What Is Abrasive Blasting?
Abrasive blasting includes both sandblast resist and sandblast stencil. It is used for decorative and utilitarian purposes. Blasting is done by forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive materials against a surface. This changes the surface from smooth to rough. It might also shape a surface or remove contaminants. The process was invented by a man named Benjamin Chew Tilghman during the late 1800s, but it is suspected that it was probably used prior to that in less formal ways. There are several different methods used for blasting.
Wet abrasive blasting is used for plastic and steel. It can be done with fine or coarse materials, and is a great way to remove grease and debris from a surface. It also eliminates dust. Other examples of wet blasting include asbestos removal or the removal of contaminated or radioactive activity from a surface. The process works just as fast as dry blasting, as long as the same materials are used. Wet blasting is used when there is a need to protect a surface. The water creates a cushion between the blasting materials and the surface, to little damage is done during the process.
Wheel blasting is another form of blasting. This uses a wheel to force the abrasive materials against a surface. It is considered airless blasting because no liquids or gasses are being used. The wheel is high powered and the process is very efficient. It is a process most commonly used on rubber and some plastics.
Bead blasting removes surface deposits by blasting a surface with fine glass beads. The pressure is high, but it does not damage the surface. This is used to clean calcium deposits from swimming pools and a variety of other surfaces. It can also remove fungus from grout, creating a brighter, cleaner surface. Auto body repair shops often use bead blasting to remove paint from vehicles, especially when one vehicle scrapes another vehicle without significant damage.
Microabrasive blasting is a dry form of blasting that uses a small nozzle to deliver a stream of abrasive materials. It is used when a small area needs to be blasted. The blasting area is typically less than a few centimeters and might be as small as a milimeter. This process is sometimes called pencil blasting. It works well for instance in which a craftman wants to write onto a surfce of glass. The blasting process in this case is tender enough that is could be used on an eggshell without breaking it, but still cut into the surface enough to create a visible design. The process is most commonly seen used on cemetery monuments, but might also be used on frosted glass projects. Some people consider this process more an art than cleaning, as they would the more intense blasting activities. The goal is to create intricate designs, enhancing a particular item as opposed to removing a substance or deposit and returning an item to its original form. The process is creative and requires an ability to be accurate.
About the Author
Stewart Wrighter recently worked with a sandblast resist firm as he sought quotes for an abatement project. For more information about sandblast resist go to
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