The last post discussed the causes of static build-up during abrasive blasting. Here are some simple procedures and suggestions that can be followed to prevent a ‘shocking’ experience for the operator.
- Ground the blast gun by securing a wire from the gun body to the inside of the blast cabinet.
- Ground the blast cabinet with another wire by connecting to a water pipe, steel girder or grounding rod (anything conductive that runs into the earth).
- Replace the media regularly. Broken down, powdery media will develop more static build-up.
- Switch to a different media. Glass Bead produces the most static charge.
- Hold the part on the metal work floor so the charge drains through the cabinet.