When abrasive blasting it is important to choose the correct abrasive for your requirements. At SurfacePrep UK we can supply you with a wide range of abrasive options for your needs.
How to choose the correct abrasive?
When choosing an abrasive, the harder the particle, the deeper the profile it will make, except in cases where a hard particle, blasted at high velocity, shatters upon impact, delivering less than optimum force.
The most efficient and fastest cleaning is achieved using abrasives with higher density. Dense particles impact with more kinetic energy over a smaller surface area, resulting in a deeper profile. Dense particles also tend to deform less, absorbing less energy upon impact.
Therefore, the bigger the particle, the bigger and deeper the indentation it will make. Blasting with large particles will result in fewer impacts in each area, than an equal volume of smaller particles. Small particles clean faster, provide better coverage, and result in a more uniform profile. The most efficient approach is to use the smallest particle necessary to achieve the desired profile.
Whether you use expendable or recyclable abrasives will be determined by your application requirements and the blasting equipment used to carry out the job. Expendable abrasives are mostly used in open environments, and recyclable abrasives are used in contained environments, for example in blast cabinets or blast rooms where a recycling system is implemented.
Dust levels are particularly important when considering the area in which the blasting is taking place. Open nozzle blasting in an uncontrolled environment will be most suited to lower dust levels. This is also the case for more hazardous surroundings where visibility is paramount. On the other hand, an enclosed blast booth with suitable ventilation and dust extraction can help manage dust levels and increase productivity.
The shape of the abrasive used in an application is mostly determined by the coating being removed and/or the type of profile that needs to be created. An angular abrasive will provide a more aggressive impact on a surface than a rounded or spherical abrasive.
