Abrasive grit blasting equipment

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Abrasive grit blasting processes are being used extensively in metal finishing and surface modification industries. Abrasive grit blasting is used either simply to clean the surface of scale and other contamination or as a surface preparation step for subsequent operations such as thermal spray coatings, etc. Because of increased demand on product quality and increased pressures on keeping part costs low, companies involved in abrasive grit blasting processes have to be quite vigilant and compare the various pros and cons of the different types if abrasive grit blast equipment available in the market today.

Abrasive grit blasting equipment manufacturers have come a long way in the design and fabrication of grit blasting equipment in the last thirty years or so. Advances in materials technology has resulted in better performing nozzles, longer lasting hoses and capabilities of longer continuous running machines. A key advancement that is often being overlooked is the development of sophisticated sound muffling materials that has resulted in better acoustic booths for walk-in grit blast cabinets design.

In the old days, about the only thing that abrasive grit blast equipment manufacturers made were simple cabinets with a couple of hoses attached to a gun, a view in window and two inserting holes with gloves. Gone are those days. Nowadays, sophisticated controls and automated grit blast cabinets are available that provide for automated part loading, part rotation and gun movements and manipulation.

A significant advancement in abrasive grit blast equipment in recent days is the advanced data logging that some manufacturers are beginning to offer, especially to aerospace sub-contractors who have the burden of maintaining statistical data for quality control purposes. This data that can be downloaded into a computer can then be used to provide accurate information about the performance of the equipment as well as the history of operation on every part.

Another significant advancement is the introduction of robotic abrasive grit blast equipment. This has enabled fewer operator involvement in the repetitive grit blasting operations, increased repeatability of gun motions and therefore repeatability of part quality.

Dust collector technology has made major strides in recent decades with hepa filter technology that is available for reasonable prices for companies big and small. This has resulted in the modern blast room being a more pleasant place to work than what was in existence fifty years ago. Additionally, the requirements of the environmental laws and regulations can be met comfortably by using these advanced dust collection systems.