If you are planning to clean off material that is rusted and mill-scaled, one of the most effective means of doing so is with an industrial sandblaster. Since it as first patented in 1870 in the United States, it has become a commonly employed practice to utilize one form or another for cleaning components. In electroplating, it is a regular practice.
What Is Industrial Sandblasting?
Industrial sandblasting is also known as abrasive blast cleaning. It is a mechanical means of cleaning the surface of a component prior to other procedures such as electroplating. The technique is a simple one. The operator uses different types of equipment depending upon whether the material is by centrifugal impellers or a stream of air from a blasting nozzle. Both devices fire a constant and consistent stream of abrasive particles at the designated substrate surface. Such equipment may be hand-operated automatic or even robotic.
The speeds are in the high velocities. The intent is to knock off any particles or pieces that are loose and will affect the ability of the plating coating to adhere to the substrate surface of the component. The material or particles fired for priming or preparing the surface, however, vary.
Material Used in Sand Blasting
Abrasive materials are the essential component for sandblasting. An industrial sandblaster may launch any of several diverse material as a cleansing agent. While sand or grit was once the most common type of abrasive particles, this is no longer the case for a number of reasons. The abandonment of sand is the result of the discovery of silicosis – a lung disease resulting from the inhaling of sand. Today, the number of candidates to act as the blasting agent has grown substantially.
The current choice of blasting medium will find its basis in several factors including the select substrate, the specifications of the client, the intended purpose of the component and the plating material. The list of materials now available for a finisher includes:
- Aluminum oxide
- Baking soda
- Ceramic grit
- Coconut shell
- Copper slag
- Corn cob
- Crushed glass
- Glass bead
- Plastic Silicon carbide
- Steel grit
- Steel shot
- Walnut shell
Yet, no matter what the substance, it is not acceptable to ignore protective measures when sandblasting. During the process, everyone involved must wear protective gears such as masks, have access to an oxygen supply and make sure the shop has proper ventilation.
The Industrial Sandblaster
If you plan to clean the surface of a substrate prior to electroplating or some other process, you may decide to use an abrasive blaster. Choosing the right media is a crucial component of the overall course of action. It is important for the final product and its purpose that the right method be employed in the right industrial sandblaster to ensure the highest quality results are reached.