The Process
Selection of Abrasive Material - The first step in shot blasting is selecting the appropriate abrasive material for the specific application. Common abrasive materials used include steel shots, steel grits, aluminum oxide, glass beads, and garnet. The choice of abrasive depends on factors such as the material being blasted, the desired surface finish, and the extent of surface preparation required.
Blasting Equipment Setup - Shot blasting is typically performed using a shot blasting machine or a shot blasting cabinet. The machine or cabinet consists of a chamber that contains the abrasive material and a mechanism to propel the abrasive at high speeds. The setup also includes a dust collection system to capture and remove the generated debris and dust.
Surface Preparation - The material to be treated is placed in the blasting chamber or positioned in front of the blasting nozzle. The abrasive material is then propelled at high velocity towards the surface using compressed air or a centrifugal wheel. As the abrasive particles impact the surface, they remove contaminants, oxides, coatings, and other unwanted materials, leaving behind a clean and prepared surface.
Cleaning and Finishing - After the shot blasting process, the material is inspected for cleanliness and surface finish quality. Depending on the desired application, additional treatments such as coating, painting, or further surface modification can be performed on the newly prepared surface.
Benefits of Shot Blasting
Efficient Surface Cleaning: Shot blasting provides efficient and thorough surface cleaning by removing rust, scales, old coatings, and other contaminants. It ensures that the surface is free from impurities, allowing for optimal adhesion of coatings and treatments applied afterward.
Surface Roughening: Shot blasting can also be used to roughen or texture surfaces. This is particularly useful in applications where increased surface area or improved adhesion is desired. The roughening effect of shot blasting enhances the bond between the surface and subsequent coatings or treatments.
Preservation of Material Integrity: Shot blasting is a non-destructive process that does not compromise the structural integrity of the material being treated. It selectively removes unwanted materials without causing damage to the base material.
Versatility: Shot blasting can be used on a wide range of materials, including metals, concrete, stone, and composites. It is applicable to various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, marine, and manufacturing.
Environmental Benefits: Shot blasting is considered an environmentally friendly surface preparation method. The process does not involve the use of harmful chemicals, and the abrasive material can often be recycled and reused, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
What industries use Shot Blasting?
Surface Preparation: Shot blasting is extensively used in surface preparation for applications such as painting, coating, and welding. It ensures proper adhesion by removing rust, scales, and contaminants from metal surfaces.
Automotive and Aerospace Industries: Shot blasting is used to clean and prepare automotive and aerospace components, such as engine parts, chassis, wheels, and aircraft components. It removes old coatings, corrosion, and surface imperfections, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Construction and Infrastructure: Shot blasting is employed in the construction industry for surface preparation of concrete floors, bridges, highways, and infrastructure components. It removes dirt, paints, epoxy coatings, and prepares surfaces for waterproofing or resurfacing.
Foundry and Casting Industry: Shot blasting is widely utilized in the foundry and casting industry to remove sand, scale, and other impurities from castings. It helps achieve a clean and smooth surface finish, ensuring dimensional accuracy and quality of the cast components.
Shipbuilding and Maritime Industry: Shot blasting is a crucial step in shipbuilding and maritime applications. It is used to remove corrosion, old coatings, and marine fouling from ship hulls, decks, and other metal surfaces. Shot blasting prepares the surfaces for new coatings, ensuring the longevity and performance of marine vessels.
Metal Fabrication: Shot blasting is commonly employed in metal fabrication processes, such as preparing steel structures, beams, and plates for further fabrication or welding. It helps remove mill scales, rust, and surface contaminants, ensuring the quality and integrity of the fabricated components.
Decorative Applications: Shot blasting can be used creatively in decorative applications to achieve desired surface textures and patterns. It is employed in architectural design, artistic sculptures, and customized metal products to add visual interest and unique finishes.
Maintenance and Restoration:
Shot blasting plays a significant role in the maintenance and restoration of various structures and equipment. It is used to clean and prepare surfaces of bridges, tanks, pipelines, industrial machinery, and historical artifacts, revitalizing their appearance and ensuring their functionality.
The Arkinstall Approach
We have built solid partnerships over the many years we have been trading to give us assess to shot blasting, powder coating, larger galvanizing facilities, spin galvanizers and transport companies. Arkinstall have built an enviable reputation for Hot Dip Galvanizing based on more than 120 years experience and as privately owned company, we can offer a highly personalised service tailored to meet your galvanizing requirements.
Arkinstall realise that in today’s competitive environment, companies expect the best possible service from their suppliers. Therefore, we tailor our services to suit the exacting needs of our customers, with over 50% of the goods we produce being processed and dispatched inside of 24 hours.
Birmingham's only
Hot Dip Galvanizer
We have an inhouse capability of up to 4m x 1.7m x 2.4m but can accommodate much larger items that can be processed through our partner facilities.
100+ years industry
Experience
As leading galvanizing experts, we pride ourselves on offering you the highest quality finished products, customer service, help and advice.
Competitive prices and
Turnaround
As the UK's leading hot dip galvanizer, offering a same day or next day service, there is no job too big or too small. Over 75% of our work is in and out within 24 hours