There are several types of abrasive blasting systems. Commercial bench-mounted units are the most common. They include a power supply, mixer, exhaust hood, and nozzle. A nozzle can be hand-held or fixture-mounted to make the entire process automatic. Several of these systems are automated and may include other surface preparation and coating applications as well. Below are some examples of automated blasting systems visit this website duoblast.co.uk
Wet blasting
Wet blasting is a technique that uses a liquid to remove contaminants from surfaces. This method can be effective at removing media fragments and soluble salts from concrete, brick, or other surfaces. Although wet blasting is less effective, it can be more efficient than dry abrasive blasting in some situations. This type of blasting also reduces disposal costs.
Crushed glass and garnet have different bulk densities, so you should consider the bulk density when selecting media. Crushed glass has a density of 75 to 80 lbs per cubic foot, while garnet is 145 lbs per cubic foot. At the same mesh size, crushed glass will be more gentle on the surface than garnet. Different abrasives have different impact on different types of surfaces, so make sure to experiment to find the right blend for your specific job.
Wet blasting with abrasives systems involves injecting a liquid slurry into a compressed gas stream. This method is effective for applications with small parts and minimal production of dust. Portable wet blasting systems may not recycle the abrasive, depending on the needs of the job. The slurry produced is typically smaller than dry blasting, and it requires less abrasive material than dry blasting.
Microblasting
In medical device manufacturing, the process of injection molding produces a huge variety of disposable medical devices. The tooling for this process is costly and requires periodic maintenance, which is where microblasting comes in. It removes graphite masters and mold cavity residue. These deposits can cause an undesired finish on the molded product or can become embedded in it. Soft abrasives such as sodium bicarbonate can effectively remove graphite compounds from a surface. Micro-abrasive blasting is also a common process for cleaning cardiac pacemakers.
Using an abrasive blasting system is a great way to get rid of contaminants, and you can use this method for the most delicate surfaces as well. It uses a combination of high-pressure air and a fine powder, which is highly friable. This mixture creates a thermal shock that breaks the bonds between the contaminant and surface. This process is ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces, such as electrical components.
Direct pressure blasting
Direct pressure blasting with abrasives systems works by utilizing a high-pressure vessel to force abrasive media through a hose or grit valve. Under pressure, the media is accelerated to a two to three-times faster velocity than normal. In some cases, this can result in a better bonding of coatings. Other applications benefit from a more gentle profile, such as for thinner coatings. The abrasive media may be made up of a variety of materials, including steel shot or grit. Plastic media is also commonly used to remove old paint or metal from aircraft skins and parts. 3D printing projects are also refinished with abrasive blasting. The process is particularly useful for blending the striation lines caused by 3D printing.
The process is environmentally friendly due to the fact that most media are recyclable. Generally, steel shot, ceramics, aluminum oxide, and soda can be recycled more than one hundred times, while coal slag is only recycled once. Moreover, abrasive blasters must be regularly maintained to avoid premature failure of parts or media. Abrasive media used for blasting can be recycled a few times. Boron carbide and carbon are two of the most wear-resistant materials, so these are used for industrial applications.
Dust collectors
Dust collectors for abrasive-blasting systems are integral to efficient blasting processes. These systems keep the blasting environment clean and safe while increasing operator visibility. Dust collectors prevent contaminant build-up and protect critical mechanical components. Dust collection systems also protect workers by removing airborne particles that could contaminate the abrasive media. The primary use of an abrasive-blasting dust collector is to remove dust from the blast room.
Depending on the application, a dust collector may be installed in several locations. Choose one that suits the location and room size. Dust collectors vary in size from 300 to 900 CFM. The higher the CFM, the larger the cabinet volume and the greater the dust volume. To ensure that the system can handle the amount of abrasive dust generated by the system, choose a unit with high efficiency.