Abrasive Blasting – “Sand Blasting” – Sheth Group of Industries

Abrasive blasting is also known as sand blasting or bead blasting or shot blasting. The term sand blasting was used from many years because the abrasive used was sand. Now days, most of government regulations prohibit use of sand. Also due to health and environmental hazards we do not recommend the use of sand in blasting operation.

In an abrasive blasting system, high pressure compressed air is used to force a mix of air and fine abrasive through a nozzle. The abrasive forced particles will remove paint, rust, dust, corrosion, dirt, and discoloration from many different types of surface contaminants. Various types of surfaces are cleaned by different types of abrasive materials. The abrasive material selection depends on different factors such as surface profile required, surface material etc.

We believe there are three major issues for not using sand. The first reason is a health and safety issues. Sand contains silica which causes respiratory diseases. The use of an appropriate breathing apparatus with most abrasives will moderate your health risks. The second reason is due to high moisture and the impurities in sand. It can cause equipment jams and other moisture related difficulties that can cause early failure of your equipment. The third reason is sand does not work as efficient and effective as other abrasives. Once sand is used in a blaster it turns into a powder and loses its abrasive capabilities.

Use of correct abrasive can help the work to go a lot quicker. Using the right abrasive can provide more desirable finish to the surface. Selection of the right abrasive also depends the size, hardness, mass, sharpness break down rate and reclaim capabilities should be considered.

Most people use general term “sand blasting” which is not just limited to Sand or using materials such as sand. Many users are not aware that there are other options to sand as per their requirement. Some common used materials are as described below.

Copper Slag

Steel Grit/Shot

Silicone Carbide

Glass Bead

Aluminum Oxide

Walnut Shells

Plastic Grit

Hard Silica