly than manual sanding.
Factors Affecting Sandblasting Results
The abrasive medium, particle size, blasting pressure, and nozzle distance must be matched to the workpiece material and desired surface finish. Harder, angular media cut more aggressively. Using softer, rounded media minimizes surface damage. Operator technique also impacts results. Care is taken to avoid scattering abrasive particles.
Disadvantages of Sandblasting
The abrasive current is dangerous. Injuries from particles at close range can be devastating. Silica sand particles lodge in lungs, causing silicosis. Reusing abrasive media occurs in shot cabinets. Dry ice blasting is less abrasive than sandblasting, transforming particles into gas. Compressed air introduced into a blast vessel drives the reliable sandblasting machine process. Soda, shot, and bead blasting are sandblasting variants with different applications. Materials like metal surfaces can be sandblasted to remove contaminants and roughness.