Are you wondering what sandblasting is all about? Have you thought about the overall process goes? If so, then you have come to the right place. This article will help you learn about sandblasting and the process involved. For instance, you have thought about inquiring the help of a professional mobile sandblasting company. But before you can make a decision, you want to learn first about the process.
Sandblasting In a Nutshell
The term “sand” in sandblasting is basically a general term, the type that is used to define the very process of propelling tiny bits of materials. However, this process can only be successful if it is done at a very high speed in order for the surface to be cleaned and/or etched.
Sand could also refer to different terms, such as beach sand, river sand, and silica sand, just to name a few. As you already know, it is commonly used in sandblasting; hence the name. It should be noted, however, that the likes of silica and sand tend to break up easily. As such, large amounts of dust appear and, thus, the operator is exposed to silicosis. The latter, in particular, is none other than the debilitating lung disease that exists after an extension of inhalation of the dust due to the utilization of silica sand as the media.
It holds true that many use the aforementioned type of sand as the abrasive media. But considering the effects it brings to a person’s health, a lot of countries across the world have decided to ban it. Perhaps the most popular among these nations is Australia, which categorized the said issue as Class 1 Carcinogen.
Other Sandblasting Media
Interestingly, there are other sandblasting media out there. And yes, these materials can be safely used in place of the infamous silica sand. For instance, your preferred mobile sandblasting service could be using steel grit when it comes to the removal of rust and/or different layers of paint, most of which are usually difficult to remove from thick surfaces. There are also those that prefer the use of crushed glass, which is perfect for smoother and lighter surface; otherwise, it could be obtained hefty damages when heavy sandblasting media is used.
Other types of media include, but not limited to, the following:
- Steel Grit
- Aluminium Oxide
- Steel Shot
- Crushed Glass Grit
- Corn Cob
- Plastic
- Walnut Shells
- Silicon Carbide
- Copper Slag
It is worth noting that sandblasting, which is also known as abrasive blasting, should be done in a controlled manner. As a matter of fact, the process could involve the use of protective clothing, alternative air supply, and proper ventilation, among many others.
Did you not know that sandblasting has a very interesting attached to it? According to history, it was first patented – and came to existence – after the observation of what appeared to be sand-laden winds. Apparently, the seemed to significantly affect objects or surfaces they came in contact with. The observation was made by none other than Benjamin Chew Tilghman, who was a chemist who invented the air compressor.
The Process of Sandblasting
In reality, the process of mobile sandblasting near me is not necessarily complicated. As a matter of fact, you will easily understand the gist after a few understanding of its basics. By essence, the process is composed of at least three components, namely, blasting nozzle, compressed air, and abrasive media. The process of abrasive clothing is commonly used in cleaning metal objects and cleaning them from rust or paint (prior to the application of a fresh new coat). In addition, it can also be used in other purposes, such as for small object cleaning or etching.
Media selection is considered to be a crucial decision when talking about the engineering of mobile sandblasting. The different media types come with various qualities, ranging from density to sizes to hardness to shape. More importantly, each of them is readily available in a broad range of particle sizes.
As far as the equipment or tool used in the process, this could differ from one industry to another. Some are fond of utilizing hand cabinets and/or completely robotics systems while others resort to a dedicated automatic high production model. When choosing the type of machine to be used, the decision is based on the certain surface treatment applied.
