When asking for our blasting service customers often refer to the process as either 'sandblasting' or 'shotblasting' but there are actually several types of media. The effect of each type of media is dependent on several factors: mass, density, speed of impact, shape, hardness, direction of impact, size, chemical composition and the type of material being blasted.
The most commonly used types of blasting media are split into the following categories: Aluminium Oxide, Metals, Glass, Plastics, Ceramics and Natural. Let's take a closer look at what each product can do...
Aluminium Oxide - This is a very hard material used for cleaning, etching and surface preparations. The angular grains have a fast cutting action and can be recycled many times. Because the cutting action is so fast Aluminium Oxide causes less damage to thinner materials than the heavier, larger grained alternatives. The finish is usually matte and can be used prior to respraying.
Metals - There are several types of metal media than can come in both a granular and ball form. Metal balls give a clean, smooth and polished finish. Both types of metal media are aggressive and can be used for cleaning, derusting and descaling.
Glass - This type of media can be used for delicate items and general cleaning of metallic components. Glass media can be supplied in either a crushed or bead format with the beads giving a smoother finish than the angular crushed glass. Glass media can also be recycled.
Plastics - Plastic media is effective at paint stripping, mould cleaning and deflashing. As the media is harder than the coating but softer than the material being blasted the item surface doesn't become damaged.
Ceramics - This type of media can be used for finishing applications and steel tool cleaning. Ceramics provide a smooth surface with a satin finish.
Natural Products e.g. walnut shell - Natural products can be used for sensitive cleaning applications. They do not damage the item surface but remain durable so are perfect to use on airline engines and steam turbines. Natural products are also health friendly.
Depending on the finish you require, the coating the item has and the nature of the item itself will depend on the type of media used.
If you need an item blasting there's no need for you to worry about which type of media to use as
High Pole can offer expert advice on the process to get the finish you require. We also have a specialised blasting booth to carry out all our blasting work.
Contact us to discuss your requirements.