Shot blasting is not as popular as other industries, but it’s one that no metal industry can function without. Industries such as construction, aerospace, automotive, railway, shipbuilding, and many more are heavily reliant on shot blasting.
At the same time, most people don’t know much about shot blasting and shot blast equipment. They should know about shot blasting because we won’t be able to enjoy many of the things that we take for granted nowadays.
Here is an introduction to the world of shot blasting and shot blasting machines.
Shot Blasting 101
The process of shot blasting revolves around the abrasive particles that are blasted at speeds between 65 and 110 m/sec against some surface. They are blasted in a controlled environment with the idea to eliminate contaminates from a certain surface.
During the 1930s, shot blasting was at its peak, and particles were blasted using compressed air. This method is still used today for the cleaning surfaces of weldments and metal frames. Manual and automatic systems were introduced after the invention of the centrifugal wheel blast.
Shot blasting with a centrifugal wheel is proven as the more effective method as it can achieve more uniform finishing of the surface. Furthermore, it’s faster, easier, and more convenient in many other ways.
Introduction to Shot Blasting Machine Parts
The typical shot blasting machine consists of six parts: Elevator, work handling mechanism, cabinet, dust collector, separator, and blast wheel.
To gain better insights into shot blasting machines, here is a detailed description of its parts.
Cabinet
The cabinet is made of steel with the utmost quality because it needs to be very durable. That is because the abrasive particles are treated within the cabinet. Plus, for best results, the cabinet needs to be vibration-free. All in all, the cabinet is a key part of any shot blasting machine.
Blast Wheel
The blast wheel is the central part of the centrifugal shot blasting machine as it assists the abrasive particles which are blasted from the turbine wheels. Its quality determines the overall efficiency of the shot blasting machine.
Dust Collector
The dust collector is responsible for drawing the dust-filled air from the separator, as well as dust captured in the cabinet. Furthermore, it filtrates the dusted air and it releases it back into the atmosphere ensuring that the machine operators work in a pollution-free environment.
Separator Section
The purpose of the separator is to clean the contaminants before the abrasive particles fill in the blast wheel to be reused.
Abrasive Recovery System and Elevator
This part is responsible for recovering the used abrasive particles. All abrasives are recovered with a screw conveyor placed at the base of the cabinet. From there they are dispatched with an elevator that takes them to the separator where a different process takes place.
Work Handling Mechanism
There are different types of these systems within the shot blasting machine whose purpose is to convey certain parts. Their design and structure depend on the size and type of treated items.
