Abrasive Blasting

Abrasive Blasting covers the range of methods that fire a high velocity stream of small particles against the surface of a component to remove or clean the coating on the surface of a component.

Typically, pressurised air or water is used to fire the media towards the surface through a hose and blasting nozzle. The process can be performed either outdoors or in a contained environment, known as a blast room or shot blaster. Once used, the media can either be reclaimed and recycled, or disposed of it the blast has reached the end of its useable life.

While Abrasive Blasting is commonly referred to as Sand Blasting, sand is not the only media used for these processes. Sand is the most popular material, however there are a wide range of options available, including Alumina, Soda, Plastic, Glass and Ceramic, among many others.

While Abrasive Blasting and Peening are very similar processes, there is a subtle difference in their results. Abrasive Blasting is used to clean the surface whereas Peening is used to strengthen the surface. See Peening for more information regarding this process.

The choice of media is dependent on the desired effect required from the process. The varieties of Abrasive Blasting covered include:
• Shot Blasting
• Bead Blasting
• Grit Blasting
• Vapour Blasting