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.
The Process
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.