Shot blasting and sand blasting are the two most commonly used abrasive blasting methods in industries. While there are some similarities, the two processes differ on the type of media they use and the applications they are best suited for. Join the Floorex Products team as we explore both methods and the benefits associated with each.
What is Sand Blasting?
A sand blasting machine is designed to propel an abrasive material at high-speed using a high-pressure air compressor. As the abrasive particles strike the surface that is being prepared, they strip off any undesirable coatings, debris, corrosion and more. Although sand was the material that was originally used, concerns regarding health and safety led to industry professionals replacing it with garnet or glass beads depending on the application.
Although a sand blasting machine is highly effective, it is no longer a popular choice for concrete preparation due to the amount of dust generated. However, for preparing steel in controlled environments such as sand blasting booths it is the most common and effective methods.
Applications of Sandblasting
Sand blasting is a versatile solution that can be used for:
- Stripping paint and severe corrosion from a wide range of surfaces
- Precision cleaning of small, specialised tools
- Cleaning of concrete surfaces without water
- Preparing surfaces before painting and bonding
- Restoring the original look and colour of brick and stone
- Effective cleaning of midscale coatings and other foreign materials, even mould
Looking for a more detailed answer to the question ‘What is sand blasting’? Contact Floorex Products today.
What is Shot Blasting?
Although there are similarities between the two methods, shot blasting uses tiny metallic balls called shot as the abrasive material. A shot blasting machine is considered far more effective in an industrial setting because of the sheer power it delivers. The Shot is usually propelled by passing the balls over a spinning paddle wheel to sling the shot a high velocity at the surface, removing the need for compressed air.
The benefits of shot blasting are:
- High quality surface cleaning
- Enhancing the quality of a surface
- Ability to adjust the roughness of a surface for better coating quality
- Eco-friendly cleaning option that does not use harmful chemicals
- Quick, efficient workflow that allows operators to complete large volume projects in a remarkably short period of time
- The Abrasive and the removed contaminates are captured in the process
Applications of Shot Blasting
A shot blasting machine is an invaluable tool that is used for:
- Removal of surface contaminates and some coatings
- Prepare surfaces that need a rough finish for better coating adhesion
- Shot Blasting is indiscriminate – it is not affected by the surface undulations like diamond grinding is
Shot Blasting Equipment for Concrete Surfaces
Floorex Products is an industry leader in large scale surface preparation equipment. We are proud to provide high-quality technical support and training to various industries across Australia where cost and efficiency are critical measures of success. Contact us today for a wide range of equipment, personalised solutions and more.