Metal sandblasting

History of metal sandblasting technology
Metal sandblasting is a mechanical cleaning technology obtained through the action of abrasive materials on a metal surface (substrate). The energy of the abrasive particles is adjusted by the flow of compressed air, and then the air-abrasive mixture is fed to the treated surface.
The name "sandblasting" came to us from the English language from sandblasting. The inventor is Benjamin Chu Tilgman, who patented this technology in the USA in 1870. In modern specialist literature, the term blasting abrasives is used more frequently today, as the number of abrasives used in this technique has increased significantly since the late 19th century and sand is banned for a number of blasting even in most industrialized countries.
There are other names for this technology in various sources, for example abrasive blasting, abrasive blasting, shot peening, metal sandblasting, metal sandblasting, etc. - all of this is nothing more than a surface preparation method in which an air-pressurized abrasive mixture is sprayed onto the substrate , and the abrasive particles transfer the kinetic energy of the surface and the substances on it.
The purpose of metal sandblasting is to remove corrosion products, mill scale, carbon deposits, molding compounds on castings, old coatings and various types of impurities, as well as to achieve a characteristic roughness that improves adhesion (adhesion of the substrate to the protective film applied to coatings).
There is a common misconception that sandblasting metal degreases the surface. In fact, cleaning non-degreased metal in advance only leads to negative consequences: the microparticles of grease are "clogged" deep in the profile by the abrasive and negatively affect the adhesion of protective coatings, thereby increasing the quality of the work carried out and the service life.

Technological advantages

Sandblasting is the preferred method for cleaning metal and preparing it for protective coatings. This is due to a number of advantages of this method, such as: efficiency, high speed and quality of cleaning.
In addition, the resulting surface roughness increases the area of interaction between the metal and the protective coating and improves adhesion on a physical and chemical level.
Numerous studies carried out worldwide have long confirmed that the service life of protective coatings depends more on the quality of the surface preparation than on the quality of the applied coating and the way it is used.
Leading global and domestic paint and varnish manufacturers also recommend preparing a metal surface before sandblasting.
Metal sandblasting has gained great popularity due to the widespread use of steel as the main building material, which is exposed to various types of corrosion during operation.
The mobility of sandblasting equipment and the low complexity of the application allow the method to be used almost anywhere, including high-rise and underground work, as well as the geographical distance of objects.
Recently emerging high quality abrasives and technologies for collection and cleaning for reuse have made the process even more economical and reduced the environmental impact.