Sandblasting is the process of preparing or cleaning a surface. The conventional method is an effective way used by many craftsmen and mechanics. While it’s called sandblasting, the abrasive material used to propel the material against a surface forcibly is not limited to one material. Sandblasting equipment is often used to clean machinery, prepare the concrete surface, remove rust, refinish metals, and much more. This is one of the most preferred options for cleaning or prepping a targeted surface.

What Is Sandblasting?

The sandblasting technique uses high-pressure air to propel sand particles, metal shots, or other media against a specific surface. When performing this function, experts often recommend using an excellent abrasive material to achieve a smoother texture after blasting. However, it comes in different grades, such as coarse, smooth, etc. the variety is chosen depending on the targeted surface. If the material is too soft, it shall not generate enough friction to blast the targeted area.

There are various types of sandblasting equipment that make the process easier. The following are the important parts involved in the process:

Nozzle: A nozzle projects the blasting material toward the surface. The diameter size is directly proportional to stream coverage. With increasing diameter, the stream coverage area gets more comprehensive. The size of the nozzle will determine the air volume for an effective stream. Consequently, it also defines the compressor size.

There are different types of nozzles:

• Straight: For heavy blasting
• Standard Venturi nozzle
• Double Venturi nozzle
• Tapered: For final blasting
• Diamond: For efficient blasting
• Fluted: For low-pressure blasting
• Reinforced flutes: For heavy-duty applications such as paint removal from concrete walls

You can select a nozzle based on your requirements. However, one needs to have a compressor that allows adequate air pressure for desired results.

Air Compressor: This is responsible for driving air pressure through the hose to the nozzle. It gives the power to blast away dirt, paint, or rust.

Regulator: It helps stabilize and maintain the air pressure at the nozzle. It is required to perform the procedure with optimized regulation of air.

Cooler And Moisture Separator: Any air-powered tool should be provided with clean and dry air. However, it’s impossible to strip off all the moisture from the air. To ensure no moisture from the air enters the blast pot, auxiliary equipment such as air coolers and coalescent pre-filters are used.

Sandblasting Procedure And Application

The abrasive blasting procedure forces a streamlet of abrasive material using compressed air on the targeted area to smoothen the surface. This has various applications in everyday life. The most common example is preparing a surface. It removes dirt, rust, or improper surface build-up on rough surfaces such as concrete or metal surfaces.

Any medium that can alter the surface can be ejected into the targeted area using the machine. However, finding the ideal abrasive material for rapidly blasting areas is essential. It also removes rust and corrosion from metallic objects such as tools or machinery.

Precautions To Be Taken While Sandblasting

• It is imperative to analyze the surface before sandblasting as some objects are prone to flight due to high air pressure.
• It’s essential to wear proper gear, such as a breathing mask, goggles, padded headgear, etc., that protects you from the fragmented surface and from breathing hazardous dust.
• When using abrasive mediums such as glass, a mask and an air-fed breathing suit are mandatory to protect your lungs from harmful inhalations.

There are several pieces of equipment available for sandblasting. You can choose between portable ones, cabinets, booths, or automated ones, and always consider buying from a reputed supplier.