Abrasive Blasting Media

What Is Abrasive Blasting?

Industries rely on abrasive blasting as a trusted method to strip surfaces clean and restore them to their original glory. Here, machines hurl media like sand, steel grit, pulverized walnut shells, or glass beads at surfaces with a force to remove away the old layers.  These media particles crash into rust and peeling paint and remove them from the surface. By removing the stubborn layers of impurities on the surface of the material, one exposes the raw, unblemished material beneath. It refines, reshapes, and removes flaws on the surface using force. In construction, automotive repair, and shipbuilding, it’s the go-to method, whether it breathes life into rusty machinery or gives concrete a fresh face. After the blasting, the surface is stripped down and it becomes clean and spotless. A new layer of paint, a coating, or a fine polish will be received well by the surface now.

What Are the Benefits of Abrasive Blasting?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Removing Rust, Paint, and Contaminants: The original or refined condition of a surface is achieved by shedding layers of corrosion, paint, and surface contaminants. This revitalization by abrasive blasting also reveals unseen issues, enabling prompt fixes that might otherwise be overlooked.

Speed and Efficiency: Rapidly cover a vast area with speed and efficiency. Abrasive blasting has got your back. Its quick surface cleaning or preparation abilities make it the preferred option for big projects that require speed. It helps to complete tasks that would typically require hours of manual scraping and sanding. These processes can be done much quicker, resulting in more efficient project schedules.

Enhanced Adhesion for Coatings: The mildly textured surface of the abrasive blasting makes the adhesion of coatings and paints easier, thus reducing the chance of flaking or peeling later on. It is somewhat like giving the surface some “traction” that allows the paint or protective layer to bond well and thus the final outcome withstands longer, better staying in place.

Environmentally Friendly (When Done Right): When done in the proper manner, abrasive blasting can be a relatively environmentally friendly choice. Numerous modern systems use dust collectors to reduce airborne particles, and recyclable abrasives such as steel grit or glass beads can greatly reduce waste. Furthermore, there are certain natural abrasives such as crushed walnut shells or corn cob that are biodegradable, offering further ecologically friendly options.

Abrasive blasting is not solely for improving the aesthetics of a part; it also aims to prolong the durability of your materials and maximize their use. It involves altering the appearance and also securing its durability

What Are the Factors Affecting the Abrasive Blasting Process?

Several factors play a vital role in the outcomes obtained with abrasive blasting. Adjusting these factors can make all the difference in surface finishing.

Choice of Abrasive Blasting Media: The selection of the right abrasive material for attaining a given surface finish is very crucial. Steel grit is suitable for tough metal surface cleaning, while plastic beads are more suitable for gentle paint stripping on car parts without marring the metal. Walnut shell abrasive blasting media are a type of natural material. They provide a softer cleaning option suitable for materials such as wood or aluminum.

Size and Shape of the Abrasive Blasting Media: One has to consider the shape of the abrasive blasting media and their size before the process. They determine the degree of smoothness that a surface achieves. Smaller particles result in more even textures, which could be perfect for getting a surface ready for a shiny finish. On the other hand, larger particles create a more uneven surface, which is advantageous for durable coatings that require strong adhesion to a rough surface. Spherical abrasive blasting media have a smoothing effect, whereas sharp ones penetrate more, giving them a more aggressive nature.

Blasting Pressure and Flow Rate: The pressure and flow rate of the blasting again will determine how well contaminated material is cleared from the surface. Increased pressures can rapidly remove thick layers of rust or paint, but could potentially harm delicate surfaces. Reduced pressures provide a softer method, enabling accuracy in situations where the integrity of the material needs to be preserved. Making adjustments to these settings enables precise customization depending on the type of surface material and the intended result.

Ambient Conditions (Temperature and Humidity): The conditions of the surroundings during abrasive blasting can greatly affect the outcomes. Elevated humidity can result in specific abrasives sticking together, decreasing their efficiency, whereas decreased temperatures can render surfaces fragile, intensifying the potential for harm. Adjusting for temperature and moisture levels ensures a consistent, high-quality finish, as the optimal conditions can differ based on the type of abrasive and material being treated.

Having a grasp on these factors allows for the improvement of the abrasive blasting procedure, enabling the accomplishment of the intended outcome for every project. Getting the details correct can have a significant impact, whether you’re trying to refurbish an aging metal gate, tidy up a concrete wall, or ready an industrial component for a new layer of paint.

Abrasive Blasting Media

There are many factors that impact the results of a blasting process. These include the blasting pressure, the blasting angle, distance from the surface, and, most importantly, the abrasive blasting media being used.

Different blasting media will produce very different types of finishes. In the picture on the left, you can see two coupons blasted with Glass Beads. Glass Beads produce a peened surface finish. The one on the left is a 20/30 Coarse grade and the peening marks are clear. As a larger Glass Bead, the finish is also brighter. The other coupon was blasted with a 100/170 Medium-Fine grade. The finish is much smoother and also more a satin-matte finish.

The picture on the right shows the same Glass Bead – 20/30 Coarse blasted coupon next to a coupon blasted with a similar particle size Aluminum Oxide Grit – 36 Mesh. The difference is stark showing the coarsely peened finish on the left and the rough etch of the Aluminum Oxide Grit blasted surface. The hardness and angularity of the Aluminum Oxide removes much more metal to leave the rough surface finish.