Why Shot Blasting is Done?
Shot blasting is a process in which abrasive particles such as steel shot or grit are propelled at high speeds toward a surface in order to clean, strengthen, or polish it. This process is often used to prepare surfaces for painting or other types of coating, as it removes dirt, rust, and other contaminants that can interfere with the adhesion of the coating. Shot blasting can also be used to smooth rough surfaces, create a uniform finish, or increase the surface hardness of a material. It is an effective and efficient way to treat a wide range of surfaces, including metal, concrete, and wood.
Types of Shot Blasting
There are several types of shot blasting, including:
- Wheel blast: A wheel blast machine uses a high-speed spinning wheel to throw abrasive media at the surface to be treated.
- Airblast: An airblast machine uses compressed air to propel abrasive media at the surface.
- Airless blast: An airless blast machine uses a high-pressure fluid, such as water or air, to blast abrasive media at the surface.
- Wet blast: A wet blast machine uses a liquid, such as water or a specialized cleaning solution, to assist in the blasting process.
- Batch blast: A batch blast machine is used to process small parts or workpieces in batches.
- Continuous blast: A continuous blast machine is used to process larger workpieces or surfaces that require a continuous blasting operation.
Working of Shot Blasting Machine
The abrasive media is typically stored in a hopper and is fed into the machine through a valve. Inside the machine, the abrasive media is accelerated to high speeds by a centrifugal force, which is generated by a spinning impeller or wheel. The abrasive media is then propelled out of the machine through a blast nozzle, which is pointed at the surface to be treated.
As the abrasive media hits the surface, it removes dirt, rust, and other contaminants, as well as smoothes rough surfaces, and creates a uniform finish. The abrasive media is then collected and recycled for reuse in the machine.
Shot blasting machines are commonly used in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Portable Shot Blasting Machine
A portable shot blasting machine is a smaller, lightweight version of a traditional shot blasting machine that is designed to be easily moved and used in different locations. Portable shot blasting machine is often used for small jobs or for on-site work, as they can be easily transported to the job site and do not require a large, dedicated space for operation.
These machines typically use smaller quantities of abrasive media and may be powered by electricity, compressed air, or a gasoline engine. They may also have a smaller capacity for treating surfaces and are generally suitable for smaller surfaces or workpieces.
Some examples of portable shot blasting machines include hand-held blast guns, small wheel blast machines, and airblast machines. These machines are often used for tasks such as cleaning small metal parts, preparing surfaces for painting or coating, or removing rust or other contaminants from surfaces.
Difference Between Airless Shot Blasting & Air Operated Shot Blasting Machine
Airless shot blasting machines use a high-pressure fluid, such as water or air, to propel abrasive media at the surface to be treated, while air-operated shot blasting machine uses compressed air to do the same.
One of the main differences between these two types of shot blasting machines is the way in which they generate the force required to propel the abrasive media. Airless shot blasting machines rely on a high-pressure fluid, while air-operated shot blasting machines use compressed air.
Another difference is that airless shot blasting machine tend to be more efficient and produce less dust and debris compared to air-operated shot blasting machines. This is because the high-pressure fluid used in airless shot blasting machines helps to contain the abrasive media and reduce the amount of dust and debris that is generated.
Air-operated shot blasting machines, on the other hand, rely on compressed air to propel the abrasive media, which can result in more dust and debris being generated during the blasting process.