Do you need to make a rough surface smooth again?
Or maybe want to remove contaminants from a metallic object?
Shot-blasting, a versatile surface treatment process widely used in industrial settings, could be the solution.
The process effectively removes rust, paint, and other contaminants from metal and other hard surfaces. It can be used to create a smooth, uniform finish that’s ideal for coating or future preparation.
The means by which shot-blasting is carried out is via a shot-blasting machine or using an industrial shot-blaster.
What is a shot-blasting machine?
A shot-blasting machine is used to clean, polish, or strengthen surfaces.
It will typically be equipped with a blasting chamber, conveyor system, and a turbine. These work together to manage the overall abrasive blasting process.
The machine itself propels abrasive materials, such as grit, or steel shots, at very high speeds onto surfaces to effectively remove a range of contaminants, whether that’s rust or old coatings like paint or dirt, to create a uniform finish.
What is a shot-blasting machine used for?
Shot-blasting is a surface treatment technique used across a range of industries to clean, strengthen, and polish metal and other hard surfaces.
As mentioned above, the abrasive action can be used to remove old paint, rust, scale, and other contaminants, making it suitable for a range of finishing processes – including the application of paint or other protective coatings.
The shot-blasting process helps to improve adhesion and overall durability.
The methods can also be used to create compressive stress layers that improve the strength of metal components.
This helps to extend the lifespan of parts in sectors of the economy like construction, aerospace, manufacturing, and automotive.
How does a shot-blasting machine work?
Knowing how a shot-blasting machine works is essential for understanding how the shot-blasting process unfolds.
Shot-blasting machines propel abrasive media at high speed onto a target surface that has been loaded inside a blast cabinet, or onto a rotating table or conveyor belt.
This media is stored in the machine, and is released into the blasting chamber. The shot-blasting machine will use either compressed air or a centrifugal wheel to propel the abrasive material at speed.
Upon contact, it cleans, deburrs, and prepares the surface by removing any old coatings, scale, surface impurities or rust.
This creates a rough foundation that ensures improved adhesion for further treatments.
Afterwards, the abrasive media falls into a collection system along with any dust and debris generated. From there, it can then be separated, recycled, and cleaned.
Shot-blasting machines have a built-in dust collection system to capture dust and fine particles. This ensures the environment remains clean, and the risk of respiratory hazards reduced.
Which materials can be treated by a shot-blasting machine?
A shot-blasting machine can treat a wide variety of materials.
They’re most commonly used to prepare metal surfaces, but they can also be deployed with a number of non-metallic materials.
These include:
- Steel and iron
- Aluminium
- Copper and brass
- Castings and forgings
- Concrete and stone
- Plastic and composite materials
In general, shot-blasting can be used to treat a wide range of materials as long as the surface is durable enough to withstand treatment.
Shot-blasting service providers will be able to advise about the suitability of any materials for shot blasting.
Benefits of a shot-blasting machine
Shot-blasting machines provide efficient surface cleaning by removing rust, old coatings, scale, and other contaminants.
They’re designed to provide a uniform, fast, and effective means of preparing surfaces, extending the life of component parts, and ensuring that materials are ready for further treatment or processing.
Shot-blasting also enhances surface adhesions for paints, coatings, and adhesives.
Because it can be used with a range of materials, shot-blasting is highly adaptable.
Not only that, it doesn’t require chemicals and any abrasive media can be recycled and reused, making it a sustainable choice for this type of task.
Professional shot blasting from Pershore Dip Coating
At Pershore Dip Coating, we provide a professional shot-blasting service that delivers exceptional results for our clients.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, and can offer expert advice about the process itself.
Contact us to find out more about shot-blasting or to receive a free, no-obligation quote.
