Kramer Industries Inc > Media Blasting Equipment

Media Blasting Equipment

media-blasting-equipment

There are two basic types of media blasting equipment. While these media blasting equipment systems are traditionally known as sand blasting equipment, all these types of blasting machines can handle a variety of blast media. The media blasting equipment or sand blasting cabinet systems are divided into tumble blasters which are a semi-automated, multi-part batch process and the traditional blasting cabinet used by an operator to blast one part at a time. Portable sand blasters come in a variety of sizes and types. The most versatile and valuable portable blasting equipment can blast all types of dry blast media without requiring changes in hardware.

Tumble Blasters

The Tumble Blasters are enclosed sand blast cabinet systems that have a rotating basket with a sandblast gun aimed into it. The random tumbling action ensures that all parts in the basket are completely sandblasted when the cycle is finished. The TB-1 (Mini-Blaster) is a bench top unit that can process about 1 quart of parts; the TB-2 can process 2 cubic feet of parts and the TB-3 can process 3 cubic feet of parts.

The TB-1412 and TB-2424 tumbler blasters are designed for high volume automatic tumble sand blasting of small parts. The large 14″ x 12″ barrel holds approximately 50 pounds of parts and turns at 6 RPM. The extra-large 24″ x 24″ barrel holds approximately 150 pounds of parts and turns at 2 RPM. Simply load the barrel, close the door, set the timer, and turn on the dust collector. The barrel slowly turns, gently exposing all parts to the blast stream. When the timer expires, parts are finished and ready for unloading!

All systems feature an automatic timer, an air pressure regulator, an air line filter, a dust collector, one sandblast gun with carbide nozzle and one blow off gun (TB-2 & TB-3 only) to remove dust from parts. The systems work with:

 

Tumble blasting sand blast systems remove rust and scale, remove hard to reach burrs, produce either bright or dull texture finishes and prepare a surface for bonding. The process is very simple: load the parts, set the timer and, at the end of the cycle, open the trap door to unload the parts, which drop onto a sloped ramp and discharge into a tote pan.

Cabinet Blasters

Sandblast cabinets can perform such operations as scaling and rust removal, deburring, frosting, and surface preparation for coating. Sandblasting cabinets are offered in two basic styles – standard and split-level. The standard cabinets have door openings on the side as well as a large opening in the front. The split-level style is hinged in the center; the entire top half opens to give access to the work stage, somewhat like a clamshell. This has an advantage when handling large heavy parts.

Kramer offers two basic types of blast systems. The suction machine, also known as a siphon sand blaster system, is most used for light production and general-purpose cleanup. In this type of sand blaster unit, air passes through the gun, creating a siphon action that sucks up abrasive and delivers it to the nozzle where it is propelled out to the target.

The second type of sand blaster unit is a direct pressure machine. In this type of unit, the abrasive is held in a pressurized vessel and is pushed from behind, out of the nozzle and onto the target. Air is used to push the abrasive at a much higher flow rate than the suction system. Most jobs will be finished 30 to 50% faster in a pressure blaster. Pressure blasters also have the advantage of allowing much lower pressures to be used for delicate jobs.

All Kramer blasting cabinets feature either ceramic or tungsten carbide nozzles, fluorescent lighting, a pressure regulator, and a door safety interlock.

Portable Blasting Systems

Portable sand blaster systems are available in two types – pressure fed and siphon or gravity-fed. Portable pressure blast systems (PPB Series andHDPPB Series Heavy-Duty Pressure Blasting Systems) use a pressurized pot of varying sizes to push sand blaster media through a hose and out a nozzle. These systems are manufactured for industrial applications but can also be used by small shops and individuals for economical and efficient blasting of a variety of applications. Siphon-type portable blasters are typically used for small, light-duty blasting applications. These systems are generally very inexpensive but are not made to last.

A portable pressure blast system can be used to strip rust, paint, dirt, mold and other unwanted deposits of a variety of surfaces. Using portable blasting equipment to pressure blast allows sand blaster abrasives to penetrate into the deepest pitted areas of a part or surface. The PPB Series of portable sandblasting equipment is ideal for body, paint and welding shops and for use in refinishing vehicles, boats, log homes, monuments, brick buildings and industrial equipment.

Portable pressure blasters come in many sizes and feature a portable tank design for ease of movement. Both the size of the pressure pot and the size of the nozzle will determine the length of continuous blasting available. The length of the blast hose can be up to 50 feet before the drop in air pressure is a factor. Lengths up to 100 feet can be managed with the appropriate air supply.

All of the portable pressure sand blasters offered by Kramer Industries can handle any type of dry blast media. Aggressive applications, such as heavy rust and paint stripping off large areas, may require media such as Aluminum Oxide Grit (Standard) or Kramblast Crushed Glass Grit. Moderate applications, such as auto restoration and mold removal, will demand media such as Walnut Shell Grit, Plastic Abrasive Grit or Glass Beads. On softer surfaces such as wood and log homes, the pressure sand blasters will work best with a media such as Corn Cob Grit.

There are two basic types of Media blasting equipment. While these systems are traditionally known as sandblasting equipment, all of these types of blasting machines can handle a variety of blast media. The blasting cabinet system divided into tumble blasters, which are a semi-automated, multi-part batch process and the traditional blasting cabinet used by an operator to blast one part at a time. Portable sandblasters come in a variety of sizes and types. The most versatile and valuable portable blasting equipment can blast all types of dry blast media without requiring changes in hardware.

Media blasting equipment can strip paint without damaging the base material, even if it’s plastic and wood, and smooth out pitting on the hardest of metals. Media blasting equipment is done by an air-powered gun, which will propel media toward a surface at a high rate of speed. The operation uses pressurized air to shoot tiny pieces of media out of a nozzle.

Media blasting equipment propels abrasive media from an air-powered media blast gun. The best media blasting equipment for removing rust is generally one with large, angular particles – such as Silicon Carbide Grit or Aluminum Oxide Grit. If you are in need of removing paint from a surface, Walnut Shell Grit is an excellent media blasting equipment because it may be used on fiberglass, sheet metal, or other surfaces without adverse effects to the base material.

FAQs

1. What equipment is needed for media blasting?

The specific equipment needed for media blasting can vary depending on the type of media being used, the surface being treated, the final results required, and the scale of the project. However, some common equipment that is typically used for media blasting includes:

  1. Blast Cabinet: This is a chamber where the blasting media is contained and used to clean, polish or prepare the surface of all types of metal and plastic parts.
  2. Abrasive Blasting Media: There are a variety of abrasive blasting media available, such as Aluminum Oxide Grit, Glass Beads, Steel Shot, Copper Slag, and others, that are used to remove contaminants from the surface and prepare the surface for further processing.
  3. Air Compressor: An air compressor is used to provide high-pressure air that propels the blasting media at high speeds to the surface being treated.
  4. Dust Collection System: Abrasive blasting can produce dust and debris. A dust collection system is necessary to control the dust and maintain a clean work area.
  5. Protective Equipment: Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and a respirator, should be used to protect the operator from the particles and dust generated during the blasting process.
  6. Abrasive Blast Media Recovery System: A blast media recovery system is used to collect and recycle the blasting media, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.
  7. Surface Preparation Equipment: In addition to the blasting equipment, other equipment such as grinders, sanders, or brushes may be needed to prepare the surface before or after the blasting process.

It is important to select the appropriate equipment and media based on the specific application to ensure safe and effective results. 

2. Is media blasting the same as sandblasting?

Media blasting (or abrasive blasting) and sandblasting (or sand blasting) are both abrasive blasting processes used to clean, polish, or prepare a surface. The main difference between the two is the type of abrasive media used.

Sandblasting, as the name implies, uses sand as the abrasive media to remove surface contaminants or improve surface texture. Sandblasting is often used to remove heavy rust, corrosion or scale from metal surfaces, or to prepare surfaces for coatings or paint. Sand blasting is generally not considered safe due to the risk of silicosis from the dust generated by blasting with crystalline silica.

Media blasting, on the other hand, uses a wider variety of abrasive media, such as Glass Beads, Aluminum Oxide Grit, Steel Grit, or Plastic Abrasive Grit, to achieve different surface finishes or to address specific surface cleaning needs. Media blasting is often used for delicate surfaces, such as aluminum or titanium, or to create a matte or satin finish on a surface.

In summary, sandblasting is a specific type of media blasting that uses silica sand as the abrasive media, while media blasting is a broader term that encompasses the use of a wide range of abrasive media.

3. What are the different types of blasting media?

There are many different types of blasting media available for use in abrasive blasting processes. Here are some of the most common types:

  1. Glass Beads: Glass beads are a popular blasting media for peening and cleaning a variety of surfaces, including metal and plastic. Glass Beads are often used in applications where a softer abrasive is needed to prevent damage to the surface.
  2. Aluminum Oxide Grit: Aluminum Oxide Grit is a hard, angular abrasive that is often used in heavy-duty applications where a more aggressive abrasive is needed. It is commonly used to remove rust, scale, and paint from metal surfaces.
  3. Steel Shot: Steel shot is a metallic blasting media that is commonly used to remove rust and scale from metal surfaces, and it is also used for shot peening to increase the strength of metal parts.
  4. Walnut Shell Grit: Walnut Shell Grit is a softer, biodegradable blasting media that is often used for cleaning and polishing delicate surfaces.
  5. Plastic Abrasive Grit: Plastic Abrasive Grit is a synthetic, reusable blasting media that is used in applications where a softer, non-damaging abrasive is needed. Plastic Abrasive Grit is available in different types of plastics for applications including automotive and aerospace restoration.
  6. Garnet Grit: Garnet Grit is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used for surface preparation and cleaning, especially in the aerospace and marine industries.
  7. Silicon Carbide Grit: Silicon Carbide Grit is a hard, sharp-edged abrasive that is often used for heavy-duty applications, such as removing rust and scale from metal surfaces.
  8. Copper Slag / Iron Silicate: Copper Slag is an inexpensive byproduct material that is ideal for use in outdoor applications such as bridge, water tower, and pipeline paint stripping.

These are just a few examples of the different types of blasting media available for use in abrasive blasting. The choice of which media to use depends on the specific application and the surface being treated, and it is important to select the appropriate media to ensure safe and effective results.

4. What is the best media for sandblasting?

The best media for sandblasting (or abrasive blasting) depends on the specific application and the type of surface being treated. Here are a few examples of different types of blasting media and their common applications:

  1. Aluminum Oxide Grit: Aluminum Oxide Grit is a popular blasting media because it is hard, long-lasting, and can be used for a variety of applications. It is commonly used for removing rust, paint, and other surface contaminants from metal surfaces. Aluminum Oxide Grit is very reusable and can offer efficient blasting if the media can be recovered and re-used.
  2. Glass Beads: Glass Beads are a softer blasting media that are often used for cleaning and peening surfaces. Glass Bead blasting is also commonly used in the aerospace and medical industries, as they leave a smooth surface and aesthetically pleasing surface finish.
  3. Steel Grit: Steel grit is a sharp-edged abrasive that is commonly used for heavy-duty applications, such as removing rust and scale from metal surfaces.
  4. Silicon Carbide Grit: Silicon Carbide Grit is an extremely hard abrasive that is often used for aggressive blasting applications, such as removing heavy rust, scale, and coatings. This is a more specialty type of abrasive as it is very efficient and effective but is more expensive than many others.
  5. Garnet Grit: Garnet Grit is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used for surface preparation and cleaning in the aerospace and marine industries.

It’s important to choose the right media for your specific application, as using the wrong type of blasting media can damage the surface being treated or produce unsatisfactory and inefficient results.

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