Blasting is a special technique, where a pneumatic acceleration of abrasive particles is achieved by means of compressed air. By using a dedicated nozzle, the medium is applied on the surface by using a pressurised air flow.
Different abrasive media are used, different blasting nozzles and different air pressure levels (from 2 to 10 bar). All these procedures ensure a controlled impact of the media on the processed surface.
SANDBLASTING STANDARDS
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE
INDICATIVE TIMING SANDING OF STANDARD A CORROSION A m2/h
Sa 1
Fast surface sandblasting that removes up to 50% of visible dirt, foreign matter and rust.
20 m2/h
Sa 2
More thorough sandblasting, which removes up to 65% of stubborn dirt, foreign matter and rust. A lower quality of intervention is required.
12 m2/h
Sa 2,5
Careful and precise sandblasting that removes up to 85% of all dirt, foreign matter and rust. The surface is almost completely smooth after treatment, and traces of rust damage are barely visible. Medium quality intervention is required.
8 m2/h
Sa 3
Demanding sandblasting that removes 100% of all dirt, foreign matter and rust and metal to clean metal. The highest quality of intervention is required.
3-4 m2/h
ATMOSPHERFX CORROSION
CORROSION IN WATER
UNDERGROUND CORROSION
How to define the stage of corrosion on iron surfaces?
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT ON MEASUREMENT RULES
CORROSION RATE ON IRON SURFACES
A
Steel surfaces completely covered with a compact surface layer.
B
Onset of corrosion and partial peeling of the layer.
C
Visible corrosion or peeling layer.
D
Completely fallen off layer and deeply corroded surface.
Ra - The arithmetic mean percentage of the profile or. the arithmetic mean of the absolute values of all points of the surface profile in the measuring range.
Rz - Maximum profile height or the distance between the highest and lowest point of the surface profile in the measurement area.
Rv - Maximum height of profile recesses or the distance of the lowest point of the surface profile from the midline in the measurement area.
Rp - Maximum height of profile protrusions or the distance of the highest point of the surface profile from the midline in the measurement area.
Blasting with sodium bicarbonate is suitable for sensitive surfaces, where the basic material must not be roughened. The process is extremely effective for removing mould, paint, dirt, burns, oils, lubricants, and sealants. Blasting with sodium bicarbonate does not heat the surface, and a high pressure is not required. Hence, blasting with sodium bicarbonate is suitable for renovating classic cars.
Dry blasting is a process of surface treatment without using chemicals, and it is environmentally friendly. The dry blasting technique of surface treatment involves compressed air and an abrasive medium. Depending on the chosen abrasive medium, dry blasting allows the treatment of different materials, such as glass, wood, plastic, metals, and carbon fibre.
In the wet blasting technique of surface treatment, compressed air and an abrasive medium is used. The medium then hits the surface with a controlled impact. Wet blasting is often used in explosion hazard environments. It is also used for very sensitive vehicle parts, and in the aviation industry. Polishing and deburring are also possible applications. Media, such as alumina, glass, and ceramics are used for wet blasting.
The sandblasting method, with its specific characteristics, is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
Cleaning Method | Abrazivi | Secondary Waste | Environmentally Responsible | Toxic | Electrically Conductive |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dry Ice Cleaning | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Sandblasting | YES | YES | NO | * | NO |
Shot Peening | YES | YES | YES | * | NO |
Laser cleaning | NO | NO | YES | * | YES |
Preasure Washing | NO | YES | NO | * | YES |
Solvents/Chemicals | NO | YES | NO | YES | N/A |
Hand Tools | YES | NO | N/A | N/A | N/A |