Many industries use different types of surface cleaning, such as shot blasting. This method uses high-velocity copper, aluminum, or steel beads as an abrasive for cleaning the surface. It aims to smoothen surfaces in preparation for painting or coating. Shot blasting works well for concrete or metal surfaces.
How Shot Blasting Works
Shot blasting uses a centrifugal wheel to propel abrasive media on an unclean surface at very high speeds. This clears the contaminants such as old paint, rust, or other coatings from the surface. The kind of shot material used will significantly influence the shot blasting process. For instance, the hardness and size of the shot abrasive determine the amount of surface material removed.
A centrifugal wheel is used to move the blasting media. Once the media has been accelerated to an appropriate speed, it is moved to the blasting gun. The blasting gun is then directed to the surface for cleaning.
Most manufacturers of shot blasting machines incorporate a recovery system that collects the used shot material and returns it to the propelling wheel.
Types of Shot Blasting
There are two types of shot blasting processes that you can use depending on your needs. These are:
1. Wheel Blasting
A rotating wheel is used to evenly throw the media shots at the surface being worked on. The manufacturer of shot blasting machines makes them in different designs and capacities to accommodate different sizes of objects. Wheel blasting is best for larger items that need aggressive cleaning. It is automatic, but you can use a gripper tool if you need manual control.
2. Air Blasting
The shot blasting media is propelled by compressed air to clean, peen, and sand a metal surface. It works best for irregular-shaped objects. It is highly portable and offers the best results for metallic surface cleaning.
While any of the above methods can perfectly clean a metal surface, you will need at least one of the following equipment:
- Blasting cabinet: It is an enclosed space used for hazardous blasting work. It contains abrasive work, allowing smooth recycling and eliminating inhalation risks for operators.
- Blasting gear: It uses air to apply blasting shot media onto the target surface. They are highly flexible as they can be transported to the site when needed.
- Blasting rooms: This is a large blast cabinet where blasting work occurs. A blasting room can accommodate larger objects such as planes and ship vessels. A manufacturer of shot blasting machines will often include an air filtration system in the blasting room to take away dust and maintain a clean breathing environment.
Conclusion
Protecting metal surfaces from rust and abrasion is vital in maintaining an item’s overall appearance and promoting its lifespan. It is also essential in smoothing out a surface before coat application. Shot blasting, however, is not an easy thing to do. With the right expertise, you can have it done quickly and efficiently. Ensure you get the right equipment that fits your needs as specified by the manufacturer of shot blasting machines.
