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Why Wetblasting

Wetblasting: Providing the highest quality of surface finish.

Wet blasting can also be known as vapor blasting, slurry blasting and liquid honing. There are numerous reasons why wet blasting is becoming more favourable over dry blasting and this is primarily because of its two key features; firstly, the finish is achieved by the flow of water borne abrasive – not by impact, and secondly because it is a dust-free process.

Wet blasting is a less aggressive form of blasting in comparison to dry blasting, working just as effectively. The ricochet of media is reduced due to the cushioning effect created from the water acting as a lubricant between the media and the component surface. As a result, the angle of the media is changed, producing a lapping effect travelling across the surface, resulting in an even satin/ polished finish.

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Unlike dry blasting where the finish is produced by sheer force of media impact, wetblasting does not allow for media to be impregnated into the component, nor is there any dust created by the break-up of media. In the UK, ‘SMART’ alloy wheel repair specialists have taken full advantage of its dust-free process, as it means numerous tasks can be carried out simultaneously without the worry of dust spreading and impacting other areas of work. One of the main benefits of using a wetblasting process is that the media/ slurry can be recycled. A specially designed glandless polyurethane pump agitates water and media into a slurry and pumps it to the blast gun. In order to accelerate the slurry to provide an excellent cleaning effect, compressed air is added to the blast nozzle. Once contact has been made between the slurry and the component, the slurry is drained back into the sump creating a recirculating system. Broken down media is fed via an overflow to a sedimentation filter located at the rear of the cabinet.

The Process

Unlike dry blasting where the finish is produced by sheer force of media impact, wetblasting does not allow for media to be impregnated into the component, nor is there any dust created by the break-up of media. In the UK, ‘SMART’ alloy wheel repair specialists have taken full advantage of its dust-free process, as it means numerous tasks can be carried out simultaneously without the worry of dust spreading and impacting other areas of work. One of the main benefits of using a wetblasting process is that the media/ slurry can be recycled. A specially designed glandless polyurethane pump agitates water and media into a slurry and pumps it to the blast gun. In order to accelerate the slurry to provide an excellent cleaning effect, compressed air is added to the blast nozzle. Once contact has been made between the slurry and the component, the slurry is drained back into the sump creating a recirculating system. Broken down media is fed via an overflow to a sedimentation filter located at the rear of the cabinet.
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Wet Blast Applications

  • Degreasing / surface finishing of components
  • Cleaning of dies & moulds
  • Removal of paint, rust, scale, carbon and similar deposits
  • Surface preparation prior to bonding, re-painting or re-coating
  • Satin finish of stainless steels, brass and other special materials
  • Burr removal from machining marks

 

Wet Blast Cabinet Components/Systems

  • 100% stainless steel Blast cabinet enclosure
  • Right hand opening door  (or left hand or both available)
  • Single footswitch operation
  • Rubber lined internal cabinet walls for noise suppression and to avoid wear to the stainless steel
  • Low voltage windscreen wiper and wash facility to maintain visibility throughout
  • Pump or air agitations for media delivery/slurry mixing. The pump is a moulded polyurethane unit that is non corrosive and resistant to abrasion from the media slurry
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Left Hand Opening Door

A reinforced steel fabricated door with full depth and height access is situated to the left hand side of the cabinet. Air cushioned seals are fitted and the door is secured by a quality chrome slam shut door handle.

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Vapor Blasting Using a Closed Loop

 The purpose of the sedimentation filter is to separate solid particles from the water coming out of the overflow.  The electrically operated solenoid value stops, creating a delay, which allows for the abrasives to settle in the machine hopper. 

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Hydro Cyclone

The hydro cyclone is ideal when it comes to emptying the machine or changing abrasives, as it is designed to separate water from the blasting media to around 90-95%. This leaves a balance of water which can go down a foul drain.

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Mini Tumbler Barrel

For small components the tumbler barrel, which is fitted to the cabinet door, will be used. This gently tumbles small components (e.g. nuts and bolts) whilst they are simultaneously blasted. The base of the tumbler barrel is perforated allowing the slurry to exit the barrel and recycle via the machine sump. A gun holder will be fixed inside the machine for the tumbler barrel.

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Turntables

Heavy objects can be difficult to manoeuvre inside the blast chamber without opening the door. Machines are available with different turntable options, which allow the operator to move the components without the need to stop blasting.

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Armholes – Bellows

For some applications where manoeuvrability within the blast chamber is required, bellow type arm hole ports are recommended. These offer the operator easy access to high components or where mobile turntable, for instance, are used. Regular gauntlets attach easily to the bellows for economic replacements.