Blast cleaning. Equipment for sandblasting and cleaning

The formation of deposits, deforming and simply unwanted coatings on various products and structures, as a rule, does not coincide with the requirements for their performance properties. The way out of the situation is the means of processing, among which are grinding and polishing. But similar methods of surface cleaning can be ineffective in eliminating scale, rust, and in some cases old paint. With the consequences of deep deformation processes, only sandblasting of the surface, based on the principles of abrasive action, will cope. In the work of the instrument, sand is used, which acts as a scraping component. However, this principle of operation also imposes stringent safety requirements in the process of work.

Sandblasting Pistols

There are two groups of such equipment. It's worth starting with open-type models. As a rule, this is a small sandblasting machine, whose price averages from 3 to 7 thousand rubles. By design, it resembles a construction pistol that works on pneumatics. Such devices can be used in cleaning stone, concrete and metal surfaces from old paintwork, rust, dirt, etc.

The advantages of the pistol include mobility, convenience in operation and the possibility of careful work with structures of complex shape. Due to the low power of the device, sandblasting practically does not damage the surface of the surface. On the other hand, it is not advisable to use pneumatic guns for some types of work in workshops, so in such cases closed equipment is used.

Sandblasting cameras

This is the second category of abrasive equipment, whose function also provides sand blasting. Such devices are used for dry processing of metal parts in order to get rid of their surfaces from old paint, rust, scale and sludge. As working crumbs usually used electrocorundum or river sand - the fraction on average varies from 0.1 to 0.9 mm. Specific parameters of the abrasive are determined by the tasks that the sandblasting machine must perform. The price of such models is 15-20 thousand rubles. At the same time, there are more expensive equipment, which is characterized by large dimensions and, correspondingly, high power.

The principle of sandblasting

During operation, the device directs the jet with abrasive particles onto the surface to be treated. In most devices, the force that accelerates the movement of sand is produced by the energy of the compressed air. A typical model of such equipment provides for the presence of three basic elements, including a jet device, a compressor and abrasive particles. It should also be borne in mind that sand blasting can be performed with varying degrees of pressure, that is, a force that acts on the abrasive. The operator regulates this indicator, achieving the optimal result. The fact is that a high degree of pressure can not only eliminate the surface to be cleaned, but also damage the main surface. Therefore, the user requires certain skills and skills in adjusting processing parameters.

Cleaning levels for metal processing

Cleaning of metal surfaces with sandblasting equipment is considered the most common. To date, special requirements have been worked out for the quality of the surface, ready for further operation. They should be oriented, if sandblasting of metal structures with abrasives is planned. So, the GOST standards define four levels of surface cleaning from corrosion and scale:

• In the process of inspection under a sixfold increase, damage to rust and scale is not detected.
• At visual inspection to the naked eye, there is no scale, particles of molding mixtures, corrosion marks, burns and other non-metallic layers.
• Up to 5% of the working area is affected by spots of scale and a foundry edge that can be seen with the naked eye.
• There are no obvious signs of corrosion and flaking scales on the product.

Safety precautions

The basic set of elements for personal protection includes a helmet, gloves and, if necessary, overalls. At the workplace where sandblasting is performed, spare glasses should be provided for the helmet in case the main set is damaged. As for the device itself, it should be grounded, otherwise there is a risk of electric shock. Today, increasingly inexperienced masters pay attention to models with remote control, believing that they are safer and more convenient to operate. But this is not entirely true, since the design of such devices is more susceptible to abrasive contamination and requires careful care.

Also, on site, you must provide a stock of consumables. Especially if sandblasting is performed, rubber gaskets for hoses and nozzle rings should be at hand. If necessary, you can replace these items without stopping the organized workflow.

Conclusion

The formation of corrosion on the surface of the car body leads to the despair of many motorists. This means that you will have to turn to a special service and spread a large amount for repairs. Of course, there are alternative means of cleaning metal surfaces in the form of sandpaper and a grinding machine, but sandblasting is much more effective and faster. And it concerns not only metal, but also stone, as well as concrete products and building structures. The main thing is to choose a suitable model of sandblasting machine. The greatest popularity was gained by pneumatic devices. At a low cost, they guarantee the complete disposal of any surface from unwanted coatings without damaging the useful structure of the material.