An Introduction to Abrasive Blast Cleaning
Surface Preparation is used to remove existing paints / corrosion / oxidization / graffiti and to give the surface an etch to allow coating adhesion.
In many cases Abrasive Blast Cleaning can provide the optimum method of surface preparation:-
- Faster than other methods of surface preparation such as wire brush, chipping hammer, needle gun.
- Quickest of all techniques of surface preparation
- Fully Controllable -
Selection of equipment type, abrasive media used, pressures, duration of blast etc. allows for a light blast of stonework to full “white metal” cleaning of heavily contaminated steel. - Can be used to both remove existing coating and give an etch in the same operation
- Low vibration compared to alternatives methods
Typical examples of Blasting methods and equipment are :-
- Pressure Blast – using a pressure vessel with dry abrasive media is a popular, economical and versatile method of blasting for most applications such as removing rust from vehicle chassis. Can be fitted with a vacuum to provide a dustless system.
- Wet Blast – in situations where dust free or a gentler blast without damaging the underlying surface is required the SatBlast unit is ideal. Applications include removing graffiti from stonework.
- Wheel Blast – used in fixed installations with ball shot to clean and peen surfaces by impact
- Suction Blast – used for spot cleaning work were gentle cleaning is needed
Blasting can be done via Open or Contained methods :-
- Open Blasting – often used by on-site contractors were the media cannot be recovered. A fast process but creates a great deal of dust.
- Blast Rooms - provide an enclosure for containing dusts and collecting and recovering media, also improve safety
- Blast Cabinets – normally used for safely containing blasting of smaller objects. Cabinets utilise either suction or pressure blasting systems.
Blast Cleaning Equipment and consumables such as Abrasive Media are available from The Surface Finishing Equipment Group consisting of Hogg Blasting and Finishing Equipment in the Northeast UK and Abraclean in the Northwest UK.
Examples of Surface Preparation Standards