In the field of metalworking, the use of abrasive materials is an integral part of surface treatment and preparation processes. Sandblasting equipment based on the use of various abrasives allows to effectively clean, grind and prepare metal surfaces for further processing or application of protective coatings. In this article we will consider abrasive materials of natural and industrial origin, their characteristics and applications in the context of sandblasting equipment.Natural abrasives
Natural abrasives have high hardness and are used in sandblasting to create the desired surface texture.
The main examples are:
Garnet:- Has high hardness and low dustability.
- Ideal for cleaning and blasting various metals.
- Used for waterjet cutting of metal.
Quartz sand:- Widely used in sandblasting applications.
- Characterized by high availability and cost effectiveness.
Emmery:- Composed of aluminum oxide and iron oxide.
- Used as an abrasive filler for metal and wood surfaces.
Cooperslag:- Formed during the processing of copper and used as an abrasive material. It has high hardness and provides good machining performance.
Nickelslag:- Obtained during the process of smelting nickel. This abrasive also has high toughness and is suitable for the application of the harsh conditions.
Manufacturing abrasive material
Synthetic abrasive has uniform characteristics and can be adapted to solve specific tasks in sandblasting processing.
Basic examples:
Corundum (oxide aluminum):- Impaired for high efficiency sanding and processing.
- Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Carbide silicon:- Particularly effective for resurfacing glass and these hard metals.
- Highly chemical resistant to high chemical resistant to high chemical resistant to high chemical resistant to high chemical resistant to high chemical resistant.
Metal Abrasives:- Made from steel shot and can be used for tougher machining.
Application of abrasives in sandblasting equipment
The choice of abrasive material depends on the task required and the type of surface to be blasted. In sandblasting equipment, abrasives can be used for:
Cleaning metal surfaces:- Removing rust, old coatings and contaminants.
Preparing surfaces for coating:- Removing imperfections and creating the necessary texture for better adhesion to the new coating.
Sanding and polishing:- Finishing to achieve a high quality and smooth surface.
Conclusion
Abrasive materials of natural and manufactured origin play an important role in the process of sandblasting metal surfaces. The selection of the appropriate material directly affects the quality and efficiency of the blasting process, making understanding their properties critical for metalworking professionals. The use of abrasives helps to achieve high standards in the preparation and processing of various metal products.