Today, sandblasters are useful tools for smoothing and polishing rough surfaces before repainting and resurfacing. With a wide range of sandblasters available today, choosing a suitable one can be a challenging task.
This article will highlight some of the key factors to consider when choosing a sandblaster, so that buyers can confidently select the best model on the market for their needs.
Table of Contents
What is a sandblaster?
Types of sandblasting machines
Factors to consider when choosing a sandblaster
Features of the best sandblasting machines
The bottom line
What is a sandblaster?
A sandblaster is also known as a sandblasting machine or abrasive blasting machine. It is vital in shooting out paints, rust, and coatings from varieties of durable materials such as metal, brick, and wood.
It is often used for surface preparation methods in construction, automotive, and marine industries. They are also essential in etching or cleaning stone, glass, and other materials. The metal fabrication industry commonly uses sandblasting equipment.
Types of sandblasting machines
There are various types of sandblasters. But, only the most common ones will be covered in this article.
1. Handy sandblasters
They designed these machines to last for years. This piece of sandblasting equipment has an indestructible pressure vessel, piping, fittings, and rugged valves.
They crafted these machines with a manual metering valve which enables the user to control the media mix for the best performance.
2. Container sandblasters
These come with 10 – 12 gauge industrial-grade welded metal sheets. They are the most robust and durable products in their grade.
These tools are essential for multi-dimensional jobs such as etching, cleaning, peening, sculpting, deburring, and finishing.
3. Sandblaster cubicle
This machine is often made of galvanized steel panels and structural beams. It is sturdy enough to support the weight of lifting the equipment. The cubicle always has an abrasive-resistant lining which protects the operator and extends the equipment’s life.
4. Conveyor sandblaster
A type of automated sandblasting system often used for batch processing flat shape workpieces such as glass plates, phone shells, and steel plates.
Factors to consider when choosing a sandblaster
When choosing a sandblaster, consider the industry and specific requirements of the project. This is because industry requirements differ from one to another.
For instance, the construction industry requires sandblasting machines that can shoot large areas swiftly. The automotive industry, on the other hand, will need high-precision machines that should blast small components.
Here are some vital factors to consider before choosing a sandblaster:
Select a suitable abrasive
Understand that there are various types of abrasives in the market with their merits and drawbacks. A suitable choice of abrasive will depend on the material for blasting and the desired finish. Here are some common types of abrasives:
Aluminum oxide: A popular choice for blasting metals. It is economical and fast-cutting, making it a good choice for the metal industry.
Walnut shells: This soft abrasive is used mostly for delicate surfaces such as stone and wood.
Glass beads: For cleaning aluminum casting, stainless steel parts, and automotive parts, this abrasive is one of the most common choices. It produces a smooth and glossy finish.
Item size and weight
The weight and size of the item for blasting will determine the type of equipment one needs for the project. For instance, to blast small parts such as a car’s piston or brake calipers, a container sandblaster would be a perfect choice.
But if the item for blasting is a large component, such as a car’s chassis, then a blast cubicle would be a more suitable choice.
Automation level
Most people consider an automated machine the best choice because it’s more precise and suitable for extensive projects. But it is only ideal for some projects, and may be less suitable for others, especially if there are any budget restraints.
A manually operated sandblasting machine may be adequate if there are only a few items for blasting. But if you need a consistent result without any error throughout, go for an automated system if the project volume is large.
Features of the best sandblasting machine
Before buying a sandblaster for your specific needs, decide on the project you will use it on. To help you achieve that, here are some features of the best sandblasting machines:
– Solid tires
– Big fuel tanks
– Adjustable pressure controls
– Big hoppers
– In-built lights
– Reusable sand
– Multi-abrasive material capabilities
The bottom line
Choosing the right sandblaster will depend on the business and its unique requirements. But the challenge of selecting a suitable model will be reduced by keeping in mind the key points to consider shared in this article, which will help businesses to find a suitable machine for their specific needs. To learn more, or to browse listings of sandblasters available on the market, head to Alibaba.com.
