What’s Anodizing? Process, Types, Benefits, and Uses
Anodizing is a type of surface finish known for enhancing sturdiness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and the aesthetic of non-ferrous...
RapidDirect Sand Blasting Services
Use RapidDirect sandblasting services to create quality parts with a clean, matte finish ready for additional processing or other surface finishing processes.
Sand Blasting Overview
In sand blasting, an abrasive blasting medium such as steel grit or aluminum oxide is propelled against a surface over a period of time using compressed air.
Blasting media have different shapes, degree of hardness, and sizes ranging from #120 to #220. Hence, making a choice is important as it can affect the sand blasted surface quality and the part’s properties.
Steel grit, a general abrasive blasting medium in many sand blasting services, has a hardness of 40-65HRC and an angular shape. As a result, it is suitable for cleaning, etching, and surface preparations.
Exposure to these high-speed abrasives creates a part with a clean, matte finish and a renewed color. As a result of their surface texture, sand blasted parts promote the adhesion of coatings and paint.
Sand blasting service creates a part with a clean and textured surface, as the parts are without contaminants like rust, paint, and scale.
Sand Blasting Specifications
Advantages
- Efficient removal of contaminants such as rust, paint, and scale
- Sand blasting surface has the ideal texture for secondary preparation processes like painting, coating, or bonding.
- It is compatible with metal, wood, glass, and concrete.
- It is faster than manual cleaning methods.
- It is precise and cost-effective.
- It is an environmentally friendly surface finishing option using non-toxic blasting media.
- It creates visually appealing parts with a smooth, clean finish.
Notes
- RapidDirect defaults blast number #120, medium coarse grit, and a wide range of applications. The outcomes of the product improve sequentially with the use of sandblasting grades #120, #150, #180, #200, and #220.
FAQs
RapidDirect’s sand blasting services utilize a variety of blasting media tailored to specific needs. Common blasting media include silica sand, aluminum oxide, steel grit, and glass beads.
Each type of media offers unique properties and benefits, allowing for precise control over surface preparation and finishing. Silica sand is the most suitable for general surface cleaning, while aluminum oxide provides aggressive abrasion for tougher materials. Steel grit is ideal for removing tough coatings and rust, while glass beads offer gentle cleaning for delicate surfaces.
Aluminum oxide and steel grit are highly effective blasting media for rust removal. Both are hard and abrasive, allowing for rapid and thorough rust removal from metal surfaces. Aluminum oxide is particularly effective for light to moderate rust, offering aggressive abrasion without causing excessive damage to the substrate. Steel grit, on the other hand, is more robust and is suitable for heavier rust or corrosion removal. Its angular shape and hardness enable it to efficiently break down rust and scale, leaving behind a clean and prepared surface ready for further treatment or coating applications.
There is a risk of warping or damaging parts during sandblasting, particularly when working with thin or delicate materials, using high-pressure blasting equipment, or abrasive blasting media.
The force exerted by the abrasive particles and the intensity of the blasting process can cause distortion, warping, or surface damage to sensitive parts.
Yes, it is possible to blast objects made from fiberglass or plastic using a gentle abrasive blasting medium like plastic bead, walnut shells, and baking soda which unlike traditional abrasive media like sand or aluminum oxide cannot damage or deform softer materials.
Yes, after the blasting process, it is advisable to apply a protective coating to parts to prevent damage from oxidation and corrosion. Blasting removes contaminants and prepares the surface for coating application, but it also exposes the substrate to environmental elements that can cause deterioration over time. Applying a protective coating such as paints or primers helps seal the surface, providing an additional barrier against moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive agents.
The typical duration is between 30 minutes to a full day, depending on the size, complexity, blasting medium and other conditions. Simple and small-size parts take 30 minutes to a few hours, while large and complex parts can take up to a full day.
Surface Finishing Resources
Bead Blasting 101: Everything You Need to Know About Bead Blast Finish
There are several finishing techniques available, offering various options to choose from. Media blasting ranks among the top choices, with...
What’s Electroplating? Definition, How It Works & Applications
Finishing the machined or manufactured components using the appropriate method ensures their longer durability. It is also critical for the...