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Sandblasting
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Sandblasting or bead blasting is a generic term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across that surface at high speeds; the effect is similar to that of using sandpaper, but provides a more even finish with no problems at corners or crannies.
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Sandblasting or bead blasting is a generic term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across that surface at high speeds; the effect is similar to that of using sandpaper, but provides a more even finish with no problems at corners or crannies. Sandblasting can occur naturally, usually as a result of particles blown by wind causing aeolian erosion, or artificially, using compressed air. An artificial sandblasting process was patented by Benjamin Chew Tilghman on October 18, 1870.
Sandblasting equipment typically consists of a chamber in which sand and air are mixed. The mixture travels through a hand-held nozzle to direct the particles toward the surface or workpiece. Nozzles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Boron carbide is a popular material for nozzles because it resists abrasive wear well.
Safety and worker protection
Originally, sandblasting was always performed as an open-air job, which exposed the worker to risk of injury from the flying material and lung injury from inhaling the dust. The silica dust produced in the sandblasting process caused silicosis after sustained inhalation of dust.
In 1918 the first sandblasting enclosure was built, which protected the worker with a viewing screen, revolved around the workpiece, and used an exhaust fan to draw dust away from the worker's face.
Several countries and territories now regulate sandblasting such that it may only be performed in a controlled environment using ventilation, protective clothing and breathing air supply (as shown in the top image).
Sandblasting substances
Historically, the material used for artificial sandblasting was sand that had been sieved to a uniform size. In the early 1900's, it was initially assumed that sharp-edged grains provided the best performance though this was later demonstrated to not be correct.
Other materials for sandblasting have been developed to be used instead of sand; for example, carborundum grit, steel shots, copper slag, powdered slag, glass beads (bead blasting), metal pellets, dry ice, garnet, powdered abrasives of various grades, and even ground coconut shells, corncobs, walnut shells, and baking soda (sodablasting) have been used for specific applications and can produce distinct surface finishes. Some commercial grade blasters are specially designed to handle multiple blast abrasives. These blasters are commonly referred as multi-media blasters.
Applications
Sandblasting can also be used to produce three dimensional signage. This type of signage is considered to be a higher end product as compared to the flat signs. These signs often incorporate gold leaf overlay and sometimes crushed glass backgrounds which is called smalts.
Sandblasting can be used to refurbish buildings or create works of art (carved or frosted glass). Modern masks and resists facilitate this process, producing accurate results.
Sandblasting technique is used for cleaning boat hulls, bricks, and concrete work. Sandblasting which is also known as blast cleaning is used for cleaning industrial as well as commercial structures. However, sandblasting is rarely used for nonmetallic workpieces.
Setup and Equipment
Equipment for sandblasting usually consists of but is not limited to a hand-held nozzle that directs a stream of sand particles or other material toward a workpiece. The sand is mixed with air in a mixing chamber in order to transport the sand to the nozzle where it is subject to a high velocity air stream that propels it toward the workpiece.
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