5 Pro Tips for Choosing an Ideal Abrasive Media for Your Sandblasting Project
Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting is a popular method used in finishing products using a powered machine or sandblasting equipment. Generally, the process involves sparing abrasive, highly pressurised materials on the workpiece's surface to remove rust, paint or other unwanted particles. Choosing an ideal abrasive material is critical in ensuring the success of your sandblasting project. This post discusses five pro tips when selecting the best abrasive media for your sandblasting project. Read on to learn more.
Consider Softer Abrasive Media
If you're uncertain whether the surface you need to sandblast can handle excessive abrasive material, it's wise to start with a gentler abrasive medium. An excellent option when working with softer surfaces like wood would be corn combs or walnut shells. These media don't cause extensive etching. Besides, they're biodegradable, making them an ideal option when you're environmentally conscious.
Invest in Glass Beads for an Extra Shine
If you need to achieve a smoother, brighter finish, opting for glass beads can be a great choice. Glass beads are typically designed from fine soda-lime that provides little stress on surface materials. These media are also recyclable and you can use them multiple times before replacing them with newer, more cost-effective options.
Select Plastic When Working on Automotive Applications
Plastic is generally a softer option and ideal when removing paint from material surfaces, including fibreglass. Fibreglass parts are often used in the manufacture of automotive, aerospace or marine products. It's ideal when you want minimal etching or stripping on surfaces. Furthermore, plastic is an excellent option if you want to generate minimal dust.
Choose Silicone Carbide for Quick Etching
Silicon carbide offers a more aggressive cutting media and is preferred for quicker and expedited etching on surfaces, including stone, metal and glass. Additionally, silicon carbide is ideal for eliminating paint and rust.
Keep Off from Sand
These two terms that are often used interchangeably are abrasive blasting and sandblasting. However, many sandblasting enthusiasts are dropping sand as their preferred blasting media due to various reasons. Generally, sand contains silica, which can cause severe respiratory problems when not safely handled. Furthermore, sand is often associated with higher moisture content that causes premature equipment failure.
Conclusion
When choosing sandblasting media, consider these quick and professional tips for finding the ideal abrasive material for finishing your surfaces. Besides, before investing in the best abrasive media, compare different suppliers to find the best deal on the sandblasting market.
For more info about sandblasting, contact a local company.
