There are several finishing techniques, with many to choose from. There are several types of media blasting techniques, from sandblasting to plastic blasting and sandblasting. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. TENROADS shows you.

What is sandblasting?

Generally, sandblasting is a finishing process that treats the surface of various objects. Shot blasting is a type of shot blasting. This process releases fine glass beads under high pressure to clean or refine a surface.

In this process, a blasting machine shoots a bead-like media from a high-pressure tool onto the surface of the material. Sandblasting is designed to leave a smooth, shiny and cleaner surface. You will find manufacturers using sandblasting on materials such as metal, plastic, glass and rubber to create an excellent surface finish.

How does sandblasting work?

The sandblasting process is very similar to other sandblasting techniques. However, it involves projecting a spherical or bead-shaped media onto a substrate. Blasting is performed using a serrated media to leave a rougher blasted surface finish. The effect of the glass beads on the component surface leaves a more uniform finish on the material.

This sandblasting treatment is due to the spherical media creating depressions in the surface of the material. This process is ideal when a smooth and uniform finish is desired. They also help to mask any kind of defects on the surface of the substrate. While garnets, alumina, etc. can give the substrate a darker finish, sandblasting ensures that the component retains its base color. As a result, you have a brighter surface finish.

Sandblasting media: glass beads

The most important blasting material is the media itself - glass beads. Glass beads come from lead-free soda lime glass and are made into spherical objects. Glass beads for sandblasting are environmentally friendly. You can recycle them up to 30 times. Compared to other sandblasting techniques, glass bead blasting is gentler because the beads are softer on the part surface.

Pros and Cons

While sandblasting offers several advantages to the manufacturing field, there are some disadvantages to consider. Here, we will learn about the different advantages and disadvantages of the sandblasting process.

Advantages

It is safe compared to other blasting methods.

Glass bead blasting is a good alternative to sandblasting.

The process is environmentally friendly.

It can be recycled before replacement.

Glass beads are useful in pressure or suction cabinets.

Ideal for precision parts.

Disadvantages

Not suitable for hard materials.

It may not last as long as steel blasting media.

Glass beads do not leave any paint adhesion.

Applications of Sandblasting

Sandblasting helps to achieve a uniform surface finish without affecting the dimensions of the part. The process is not as aggressive as you may see in other media. In addition, it works perfectly with a variety of materials and is suitable for a wide range of industries. Manufacturers use sandblasting finishes to improve the durability of components.

This finishing process is flexible, and it is applicable to a wide range of manufacturing processes. For example, smaller beads contribute to lighter processes that require fine work. Medium-sized beads are the best choice when working with metallic materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. Larger beads are ideal for deburring and cleaning rough surfaces on metal castings and automotive parts.

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