Sand Blasting Process: Procedure, Pros, and Cons

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Sand blasting Process - Introduction, Materials Used, Pros and Cons

Sandblasting is also known as abrasive blasting. It is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface. The sandblasting operation is done under high pressure to smooth a rough surface and roughen a smooth/ Shape surface to remove its contaminants. Several variants of the sandblasting process include bead blasting, Soda blasting and shot blasting.

Before sandblasting, it is mandatory to know about its materials and the pros and cons. If your job profile is related to sandblasting or you own a company that involved in the same process, you need to stay with us. In this webpage, we will discuss sand blasting machines materials and its pros and corns. But before it, let me also clear some of the details of its operation.

There are Two Types of Sandblasting Processes:

Sandblasting Media

As the name suggests, earlier forms of sandblasting primarily used sand due to its availability, but it had its drawbacks in the form of moisture content and contaminants. The major concern with sand as an abrasive is its health risks. Inhaling silica dust particles from sand can cause serious respiratory diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer. Thus, nowadays sand is rarely used and a wide range of modern abrasive materials have replaced it.

The blasting media varies depending on the desired surface finish or application. Some common blasting media include:

Aluminium Oxide Grit (8-9 MH – Mohs hardness scale)

This blasting material is extremely sharp which is perfect for preparation and surface treatment. It is cost-effective as it can be reused many times.

Aluminium Silicate (coal slag) (6-7 MH)

This by-product of coal-fired power plants is a cheap and dispensable media. The oil and shipyard industry uses it in open-blasting operations, but it is toxic if exposed to the environment.

Aluminium Oxide Grit (8-9 MH – Mohs hardness scale)

Glass grit blasting uses recycled glass beads which are non-toxic and safe. This sand-blasting media is used to remove coatings and contamination from surfaces. Crushed glass grit can also be used effectively with water.

Aluminium Oxide Grit (8-9 MH – Mohs hardness scale)

Bicarbonate soda blasting is effective in gently removing metal rust and cleaning surfaces without damaging the metal underneath. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is propelled at a low pressure of 20 psi compared to regular sandblasting at 70 to 120 psi.

Steel Grit & Steel Shot (40-65 HRC)

Steel abrasives are used for surface preparation processes, such as cleaning and etching, due to their rapid stripping capability.

Staurolite (7 MH)

This blast media is a silicate of iron and silica sand which is ideal for removing thin surfaces with rust or coatings. It is generally used for steel fabrication, tower construction, and thin storage vessels.

Staurolite (7 MH)

This blast media is a silicate of iron and silica sand which is ideal for removing thin surfaces with rust or coatings. It is generally used for steel fabrication, tower construction, and thin storage vessels.

In addition to the aforementioned media, there are plenty more available. It is possible to use silicon carbide, which is the hardest abrasive media available, and organic shots, such as walnut shells and corn cobs. In some countries, sand is still used to this day, but this practice is questionable as the health risks are not justified.

How Does the Sandblasting Machine Work?

The sandblasting process involves directing abrasive media onto a surface using a specialized tool called a sandblaster. A sandblaster consists of two key components: the blast pot and the air intake. The blast pot stores the abrasive material and controls its flow through a valve. Meanwhile, the air intake, powered by an air compressor, generates pressure within the chamber, propelling the abrasive particles at high velocity through a nozzle.

When the media strikes the surface, it effectively removes debris, cleans the material, strips away paint, and enhances the surface finish. The outcome of sandblasting largely depends on the type and characteristics of the abrasive media used.

Sandblasting Abrasive Materials:

Materials which can be Sandblasted:

1 Glass
2 Stone
3 Metals
4 Wood
5 Plastics Steel
6 Brass
7 Aluminum
8 Silver
Sandblasting Process

Materials Required for Sandblasting Process:

1 Abrasive Media –grit size 80 grit around 0.007
2 Sand –Produces free silica: cause of silicosis, a lung disease
3 Aluminum Oxide – Lasts 30-40 X over sand.
4 Silicon Carbide – Lasts at least 40-50X over sand.
5 Garnet
6 Glass Beads
7 Black Magic
8 Walnut Shells
9 Plastic Pellets

Sandblasting Process – Pros & Cons!

The pros (advantages) of sandblasting are as follows:

The Cons of Sandblasting Are as follows:

Meanwhile, we also need to discuss the top sand blasting machine manufacturer in India. Because machines play vital roles for every type of sand blasting operations, the Quality spare center is the leading Sand blasting manufacturing companies in India. They understand that all clients’ consignments requirements and their machines are having high load bearing capacity and provide best results for the surface preparation. Their experienced and qualified team can assist you better related to the blasting machine, equipment and abrasives.




What is sand blasting process?  

Sandblasting is the process of effectively and powerfully impelling a stream of abrasive material against the surface under high pressure to smoothen the rough surface, alter the shape of the body or eradicate rusts and contaminants of the surface, spontaneously and effectively.

What is sandblasting used for?  

Sandblasting can eradicate rust, paint, residue from corrosion from materials spontaneously and effectively. It can also be used to alter the condition of metal’s surface, such as through eliminating scratches or casting marks. Sandblasting can also be used as a cleaning method that has been widely used for over several years.

Can you sandblast wood?  

Yes, we can sandblast wood.

Will sandblasting remove rust?  

Yes, if sandblasting done properly, it becomes the most efficient ways to eradicate the rust.

What is the best sandblasting media for heavy rust?  

Silicon Carbide is the best sandblasting media used for heavy rust.

How do I choose a sandblasting media?  

Below-mentioned instructions for how to choose the perfect sandblasting media:

Start with a gentle medium if you are uncertain.

Consider glass beads as a medium

Choose plastic beads for automotive sandblasting

Take care with clean-up if you use aluminium oxide

Silicon carbide for toughest jobs

Pick steel grit or steel shot for special finishes

Try dry ice sandblasting

What is abrasive blasting used for?  

Abrasive blasting uses compressed air or water to direct a high-velocity stream of an abrasive material to unsoiled an object or surface, remove burrs, apply a texture, or prepare a surface for the application of paint or other sorts of coverings

What is an abrasive blaster?  

Abrasive Blasting, is also known as sandblasting, and is the operation of by force streaming of abrasive material against a surface under a high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface or eradicate surface contaminants.

What type of blasting media should I use?  

Silicon Carbide is the toughest abrasive material available, making it the perfect choice for your most challenging surface finishing application. This is available in several colours and purities.

Can you use soda in an abrasive blaster?  

Yes, you can use Soda blast in a regular sand blaster.

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