How to Sandblast

Sandblasting, as a commonly used surface finishing method, is generally a preparation process before coating or other treatment. Sandblasting is also called abrasive blasting. Basically, it promotes the abrasive flow impact to the surface under high-pressure air, which obtains the ideal surface roughness. Whether you want to paint off, deburr, clean, brighten, descale, shot blast, or decorative etching and fine treatment on the object surface, the sandblasting process can meet your needs.

Learn Sandblast Equipment

It achieves the orderly and efficient working of sandblasting with the cooperation of all kinds of equipment. The following are the introduction of the primary equipment for sandblasting and their respective roles in the sandblasting process.

Air compressor: It provides essential high-pressure air during sandblasting. The volume (CFM) and pressure (PSI) of compressed air have a considerable impact on the output and efficiency of sandblasting.

Blast pot: Blast pot, which is a coded pressure vessel, acts to send abrasive into the air stream.

Nozzle: Different nozzles have different types of the flow path. Each type is of a different level in abrasive driving force. It is the last process before abrasive reaching the surface to be treated.

Moisture trap and separator: They are used to remove moisture from compressed air before the air enters the pressure blast pot.

Deadman switches: This switch can be used to stop the flow of air and abrasive in case of emergency or safety problems to avoid accidents.

Hose: All equipment combines one by one through hoses to form a complete sandblasting channel.

Abrasive particles: The media for cleaning the surface. According to your own needs, you can choose the appropriate abrasive type from the size, hardness, and shape.

Protective equipment: When sandblasting, the environment is terrible. Protective clothing is used to protect the operator's body, and the ventilator provides a high-quality air source.

Learn Equipment Set-up

Because there are various types of equipment and blasting systems, the installation processes are diverse. The following are common steps when setting up a blasting system.

1. Before assembly, all parts and components must be checked for cracks and other defects.

2. Place the compressor on the upwind and horizontal ground of the work area which prevents dust from entering the system.

3. Check whether the oil-water separator and lubrication system can operate normally.

4. Check whether the hose has cracks or leakage, and focus on whether firmly connected in connecting parts to avoid air leakage.

5. When all hoses are installed in place, operate according to the startup procedure recommended by the factory. After preheating, check the air pressure gauge to confirm that it is within the required range. If it is too high or too low, adjust it before blasting.

6. Conduct a compressed air cleanliness test to ensure that no moisture in the air.

7. Conduct a nozzle pressure test to make the pressure at the best level of the type of abrasive and surface material involved.

8. Wear safety equipment before the operation, including an explosion-proof cover, steel-reinforced footwear, and protective gloves.

Attention

For the best sandblast results, you should avoid potential wrong operation. It also helps to prevent costly or bad results.

1. We need to wear safety protection clothing during sandblasting. If proper safety precautions are not taken, you may be injured. The full face mask is an ideal choice to protect the face. Also, at least you need to wear safety glasses and thick gloves. In addition, try to keep a distance from others to avoid hurting others.

2. For reusable abrasives, we should recycle them to save costs. There are two commonly used sandblasting machines, one is the cabinet and the other is the portable sandblaster. The cabinet is placed indoors, and the portable type can be taken anywhere. The cabinet can control the blasting abrasive particles from flying away, while the portable sandblasting machine needs us to collect them independently.

3. Select the appropriate nozzle and abrasive. Pick the suitable one from the material, hardness, and shape according to your requirement, which improves the work efficiency, delays the service life of the equipment, and reduces unnecessary costs.

4. Although sandblasting is one of the general terms of sandblasting, you shouldn’t choose to use any type of silica sand for sandblasting, because it is bad for your health and cause a type of lung disease called silicosis.