Equipment Restoration: Three Fundamental Tips for Planning for Sandblasting

If you are planning on restoring old industrial equipment, you should plan for sandblasting. Sandblasting is an effective method for eliminating old residues such as paint and corrosion deposits from surfaces. This technique involves releasing an abrasive media at high velocity, allowing for effective stripping of coatings. If the blasting process is carried out well, the old and worn-out equipment will have a fresh and clean surface. Consequently, you will be able to repair and paint the panels. If you are interested in abrasive blasting for your industrial or commercial machinery restoration, use these simple tips to plan for the project.

Choose the Abrasive Media

The success of the sandblasting process will be determined by the type of chosen abrasive. Therefore, you should evaluate and compare the options before choosing the right blasting media. When comparing the options, it is important to consider the specific materials that you will handle. Keep in mind that the wrong abrasive can damage your equipment. It is advisable to consult a professional before making your decision.

If you are dealing with a hard surface such as tough steel, you can use crushed glass or coal slag. These abrasives are suitable for removing old paint coatings. They are also suited for general surface preparation of steel. However, they are not ideal for light panels. If you are planning on blasting thin metal sheets or delicate components, you should opt for soda blasting. Other options include steel shot or grit and garnet.

Acquire Good Equipment

You should compare the different sandblasters on the market before acquiring one for your restoration project. In general, it is important to look at the compatibility between your chosen abrasive media and the equipment. If unsuitable material is used in an incompatible blaster, the machine could sustain irreparable damage. You should also check the capacity of the equipment. A larger capacity is more favourable because there will be no numerous pauses to refill the media. However, the cost of acquisition will be higher. Additionally, you should check the performance characteristics of the sandblasters such as nozzle size and coverage area.

Plan for Worksite Safety

Finally, you should promote safety on the worksite during the sandblasting project. The release of the abrasive media at a high velocity can cause significant harm if it is not managed. Therefore, you should ensure that there are safety measures in place to protect the workers. It is important to choose an isolated area for blasting. Additionally, invest in protective gear, including goggles and respirators. 

Share