Shot Blasting is a process used for the treatment of surfaces with the assistance of high velocity steel abrasives. The shot blasting method aids in obtaining exceptional cleaning and preparation of the surfaces for the secondary finishing operations.
The process of shot blasting is commonly used for the purpose of the following:
• For cleaning of metals like: iron, steel, forgings, non- cast parts and many more.
• For mechanical cleaning of: sheets, wire, rods, coils, etc.
• For shot peening to alter the mechanical properties such as for increasing resistance to fatigue for springs, gears, etc.
• Preparation of surfaces for secondary operations like painting, coating, etc.
In general, the process of shot blasting focuses on throwing the abrasive particles at a high speed of 65 to 110 m/second in a highly controlled way at the material to be blasted and as a result removing the contaminates on the surface with the help of the abrasive impact.
When the process of
shot blasting was on its peak in the 1930s it was used with compressed air for propelling the steel shots and this method still remains in use today for cleaning of metal frames and weldments. The shot blast production lines (both manual and automated systems), only became possible after the introduction of the centrifugal wheel blast machines. The system of shot blasting with the centrifugal wheel has proven to be more productive than by the compressed air and achieves a better and more uniform finishing of the surface.
The criteria used for the selection process of the type of shot blasting system and machines depends on the size and shape of the parts to be blasted, the condition of the surface to be cleaned, the required final surface finish specification and the overall required process.
There are numerous companies which offer these types of shot blasting machines and equipment for different shot blasting processes. But, the question arises how should one determine which is the best machine for your effective as well as qualitative work?
The Shot Blasting Machine
For understanding which is the best option, one must gain complete knowledge about the concept of the process as well as the machines that are used for the shot blasting process.
Different Parts of the Shot Blast Machine
The shot blasting machine consists of six different parts:
• Blast Wheel
• Cabinet
• Work Handling Mechanism
• Elevator
• Separator
• Dust Collector
To determine the role each part of the machine plays in the shot blasting process it is important to acquire the complete knowledge about the sandblasting process and machine. The following is a detailed description of the function of each part of the machine in the shot blasting process:
1. The Blast Wheel
The wheel is the focal part of every centrifugal shot- blasting machine. The wheels help the abrasive particles which are projected through the centrifugal force from various types of turbine wheels. If the quality of the wheels is at an optimum level then the efficiency as well as the cleaning effect turns out to be great.
2. The Cabinet
Just like the blast wheel, the cabinet too is an important part of the shot blasting machine. As, the high speed of the abrasive particles have to be treated in a closed and vibration free cabinet. This helps in ensuring their strength as well as their durability, these cabinets are made with the assistance of superior quality of the steel material.
3. The Work Handling Mechanism
Most of the systems within the machine exist for conveying the parts which depends on the type, size and the quality of the items that need to be treated. There are a variety of types and designs of the shot blasting machines that are used for different working process like the Table Type Shot Blasting Machine, Hanger Type Shot Blasting machine, Tumb Type Shot Blasting Machine, Paver Block Shot Blasting Machine, Cabinet Type Shot Blasting Machine, Spinner Hanger Shot Blasting Machine, Spinner Hanger Double Door Type of Shot Blasting Machine, Stone Shot Blasting Machine and Coil Shot Blasting Machine.
4. The Elevator and Abrasive Recovery System
This part holds a special place in the machine and maintains a steady functioning of the machine by helping the machine to recover the used abrasives. The abrasives are recovered at the base of the cabinet with the help of a screw conveyor and are further delivered towards the base of the elevator, which then carries these abrasives to the separator for further action.
5. The Separator Section
The Separator plays an extremely important role in the abrasive blasting machine. This is the essential part that helps to clean all contaminants before abrasives enter into the blast wheel for reuse.
6. The Dust Collector
This is the final and the most important part of
shot blasting machine. The dust collector is a part that is used mainly for the purpose of filtration. This important part helps in retrieving the dust filled air from the separator and from the dusty air that gets trapped in the cabinet ventilation system and releases clean air into the atmosphere for ensuring an environment that is pollution free.
If your industry demands the process of abrasive blasting and you are in a need of a great quality machine, then it is important to get a basic knowledge of the above mentioned parts. The analysis on the above mentioned parts help in developing an eye for the functionality of these parts before taking the final decision of which is best machine according to your needs and requirements. This is so because choosing the right type of machine can ensure efficient, quick and optimum level of cleaning for your surfaces.
Sand blasting is a difficult process and requires the use of professionally equipped techniques and equipment to employ this process correctly. To provide you with this efficient system of blasting services with the ideal shot blasting machine, Quality Spare Centre a leading trader, supplier, and exporter brings to you a range of metal shots and machines. Its efficiency has become the a highly acknowledge facet of this company in providing competitive services as well as machinery for the blasting and painting industries. A premium brand name in this industry with its niche variety of services provides accessories for protective coating industries as well.