In the modern world, sandblasting of metal is not the last place. This is a great way to prepare the surface for future painting, so the coating will last several times longer. In addition, sandblasting is used to clean products from rust, scale, and burn. It is also a method of restoration of old cars and motorcycles. In other words, sandblasting metal is just a panacea for metal products, it gives them a chance for a rebirth.
Method Features
With this method, abrasive particles act on the surface, thereby removing all contaminants. It should be noted that sandblasting devices have the ability not only to clean, but also to degrease products, resulting in an increase in their useful life.
The degree of purification is different. At home, it is almost impossible to deeply clean the surface yourself. This requires expensive equipment. Although traces of rust or scale you can remove without much difficulty. Therefore, during a surface inspection, the workpiece will be clean.
Sandblasting Technology
The process itself consists in cleaning the surface with abrasive particles. They come to the surface with great speed with the help of air. Sandblasting metal is simply not possible without the powerful pressure of fresh air. It happens that its speed reaches 730 meters per second! Therefore, such cleaning is so effective. Typically, air enters from the compressor and draws in abrasive particles. They are accelerated inside and thrown onto the work surface. Thanks to their tremendous speed, abrasives penetrate the top layer of metal and remove traces of old paint or rust.
Sandblasting equipment
Of course, for such an occupation, appropriate devices are needed. Materials for sandblasting metal are the most diverse. It can be electrocorundum, steel slag or sand. The latter is considered the most affordable. But you need to pay attention to the grain size. It directly depends on the thickness of the processed products. If you have a sufficiently large part, then it is better to use fractions of at least 2-2.5 mm in size. In the event that you have to work with thin metal, grains of 1-1.5 mm are quite enough.
Sandblasting equipment
To clean the metal using abrasive particles, appropriate equipment is used. It differs in its technical characteristics, power and design. Today, there are both stationary and mobile devices. Mobile is preferable, since they can be used to process products directly at the facility. If you need to work with small details, then you need to purchase special cameras.
Such activity is impossible without the use of sandblasting. The main components of this equipment are:
- The tank into which the abrasive is poured.
- Sandblasting gun.
- Compressor for air supply.
- Hose.
Types of equipment
All sandblasting equipment is divided into 2 types:
- Pressure apparatuses. Their work is based on the occurrence of excessive pressure in the abrasive tank. Air is mixed with particles of abrasive, under high-pressure flow it moves along the hose and is thrown through the nozzle of the sandblasting gun to the metal surface.
- Injection apparatuses. Here is a completely different principle of action. Air starts to be blown in the compressor, then it passes through the hose and mixes with abrasive particles. With great speed, the mixture is pushed out of the gun, thereby causing damage to rust and dirt.
In addition, the equipment for this work can be either open or closed. But the most important thing for sandblasting is the performance of the machine used. When buying, you need to pay special attention to this. Different materials use different pressures. So, in order to clean the metal, this figure should be 5-7 kg / cm.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
Sandblasting metal performs several functions. It not only cleans the surface, extends the life of the product, but can also be used for artistic purposes, for example, for applying patterns. This is the so-called decorative matting. This versatility makes the method popular.
But sandblasting has several drawbacks. Among the main ones are:
- Too much abrasive.
- This is a rather dusty job, so it can only be carried out in a protective suit, gaiters and a special helmet. In addition, an air conditioner must be installed in the room, the task of which is to regulate the air temperature.
Whatever it was, but today this technology is considered advanced and fully justifies itself.