Pneumatic and rotary shot blasting
What is shot blasting?
Shot blasting is one of the many methods used for metal surface treatment. This process is widely applied and not only improves the external appearance of the metal but also strengthens its structure and enhances the surface quality.
The use of metal components and parts in industry often requires their subsequent cleaning. Among the several methods employed for this purpose, shot blasting is one of the most commonly used. This process is designed to clean metal surfaces of contaminants such as rust, scale, dust, old paint coatings, mill scale, and ionic impurities like salts, nitrates, and sulfates.
Shot blasting is widely used in industries such as metalworking, foundry, aerospace, automotive, rail, and construction. There are two main shot blasting technologies:
- Pneumatic shot blasting: This method uses modern pneumatic cleaning machines, either in the form of blasting chambers or pneumatic cabins. As the name suggests, the cleaning elements are propelled by a pneumatic system, which gives them the necessary acceleration as they exit the blasting nozzle.
- Rotary (wheel) shot blasting: This method utilizes kinetic energy generated by converting the energy of an electric motor. The energy is transferred and released through a centrifugal turbine.
A variety of abrasive materials are used for metal shot blasting. The most commonly used include:
- steel shot
- cut wire
- glass shot
- garnet
- sand
What is the shot blasting process?
Metal shot blasting in production processes has become an indispensable requirement. Metal components and parts often determine the durability of the final product, and their condition must be beyond doubt. Proper corrosion protection is therefore essential to ensure the specified properties are maintained. Another advantage of shot blasting is the improvement of the aesthetic appearance of the treated parts.
Shot blasting is a process that involves cleaning steel components using materials with high abrasive properties. The abrasive stream is generated either by compressed air or by the centrifugal force of a turbine, sometimes called a throwing wheel. Shot blasting has many applications, but its primary purpose is to clean steel surfaces and prepare them for a new protective coating.
For safety and easy recovery of the abrasive material, shot blasting is most often performed in specialized blasting cabins, also known as chambers. This method continues to be technologically improved to ensure the highest possible level of safety for the operator.
Advantages of shot blasting
Effectiveness – Shot blasting is an efficient method for removing rust, paint, scale, corrosion, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces.
Surface strengthening – Shot blasting can also strengthen the surface by smoothing, leveling, removing surface layers, and creating a hardened layer. It removes contaminants without causing erosive wear.
Improved durability – The process can enhance the mechanical strength of the surface by eliminating irregularities, microcracks, and other defects.
Preparation for painting – Shot blasting is an effective method for preparing surfaces before painting, as it ensures good coating adhesion.
Corrosion resistance – Shot blasting can also improve the surface’s resistance to corrosion by removing corrosive materials and contaminants.
Speed – Shot blasting can be a relatively fast method of surface cleaning, saving both time and labor costs.
Safety – Shot blasting can be relatively safe when proper procedures and safety guidelines are followed.
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