Sandblasting tips have specific air pressure recommendations for optimal results and longer tip life. Using higher pressure than recommended can wear the tip too soon, while using lower pressure reduces performance. Different media types result in different finishes. Safe maximum operating pressures are listed with home blasting kits.
You can usually choose the best blast pressure by reading the recommendations on the blast tip packaging. Each sandblasting tip is designed with a specific air pressure. The optimum amount of blasting pressure for a given blasting tip is calculated to provide not only the best blasting results, but also the longest tip life. It is usually safe to use the blast pressure recommended on the packaging without creating problems with the tip or object being blasted. Failure to meet tip specifications regarding pressure can often lead to premature tip wear.
Sandblasting is the process of mixing a blasting medium, such as fine silica sand, with high pressure air. The result is a high pressure stream of sand that will remove rust, paint and tarnish, leaving only bare metal behind. The blasting process creates heat that can distort the metal being blasted if not properly controlled. This sandblasting pressure can also be used to create engravings on stone, wood, and other materials, while different sandblasting media, such as baking soda, walnut shells, or steel shot, will result in different types of finishes on the materials.
A sandblasting tip is typically manufactured from a material, such as ceramic, that wears over time due to the blasting pressure pushing the abrasive through the nozzle as the job is completed. Tip size commonly refers to the size of the opening in the tip, and each tip is supplied by the manufacturer with a recommended blast pressure based on the type of blasting material used. If you use a higher pressure than recommended, you run the risk of wearing the tip too soon. This will result in a poor blast pattern and reduced blast pressure as the orifice wears and allows more air than intended to escape from the tip.
Many home blasting setups have safe maximum operating pressures listed with the kit, and you should never attempt to use higher air pressure with this type of kit. Conversely, using too low a pressure will often reduce the performance of the sandblaster. Another way to adjust the blast pressure is to consult the packaging for the type of media used. Most packaging associated with blasting media contains air pressure recommendations based on the type of blasting being performed.
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