Shot blasting is utilised across diverse industries for its ability to strengthen, clean, and polish metal and other materials. It is a surface-finishing technique with its own set of benefits and challenges. Whether you are aiming to remove rust, achieve a smooth finish, or prepare the surface for coating, understanding these issues along the way can help ensure optimal results from shot blasting in Coventry.
Common Shot Blasting Challenges and Solutions
Inconsistent Surface Finish
One issue you may encounter along the way is an inconsistent surface finish. It is quite natural to encounter roughness, textures, and uneven areas. It usually affects the finish quality. It is especially true in the case of surface painting and coating.
Blasting media such as steel shots and grit may not be effective or sharp enough. Therefore, you may encounter varying blasting results. If the machine settings are incorrect due to nozzle angle or pressure, you may not achieve even coverage. It is most commonly observed on intricate or large surfaces.
Experts recommend regularly checking the surface and replacing it with proper blasting media to ensure a sharp, effective finish. It is necessary to optimise the machine settings by fixing the air pressure and nozzle angles to fulfil the task requirements. It is also essential to ensure you have a skilled operator with you.
Depending on the surfaces and materials, experts recommend choosing abrasive media. They can ensure that you have the right-sized, type, and shape of material for the application.
Dust Creation and Containment
When working on painted or rusted surfaces, shot blasting may create dust. It may negatively impact the workspace’s visibility. Over time, it may pose health hazards to employees. The blasting environment may become contaminated at the same time.
If there isn’t a proper dust extraction system, shot blasting may create fine particles that remain airborne. Sometimes, it may settle within the workspace. Paint, contaminants, and corrosion can create heavy dust. It may happen when contaminated and degraded material is present.
A cabinet with the advanced dust extraction system may be an effective option. It can capture and store dust, reducing risks to equipment and operators. Optimal air circulation within the cabinet may ensure a clear view. Regular cleaning of the workspace, equipment, and filters may help the process run smoothly. Machine operators must wear PPE for safety.
Media Breakdown and Contamination
Breakdown and contamination of the shot-blasting media are quite natural. When the media material is smaller, it may be harder to cut through it. Contaminants present within the media may cause cross-contamination. On occasion, you may also encounter uneven finishes. If a medium is utilised for a long time without cleaning or filtration, its performance may deteriorate.
Using a recycling or media sorting system can be beneficial, as it may separate broken and worn-out pieces from effective particles. Therefore, an optimal media size can be used.
For shot blasting in Coventry, you can contact experts from Megablast Shotblasting. They are aware of the common issues. Therefore, you may not have to encounter them as they may take precautions beforehand.