The formation of deposits, deforming and simply undesirable coatings on various products and structures, as a rule, does not combine with the requirements for their operational properties. The way out are processing tools, among which are grinding and polishing. But such methods of surface cleaning can be ineffective in removing scale, rust, and in some cases old paint. Only the sandblasting of the surface based on the principles of abrasive action can cope with the consequences of deep deformation processes. The tool uses sand, which acts as a cleaning component. However, this principle of operation also imposes stringent safety requirements during operation.
Sandblasting guns
There are two groups of such equipment. It’s worth starting with open models. As a rule, this is a small sandblasting apparatus, the price of which is on average from 3 to 7 thousand rubles. By design, it resembles a pneumatic construction gun . Such devices can be used in the cleaning of stone, concrete and metal surfaces from old paint coatings, rust, dirt, etc.
The advantages of the gun include mobility, ease of use and the ability to accurately work with structures of complex shape. Due to the low power of the device, sandblasting practically does not damage the surface base. On the other hand, the use of pneumatic guns for some types of work in workshops is impractical, therefore, in such cases, closed-type equipment is used.
Sandblasting chambers
This is the second category of abrasive equipment, the function of which also provides sandblasting. Such devices are used for dry processing of metal parts in order to rid their surfaces of old paint, rust, scale and carbon deposits. Electrocorundum or river sand is usually used as a working crumb - the fraction on average varies from 0.1 to 0.9 mm. The specific parameters of the abrasive are determined by the tasks that the sandblasting machine must perform. The price of such models is 15-20 thousand rubles. At the same time, there is more expensive equipment, which is distinguished by large dimensions and, accordingly, high power.
The principle of sandblasting
In the process, the apparatus directs the jet with abrasive particles to the surface to be treated. In most devices, the force that accelerates the movement of sand is generated by the energy of compressed air. A typical model of such equipment provides for the presence of three basic elements, among which are directly a jet device, a compressor and abrasive particles. It should also be borne in mind that sandblasting can be performed with different degrees of pressure, that is, the force that affects the abrasive. The operator adjusts this indicator, achieving optimal results. The fact is that a high degree of pressure can not only eliminate the coating being cleaned, but also cause damage to the main surface. Therefore, the user is required to have certain skills in the adjustment of processing parameters.
Metal Processing Levels
Cleaning metal surfaces using sandblasting equipment is considered the most common. To date, special requirements have been developed for the quality of the surface, ready for further operation. It is worth focusing on them if sandblasting of metal structures with abrasives is planned. So, GOST standards distinguish four levels of surface cleaning from corrosion and scale:
- In the process of inspection under a sixfold increase, rust and scale damage are not detected.
- Visual inspection with the naked eye does not notice the scale, particles of molding sand, traces of corrosion, burns and other non-metallic layers.
- Up to 5% of the working area is affected by spots of scale and casting edges, which can be seen with the naked eye.
- There are no obvious signs of corrosion or flaking on the product.
Safety precautions
The basic set of personal protective equipment includes a helmet, gloves and, if necessary, overalls. At the same time, in the workplace where sandblasting is carried out, spare glasses for the helmet should be provided in case the main set is damaged. As for the device itself, it should be grounded, otherwise there will be a risk of electric shock. Today, more and more inexperienced craftsmen pay attention to models with remote control, believing that they are safer and more convenient to use. But this is not entirely true, since the design of such devices is more susceptible to contamination with abrasives and requires careful care.
Also at the place of work, it is necessary to provide for the availability of a supply of consumables. Especially if sandblasting is performed, you should have rubber gaskets for hoses and rings for the nozzle on hand. If necessary, it will be possible to replace these elements without stopping the organized work process.
Conclusion
The formation of corrosion on the surface of the car body leads to the despair of many motorists. This means that you will have to contact a special service and lay out a significant amount for repairs. Of course, there are alternative means of cleaning metal surfaces in the form of sandpaper and a grinder, but sandblasting is much more efficient and faster. And this applies not only to metal, but also to stone, as well as concrete products and building structures. The main thing is to choose the right sandblasting machine model. The most popular pneumatic devices. At low cost, they guarantee the complete elimination of any surface from unwanted coatings without harming the useful structure of the material.