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Shot blasting is a process that uses a blasting gun or machine to shoot various types of media at a material’s surface to remove scale, rust, paint, and small surface defects. Different types of shot blast machines are available, and safety precautions should be taken when using them.
Shot blasting is a process that is often used to clean the surface of a material. The process usually involves a spin blasting gun or machine that is used to shoot various types of media, or shoot, at the object being blasted. This is a particularly effective method for removing scale, rust, paint and small surface defects from metal objects. Depending on the blast equipment and the type of shot used, various surface finishes or textures can be applied to a workpiece for decorative purposes or to prepare the surface for paint or powder coating.
There are many different types of shot blast machines, from small handheld guns to lawnmower-sized machines to massive blast booths large enough to fit a tractor trailer. Regardless of size or configuration, most of them consist of the same components. A basic blast setup includes an air compressor, a blaster pistol, a blast cabinet or cabinet, and a hopper to deliver the shot to the gun.
Once the hopper is full of shots and the system is powered up, you just pull the trigger to get things going. When you pull the trigger, compressed air flows through the gun. The moving air creates a vacuum which pulls the shot from the hopper, which exits the gun at high velocity and blasts the workpiece. Both blast cabinets and ride-on roller blast systems are often equipped with a recovery system that returns the granulate to the hopper for reuse.
The means of shot blasting are widely varied and specialized. One of the most popular types of shot for removing paint and rust from metal is aluminum oxide. This is an angle abrasive, which means it has sharp edges for digging deep. This is also one of the harder abrasives, making it longer lasting than most.
At the other end of the spectrum is pumice, the softest available. It is very popular for removing paint from softwood, leaving no marks or other damage. Between the two extremes, there are dozens of other abrasives that can perform hundreds of different tasks. If you are just starting out in shot blasting, it is best to consult a professional when selecting your blast medium.
Shot blasting carries some health risks, so safety is of vital importance. When using a shot blasting machine that does not have a closed cabinet, a dust mask, preferably with a respirator, should be considered mandatory equipment. This is especially true if pellets made from sand or any medium that may contain silica are used. These have been shown to cause silicosis, a disease of the lungs. If using a blast gun, the gun should never be aimed at anything other than the workpiece and, as with all shop equipment, safety glasses should be worn at all times.
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