Surface preparation is essential in metalworking processes. It clears rust and corrosion from metal surfaces, removes imperfections, and adds texture to surfaces that will allow the paint to adhere more effectively. Surface preparation can be done by hand using power tools, water or sand blasting; however, the benefits of using shot blast machinery for surface preparation set it above other methods.
Two factors go into measuring the efficiency of something: speed and efficacy. Shot blasting offers both of these things for surface preparation. Compared to performing surface preparation tasks by hand—especially rust removal—shot blasting is significantly faster. And although aqueous wash is more effective for clearing a surface of grease, shot blasting is more effective for clearing rust and existing paint.
Along with being more effective for clearing surfaces, a shot blast machine is also more cost-effective than other methods. Since a shot blast machine is so efficient, labor costs are reduced compared to air blast or sand blast. Along with that, the steel grit is cheaper and doesn’t run up a company’s water or compressed air costs. Grit and shot can also be reused many times.
Shot blast machinery can be used on metal surfaces of different sizes and shapes. Shot blast machinery, such as a tumble blaster, can be used on smaller parts. It can also be used on large parts if you are using a roller table, monorail style, mesh belt or table blaster.
Along with size, individual shot blast machinery can be used to clean a variety of metal surfaces of a variety of contaminants. All a facility has to do is change the type or size of the grit that is loaded into a machine.
Another key benefit of using shot-blasting for surface preparation is its environmental benefits. As mentioned, shot blasting uses no water and very little compressed air. Along with this, it doesn’t use any harsh chemicals that may contaminate the surrounding area. The only materials used are the metal shot/grit pellets which are recycled and reused many times.
Shot-blasting is truly the best method available for surface preparation. And when it comes to shot blast machines, Viking Blast and Wash Systems has top-of-the-line shot-blasting machinery and the expertise to help you select the best machine for your facility.