In the metal manufacturing and design industries, you would have come across a lot of processes that help in building an object that can be easily used and sold in the market. For precise and accurate cuts, you make use of metal cutting tools.

For designing and shaping the metallic object you are making use of shaping tools, but what when you wish to provide a proper and smooth finish to the products? One simple answer to this is sandblasting. Sandblasting is also commonly known as abrasive blasting. Sandblasting is considered a versatile process that finds application in a wide range of industries.

Whenever there is a requirement to smooth out the metallic surfaces for painting, galvanizing, or powder coating, you need to employ a sandblasting process. Besides this, it can also be used to provide a smooth texture to the final product. The sandblasting process or abrasive blasting process is most applicable in the automobile industries, rail yards, and shipping industries.

What Do You Mean By The Sandblasting Process?

The process or technique of sandblasting refers to the spraying of the abrasive material with immense force on the surface of the objects. The process of sandblasting is conducted under high pressure in order to ensure that the roughness of the material is removed along with dirt and other contaminants. The particles that are propelled on the surface have varied sizes. It can be the size of a walnut or a tiny bead. Different sizes of particles are used for different applications.

Sandblasting processes have different variants, such as soda blasting, shot blasting, bead blasting. These different sandblasting processes have different applications and are, therefore, used in different industries.

What Are Some Of The Materials That Can Be Sandblasted?

According to the experts, the materials that can be sandblasted are listed below:

• Glass
• Stone
• Metals
• Wood
• Plastics Steel
• Brass
• Aluminum
• Silver

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Sandblasting Material?

Advantages Of The Sandblasting Material

Perfect Cleaning Method: Sandblasting process is perfect for removing contaminants and roughness from metal surfaces. The process is conducted under high pressure, and the particles are sprayed at the highest speed, and thus the process is extremely powerful.

A Quick Process:

Sandblasting process is extremely quick and does not take hours to eliminate the roughness and contamination, and other sorts of deposits from the surfaces of the objects.

The Sandblasting Process Does Not Involve Any Heavy Machinery:

Most often, it happens that complex processes require complex machines, but that is not the case when it comes to sandblasting. There is no requirement for any sort of machines or heavy equipment.

Disadvantages Of The Sandblasting Material:

The Sandblasting Process Has Limitations:

It cannot be used for objects that have smooth surfaces because the abrasive materials used in the process may destroy the smoothness of the object.

Sandblasting Process That Uses Silica:

If the sandblasting process is making use of silica as abrasive material, then it is quite hazardous for the workers and for the environment.

The Sandblasting Process Generates Excessive Heat:

In the process of sandblasting, the abrasive material is propelled out with extreme velocity and under high pressure. Due to this, the heat is generated in excessive amounts which are quite harmful to the health and also for the surface of the objects.

You Need To Maintain High Precaution While Working:

In order to prevent potential hazards; the operator has to put up with all the safety gears and also ensure that no damage is caused to the objects that are being sandblasted.

What Type Of Sandblasting Media/Medium/Material You Should Choose?

Choosing the right type of sandblasting medium or material can be a daunting task. There are many sandblasting options available in the market, such as organic, metallic, silica, plastic, and even stones. There are many factors that you need to consider before you finalize the type of abrasive material to need to choose. The type of object you need to get sandblasted, the shape and size of abrasive material, the hardness as well as the density of the material.

Summary:

Now, you are well informed with all the essential information regarding sandblasting. Based on this useful information, it becomes easier for the workers and technicians to understand how to make use of the sandblasting process in the best way.