Applications and Uses of Shot Blasting is one of the more effective methods of cleaning rust and debris from metal surfaces, and because of that, it can be utilized in numerous industries for a wide variety of purposes. Here we will discuss just a few of the applications and uses of shot-blasting within metal-related industries.
Shot-blasting is best utilized in foundry during post-production. After metal castings have left their sand molds and are processed, they still must be stripped of remaining molding sand that is stuck to the surface before they can be further processed. Removing this sand can be difficult, especially with castings that are small or more intricate. Shot-blasting can be an effective way to remove this surface sand from many small metal castings at once.
Smaller car parts such as bell housings and stabilizing bars are also often produced using sand-molds, meaning shot-blasting can be used to clear off the surfaces for further processing. Being able to utilize these processes allows the automotive industry to use lighter metals in order to produce more fuel-efficient cars. Shot-blasting a surface also helps prepare it to be painted and will help a surface maintain its paint job longer.
If a manufacturer uses metal in any part of its production, or if metal is their main production, then shot-blasting can be incorporated into its operations. It can be used to remove corrosion and rust before metal is processed, or it can be used at the end of the production to give the metal a perfect finish. As mentioned earlier, shot-blasting a surface will also help the processing of painting the surface.
Propane tanks, whether being used commercially or domestically, are exposed to the elements most of the time and require periodic inspection, maintenance and repainting. Viking has developed a specific line of equipment for blasting as well as washing nearly all sizes of propane cylinders or tanks. As always, make sure they are properly purged of all propane before blasting or washing.
Ultimately, almost any industry that utilizes metal can find a way to utilize shot-blasting somewhere in its process. However, this brief look into some of the applications of shot-blasting was meant to introduce a few ways it could improve the efficiency of operations in your company. Viking Wheel Blast Systems has a wide range of shot-blasting equipment ready for use.
Many of these manufacturing processes can be very complex, do to the complexity of each part. Viking Wheel Blast Systems manufactures many styles of shot blast machines to help with this complexity: