Blasting
Blasting is a cleaning method in which abrasive material is blown onto a surface at high speed.
What is blasting?
Blasting, also called abrasive blasting, is a technique in which abrasive material is blown against a surface at high speed. This process removes dirt, rust, old paint and other contaminants to prepare the surface for further treatments, such as coatings or anodization. The result is a clean and rough surface, ideal for optimal adhesion of coatings and finishes. This method is widely used in sectors such as aerospace, shipbuilding and heavy industry, where proper surface preparation is critical to the longevity and performance of the final product.
Blasting: Thorough Preparation for Coatings and Finishes
| Abrasives | Pressure range | Roughness | Compatibility | Applications | Advantages | Environmental impact | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum oxide | 60 – 100 PSI | 1.0 – 5.0 µm | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel | Surface preparation for coatings, Paint removal | High wear, Uniform texture, Improved wear resistance | Recyclable, Single dust production | Aerospace, Mechanical engineering, Precision engineering |
| Glass Beads | 50 – 100 PSI | 0.5 – 2.5 µm | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Plastics | Cleaning, Surface texturing, Peening, Polishing | Smooth surface, Tension relief, No shape changes | Recyclable, Minimal dust production | Medical Devices, Aerospace, Precision Engineering |
| Steel Grit | 80 – 120 PSI | 2.5 – 6.0 µm | Carbon Steel, Hard Metals | Heavy cleaning, Surface preparation for coatings | Rough surface, Improved adhesion for coatings | Recyclable, Low waste production, Low dust | Mechanical engineering, Construction, Aviation |
| Sand | 70 – 120 PSI | 1.5 – 6.3 µm | Steel, Iron, Aluminum | Paint removal,Rust removal,Heavy cleaning | Aggressive cleaning, Surface preparation for coatings | Not recyclable, High dust production | Construction, Automotive, Machinery |
| Plastic Pearls | 50 – 80 PSI | 0.5 – 2.5 µm | Soft Metals, Plastics | Fine cleaning, Paint removal (without damage) | Gentle cleaning, No damage, Preserves substrate | Recyclable, Low dust production | Electronics, Aviation, Medical Devices |
| Stainless Steel Grain | 80 – 120 PSI | 1.0 – 4.0 µm | Steel, Non-ferrous Metals | Polishing, Peening, Surface reinforcement | Polished finish, Increased fatigue strength, Durable | Recyclable, Low dust production | Aerospace, Automotive, Heavy Industry |
| Garnet | 80 – 120 PSI | 2.0 – 6.3 µm | Steel, Aluminum, Hard Metals | Rust removal, Surface preparation, General cleaning | Sharp cutting action, No surface contamination | Recyclable, Low dust production | Shipbuilding, Construction, Oil & Gas |
Mechanism of action
The principle of blasting revolves around the use of kinetic energy. Abrasive material, such as glass beads, sand or grit, is blasted against the surface at high speed, mechanically removing the top layer of material. This not only removes contaminants such as rust, paint or oil, but also creates an even, rough texture that is essential for proper adhesion of coatings. Blasting can be performed with compressed air or by a mechanical wheel that hurls the abrasive material onto the surface. The choice of abrasive determines the structure of the surface and the type of contamination removed, making blasting a flexible technique adaptable to different materials and requirements.
Types of Blasting Techniques
There are different blasting techniques, depending on the medium used and the desired result. Common methods include glass bead blasting, sand blasting and grit blasting. Glass bead blasting is ideal for a smooth, matte finish and is often used for decorative applications or stainless steel parts. Sandblasting is more powerful and suitable for removing heavy layers of rust or old paint. Grit blasting, which uses sharper abrasives, creates a very rough texture suitable for applications where strong adhesion of coatings is required. The choice of medium determines the degree of surface roughness and adhesion properties of the treated material.
Material suitability
Blasting is applicable to a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel and even certain plastics. However, it is important to choose the right abrasive for each material. For example, glass bead blasting is suitable for delicate metals such as stainless steel and aluminum because it is less aggressive and does not damage the surface. For harder metals such as steel, grit or sand is often used because of the higher abrasiveness needed to remove stubborn contaminants. Prior to blasting, surfaces should be cleaned of loose dirt and grease to ensure consistent and even treatment.
Benefits of Blasting
Blasting directly improves the adhesion of coatings, increases wear resistance and improves the corrosion resistance of the treated surface. A blasted surface has a uniform texture that is essential for the adhesion of powder coatings or paints, significantly extending the life of the finish. In addition, blasting improves the resistance of metals to metal fatigue by removing microscopic stress points, which is especially important in industries such as aerospace and shipbuilding. In environments where corrosion is a problem, blasting can extend the life of products and reduce the need for maintenance.
Applications and Industrial Relevance
Blasting is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding and construction. In aviation, blasting is used to prepare aircraft parts for coatings that provide protection against extreme conditions. In shipbuilding, it helps remove old paint and rust before applying a new anti-corrosion coating, which is essential for the longevity of ships. In industrial machinery, blasting increases the durability of components subjected to heavy loads. It meets international standards, such as ISO 8501-1, ensuring consistency in surface cleaning and quality.
Customization and Process Optimization
We offer various customization options for the blasting process, tailored to specific project requirements. This includes the choice of blast media, intensity of blast pressure and duration of treatment, depending on the desired surface roughness and application. By precisely controlling these factors, we can ensure consistent results, even for complex shapes and sensitive parts. In consultation with the customer, we can achieve specific surface roughnesses to meet technical requirements such as coating adhesion or improving fatigue resistance.
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