A majority of metal-based and metal-backed industries use some form of shot blasting or other methods. These include construction, automotive, foundry, shipbuilding, and railway transportation. By itself, shot blasting is a critical component of the fabrication process. The result of the process is a smooth, clean finish, which enables quick welding.
Using a shot blasting machine on metal produces a keyed surface on which it is easy to apply a coat of paint. Shot blasting is mostly used on steel; the shot is fired at the steel surface to remove dirt, rust, corrosion, and mill scale. At the end of the procedure, the steel surface is left with a rough texture, which readily accepts welding. The shot hits the surface and creates a pitting pattern on which paint can easily stick to. This automatically leads to enhanced protection and improved longevity of a component. Metal that has been shot blasted features an excellent finish ideal for continuous, reliable bonding between metal surfaces. This write-up focuses on features of a good shot blasting room.
Techniques used in shot blasting
- Air blasting
This involves propelling abrasive shot using pressure from compressed air. The recycling system, dust collector, and abrasive blasting pot all work together within the confines of a shot blasting room. The shot blasting machine works to shovel and sweep the rough shot back into the pot after it has been fired. This keeps the cycle going, reclaiming floors, and reusing abrasive shot to clean metal surfaces.
- Wheel blasting
Regarding wheel blasting, electric energy is converted to kinetic energy through the motion of wheel rotation. The result is the propulsion of abrasive media onto the surface that requires cleaning. Wheel blasting is an airless operation. No air, gas, or liquid is utilized.
Difference between shot blasting and sandblasting
The primary difference between the two techniques lies in the method of application. Industry experts use each technology differently to clean, prep, and restore a metal surface. While shot blasting makes use of centrifugal force generated by a mechanical device to propel abrasive media, sandblasting utilizes compressed air to fire the abrasive media, including silica sand.
In today’s metal industry, sandblasting is rarely used because silica sand is not safe to work with. Sand has mostly been replaced by plastics, minerals, organics like walnut shells and corn cobs, metals, and glass. Sandblasting can be a health hazard because silica sand is harmful when inhaled; it causes lung cancer and respiratory maladies such as silicosis.
Features of a good shot blasting room
- The blast pot (pressure pot or blasting pot or pressure pot)
It should be of the proper configuration (nozzle and hose), capacity (can comfortably hold 4-7 cubic feet of abrasive media), portability (attachment points and wheels), and construction quality (premium hose fittings, sealing systems, and clean-out openings).
- Dust clearing
Your shot blasting room should contain easy dust abatement methods such as filters and fans. The dust abatement system is separate from the abrasive reclamation system.
- Excellent media reclamation
These systems feature high-pressure and low-volume intakes that propel spent media, dust, and debris out of the shot blasting room. Media reclamation can be done through pneumatic recovery techniques.
- Safety gear
The ideal shot blasting room should contain professional-quality safety clothing and equipment. This consists of a helmet, air filtration, and a respirator.
- Ability to handle wear and tear
The parts of your room need to be able to withstand abrasive material being blasted at them.
Conclusion
Shot blasting machines work to render a smooth finish to steel and other metal surfaces. Ideally, a shot blasting room should be sturdy enough to withstand the barrage of abrasive material while also offering safety, convenience, and efficiency.
