Sandblasting nozzles come in various materials, shapes, sizes, and costs, with different advantages and disadvantages. Ceramic nozzles are cost-effective but less durable, while tungsten carbide and boron carbide are stronger and more expensive. Nozzle valve types include regular on/off, variable clamp, foot switch, deadman, and PAB valves. Safety precautions must be taken when using sandblasting equipment.
Sandblasters shoot abrasives such as silica sand through a tube and out of a nozzle with a high-pressure force; this scrubs surfaces via abrasive blasting to remove layers of material or even etch artistic designs into hard materials such as wood and glass. Because of the pressures involved, blasting nozzles are built with durability and flow control in mind. As such, they can come in various materials, shapes, sizes, and costs, each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. These include tough materials with varying resistance or temperature tolerances, such as ceramics, tungsten carbide, and boron carbide. Nozzle valve types include regular on/off, variable clamp, foot switch, deadman, and PAB valves.
Ceramic sandblasting nozzles feature robust and cost-effective performance. Made of non-magnetic, rust-resistant material, these nozzles perform well in the all-or-nothing category; effective against wear, they sometimes fail, requiring more frequent replacement with backup. Stronger materials such as tungsten carbide and boron carbide cost more, but offer greater durability, thermal conductivity and reduced weight. Tungsten carbide is so hard that it is used to cut other metals. Boron carbide is the hardest ceramic; it is resistant to erosion and the longest service life.
The simplest blasting nozzles have regular shut-off valves. Variable grapple nozzles allow for greater control over the flow of the abrasive. For greater freedom of movement, foot-operated nozzles allow operators to work in confined areas for more delicate jobs, such as engraving inside cabinets. For the safety conscious, the spring-loaded dead man valve requires constant pressure on a squeeze handle to operate; a drop interrupts the flow of sand. Pickard Artistic Blasting (PAB) type blasters allow fine and variable trigger control for soft touch artistic or industrial etchings.
The superior quality blasting nozzles wear evenly over time with use. They can usually be replaced by removing a set screw. In terms of nozzle size, the larger holes allow for more flow, just like a fire hose allows for more flow than a garden hose. Other nozzle considerations include connection type, thread size, liner material, and weight.
Sandblasting nozzles withstand constant high pressure throughout their life. Blast abrasives, coarse sand, and fine sand require careful attention to equipment and safety practices. Silica dust can cause permanent damage to the respiratory system. In addition, the strong pressure caused by sandblasting can easily injure the operator or others. Operators should carefully inspect the condition of spray tips and equipment before use and minimize downtime by keeping replacements on hand.
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