The second life of metal: sandblasting metal

In the modern world not the last place is sandblasting metal. This is a great way to prepare the surface for future painting, so the coating will last several times longer. In addition, sandblast is used to clean products from rust, scale, and cinder. This is also a method of restoring old cars and motorcycles. In other words, sandblasting metal is just a panacea for metal products, it gives them a chance for a second birth.

Features of the method

In this way, the abrasive particles act on the surface, thereby removing all contaminants. It should be noted that sandblasting machines have the ability not only to clean, but also to degrease products, as a result of which their service life is extended.

The degree of cleaning is different. At home, it is almost impossible to deeply clean the surface. This requires expensive equipment. Although traces of rust or scale, you can remove without much difficulty. Therefore, if you look superficially, the workpiece will be clean.

Sandblasting technology for metal

The process itself consists in cleaning the surface with abrasive particles. They come to the surface with great speed with air. Sandblasting metal is simply impossible without the powerful pressure of fresh air. It happens that its speed reaches 730 meters per second! Therefore, such purification is so effective. As a rule, air comes from the compressor and draws in abrasive particles. They are dispersed inside and thrown to the surface to be treated. Due to the enormous speed, abrasives penetrate into the top layer of the metal and remove traces of old paint or rust.

Devices for sandblasting

Of course, that for such a lesson, appropriate adaptations are needed. Materials for sandblasting metal are the most diverse. It can be electrocorundum, steel slag or sand. The latter is considered the most accessible. But you need to pay attention to the size of the grains. It directly depends on the thickness of the processed products. If you have a large enough detail, it is better to use fractions with a size of at least 2-2.5 mm. In the event that you have to work with a thin metal, enough grains of 1-1,5 mm are enough.

Equipment for sandblasting metal

The appropriate equipment is used to clean the metal with abrasive particles. It differs by its technical characteristics, power and design. To date, there are both stationary and mobile devices. Mobile is preferable, because with their help it is possible to process products directly on the site. If you need to work with small parts, then you need to purchase special cameras.

Such an activity is impossible without the use of sandblasting. The main components of this equipment are:

• A reservoir in which an abrasive is poured.
• Sandblasting gun.
• Compressor for air supply.
• Hose.

Types of equipment

All sandblasting equipment is divided into 2 types:

1. Pressurizers. Their work is based on the occurrence of excessive pressure in the abrasive tank. Air is mixed with particles of abrasive, under the pressure of high speed moves through the hose and is thrown through the nozzle of the sandblast gun to the surface of the metal.
2. Injection devices. Here is a completely different principle of action. The air starts to be pumped in the compressor, then it passes through the hose and mixes with the abrasive particles. With great speed, the mixture is pushed out of the gun, thereby damaging rust and dirt.

In addition, equipment for this work can be both open and closed. But the most important for sandblasting is the productivity of the machine used. When buying this, you need to pay special attention. Different pressures are used for processing different materials. So, in order to clean the metal, this figure should be 5-7 kg / cm.

The advantages and disadvantages of the method

Sandblasting metal performs several functions. It not only cleans the surface, extends the life of the product, but can also be used for artistic purposes, for example, for patterning. This is the so-called decorative matting. This versatility makes the method popular.

But sandblast has several drawbacks. Among the main ones we can distinguish:

• Too much abrasive consumption.
• This is dusty enough work, so you can only carry it in a protective suit, leggings and a special helmet. In addition, the room must be installed air conditioning, whose tasks include adjusting the temperature of the air.

Whatever it was, but to date, this technology is considered advanced and fully justifies itself.