Sandblasting
What is sandblasting during machining?
Sandblasting is a mechanical processing method commonly used for surface treatment and removal of dirt, oxidation layers or coatings from the surface of materials. The method uses compressed air or compressed gas to blast sand or other granular material at high speed to impact and abrade the object being processed in order to change the surface shape and surface roughness of the object.
In machining, sandblasting is commonly used to treat materials such as metals, plastics and ceramics. The accuracy and efficiency of sandblasting depends on factors such as the size, shape and speed of the grit used, as well as the skill and experience of the operator. Sandblasting can also be used to control surface quality and texture by adjusting the intensity and timing of the blast to achieve different visual and functional effects.
Applicable materials for sandblasting
| Aluminum alloy-6061 | Aluminum alloy-5052 | Aluminum alloy-7075 | Aluminum alloy-2A12 |
| Stainless steel-303 | Stainless steel-304 | Stainless steel-316 | Stainless steel-316L |
| Stainless steel-420 | Stainless steel-430 | Stainless steel-17-4PH | Stainless steel-301 |
| Stainless steel-321 | 45Steel | 40Cr | Cr12 |
| 3Cr13 | GCr15 | Q235 (A3 steel) | Spring steel-65Mn |
| Die steel-SKD11 | Brass-H59 | Brass-H62 | Purple copper-T2 |
What are the types of sandblasting for machining?
There are many types of sandblasting during machining, the following are some common types of sandblasting.
Pressure sandblasting: Pressure sandblasting is the most common type of sandblasting, which uses compressed air to blast out and accelerate the sand particles, and then hits the surface of the processed object at high speed to remove dirt, oxidation layer or coating.
Suction blasting: Suction blasting, also known as vacuum blasting, uses suction generated by negative pressure to draw sand into the gun and then blast it out through the gun. Inhalation blasting reduces the consumption of grit, but it also reduces the speed and efficiency of blasting.
Wet blasting: Wet blasting mixes grit with water to form a process called hydroblasting. Wet blasting can reduce the dust and noise generated by the flying of sand grains, and also improve the precision and surface quality of sandblasting.
Cooling sandblasting: Cooling sandblasting is a special type of sandblasting that uses a high-pressure jet to mix sand grains and liquid and spray them onto the surface of the object being processed to cool it down. Cooling sandblasting is usually used to process high temperature materials such as steel and alloys.
Glass bead blasting: Glass bead blasting is a special processing method that uses glass beads for sand blasting, which can form uniform fine bumps on the surface, making the surface smoother and more delicate. Glass bead blasting is usually used in the processing of plastics, ceramics and other materials.
What are the steps for sandblasting during machining?
The steps of sandblasting during machining can be briefly summarized as follows.
Preparation: Clean the surface of the object to be machined of grease, dirt, etc., and ensure that the surface is dry. Select the appropriate grit type, particle size, pressure and other parameters, and prepare the blasting equipment.
Sandblasting operation: Place the processed object in the sandblasting room, wear protective equipment, turn on the sandblasting equipment, and sandblast the processed object. The operator needs to maintain a certain distance and angle in order to avoid sand impact too strong and damage the surface of the object.
Observe the effect: Observe the effect on the surface of the object being processed and carry out multiple sandblasting operations as needed until the desired effect is achieved.
Clean up: Shut down the sandblasting equipment, clean up the sand and dirt in the sandblasting chamber, and thoroughly clean the surface of the processed object of sand and dust, etc.
It should be noted that the sandblasting process should keep the operating environment dry and well ventilated to avoid the inhalation of sand and dust, and also comply with the operating safety norms to avoid safety accidents in the sandblasting process.
Common problems and solutions for sandblasting during machining?
The common problems and solutions of sandblasting during machining are as follows.
Problem 1: Uneven surface after sandblasting
Solution.
Adjust the sandblasting pressure and nozzle position to make sandblasting uniform.
Check whether the size of the sand grain is consistent, the size of the sand grain will not lead to uneven surface.
Check whether the surface of the workpiece is flat, if there are uneven places, the surface will also be uneven after sandblasting.
Check whether the sandblasting gun of the sandblasting machine is damaged or blocked, and replace or clean it in time.
Problem 2: Burrs or sand eyes appear on the surface after sandblasting
Solution.
Adjust sandblasting pressure and nozzle position to make sandblasting uniform.
Replace the grit to ensure that it is not damaged or deformed.
Check whether the surface of the workpiece is clean, with dirt such as grease or dust will affect the sandblasting effect.
Check whether the sandblasting gun of the sandblasting machine is damaged or blocked, and replace or clean it in time.
Problem 3: oxidation or rust on the surface after sandblasting
Solution.
Remove rust or polish the surface of the workpiece before sandblasting to ensure a clean surface.
Select suitable grit and avoid using grit containing metal impurities.
Clean and treat the surface in time after sandblasting, such as using rust inhibitors.
Problem 4: The surface roughness of the workpiece is too high after sandblasting
Solution.
Adjust the sandblasting pressure and nozzle position to make sandblasting uniform.
Select the appropriate grit, the size and shape of the grit affects the surface roughness.
Check whether the surface of the workpiece is flat, if there are unevenness, the surface will also be uneven after sandblasting.
Control the time and distance when sandblasting to avoid excessive sandblasting.



