Sandblasting 101 – Where Can it be Used?
Sandblasting is a multipurpose technique which is in fact used in roughening surfaces or for the process of cleaning them. Such process is actually carried out by sandblasting equipments and it also involves blasting compressed air or steam at high speeds on glass etching or for cleaning metallic surfaces. For the typical applications, sandblasting equipments have nozzles and a blaster and an air compressor so it could propel abrasive for high temperatures. Depending to where this is going to be used, the type of grit likewise vary.
Uses of the Grit
Some of the common types of grits that are being used for sandblasting would include aluminum oxide, copper and iron slag, glass beads, shells of walnuts and crushed glass. Aluminum oxide is usually being used for surface finishing and also for preparations. The glass grits are likewise good in removing contaminants from surfaces that are aggressive in nature. The plastic abrasives also are used in scraping off paint and also other coatings without the case of damaging its underlying surface. Another grit which is also being used for treating delicate surfaces would be corn cobs. The substrate will remain intact and also the contaminants are being stripped off. Steel grit also is used in treating rough and aggressive surfaces.
Roughening and Cleaning Purposes
Rusty surfaces machine wear and tear, burred components and surface scales and aging are mostly the common problems that so many industries face. This is where sandblasting equipments play an important role in prolonging the life of machineries and equipments. This is able to allow easy removal of rusts and preparations of the surfaces in applying coatings and paint. When there’s no paint, lustre and good finishing, a product could never appeal to the customer in the high competitive market. Before the application of paint layers, sandblasting could remove surface imperfections, which then gives a smoother appearance.
Carving and Shaping Surfaces
Due to wear and tear, metallic components can in fact go out of shape. Another use of sandblasting equipments is for monument letter engraving for cemeteries. A three dimensional signing can be acquired with sandblasting, which can in fact provide more satisfaction towards customers compared to flat signs. Sandblasting also could be utilized for artwork. Buildings are in fact refurbished through sandblasting equipments. For wood signages, rings which are on the wood are made significant from its grains by raising them with sandblasting, which will be able to give a pleasing appearance. The words and images can be carved through the process of glass etching. This kind of effect is known as snowing of glass, that will make it semi-opaque.
Sandblasting equipments can in fact be used for different purposes, which in fact includes commercial and residential cleaning as well as on industrial shaping or for the purpose of resurfacing applications.
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