Amazing Sandblasting Vs. Abrasive Blasting Techniques in Industries

The history of Sandblasting dates back to 1870s with the invention of first sand blasting machine by an American inventor Benjamin Tilghman. Later on different industries such as restoration, oil and gas, and ship building began its use for cleaning purposes. It has become the most effective way of cleaning glass and sharpening metal tools. Silica sand was the commonly used blasting media for Sandblasting at that time. But later on when health hazards began to pop up among Industrial professionals, blasting machines started to replace silica sand with garnet, coal, steel grit and steel shot. Even after the replacement of sand, the term sandblasting continued its popularity and many kept using it instead of abrasive blasting. Sandblasting is used mistakenly while Abrasive Blasting is the correct one.

The basic process is same in both Sandblasting and Abrasive blasting. Both Abrasive blasting equipment and Sand Blasting Equipment have common features except for the abrasive which is used. A high-pressure stream of abrasive material is propelled against a rough surface in order to Smoothen or shape it removing surface contaminants. The only difference between Sandblasting and Abrasive Blasting is in the media used. Some companies still use silica as a blasting media but in most cases alternative abrasives are used for cleaning surfaces. Whatever be your use, we at Speedblast provides you the best abrasive blasting equipment in UAE.

safety equipment suppliers

Abrasive blasting

Abrasive blasting is a method of blasting using a compressed gas or pressurized liquid as a propelling abrasive. There are several types of abrasive blasting which include the following:

  • Bead blasting
  • Soda blasting
  • Shot blasting
  • Wheel blasting
  • Wet blasting
  • Automated blasting
  • Hydro blasting
  • Micro blasting
  • Dry ice blasting
  • Bristle blasting

One disadvantage of Abrasive Blasting is that it does not remove oil or grease. But in all other cases like removal of rust, mill scale, and old paint from the surfaces an abrasive blasting equipment could be used effectively and efficiently. Diverse equipment is required for Abrasive Blasting in UAE which includes Portable blast equipment, Automated Blasting, Blast cabinet.

  • Portable blast equipment (aka blast pot) – A diesel air compressor is used for powering Dry abrasive blasting applications. A pressurized vessel containing the abrasive is metered into the compressed air stream here. Whereas in wet blasting the abrasive is injected into a pressurized water stream. The abrasive may or may not be recycled by portable applications.

  • Automated Blasting - A fully automated blasting minimizes the effects on the environment providing surface preparation.

  • Blast cabinet - A blast cabinet consists of four components- the containment (cabinet), the abrasive blasting system, the abrasive recycling system and the dust collection. It is generally a closed loop system that helps the operator to blast the part and recycle the abrasive. In a blast cabinet there are three types of blast systems used- Two systems (siphon and pressure) are dry and one is wet.

Reach us for needs pertaining to supply of abrasives such as garnet, copper slag grit, aluminum oxide brown, glass beads, steel shot, or steel grit.

Abrasive blasting is widely used in various industries such as Ship building, Automotive, Metal finishing, Foundry, Surface coating and other industries involving surface preparation and painting. You can also use this type of blasting method for cleaning boat hulls or engraving for monuments and buildings. Major Advantages of Abrasive Blasting over other methods include savings in time, labor, energy, environmental control and a uniform surface.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting is the process of propelling fine particles of sand at high velocity towards a surface for smoothening it. It is also used to texture the surface of hardened concrete walls, columns and driveways. A sandblasting setup usually consists of mainly three components-Abrasive, Air compressor and a Blaster nozzle. A mixture of Sand and air in the chamber of Sandblasting equipment travels through a hand-held nozzle towards the surface. Speedblast being the best sand blasting machine suppliers in Dubai hand over quality materials to our customers.

Since sandblasting is a hazardous act preventing damages is a primary concern. Clear out all objects from the operation area to protect them. Provide adequate ventilation if the process is carried out in a closed area. Workers are advised to use all safety tools such as safety goggles, suits equipped with hood, and respirator to prevent inhaling dust particles while using a Sand Blasting Equipment in UAE.

In earlier times only silica sand was used as material for sandblasting. But now other materials such as Steel grit, Copper slag, Walnut shells, powdered abrasives, and Coconut shell has taken over its place.

Air-driven and Water-driven are the two different processes for sandblasting.

  • Air-driven – this is best suited for metal surfaces to prevent moisture buildup.

  • Water-driven – it reduces the surface deterioration and cools the surface.

Main advantages of Sandblasting are - it is cost effective, efficient and fast offering better results when compared to other conventional methods.

If you are in search for good Sand Blasting Equipment in UAE you can Contact Speedblast for the best quality equipment available in the market. Speedblast never compromises in safety and high performance of the products we sale.