Shot Blasting Techniques And What You Should Know

Shot blasting can be defined as the procedure employed in the removal of foreign materials from a given surface. Various devices like spinning paddle, air guns etc. are used in executing the process. To make the shot to get blasted on the surface different materials like silica, steel balls, water etc. are used. The intensity of the blast depends on the degree of the impurities residing on the surface. This procedure is basically applied to get rid of the rust prevailing on the metallic surface.

Broadly divided, there are two types of shot blasting:

1. Grit blasting
2. Abrasive blasting

Grit blasting:

Grit blasting is the process where when the blasting is done through fine particles of grit. Sand is basically used to remove the foreign deposits and hence grit blasting is done to polish the surface like removing paints or to add a texture to the surface. The fine particles of silica are poured on to the surface of the equipment using an air gun. The advantage of grit blasting is that it is a quick process which involves usage of portable equipment and hence can be carried to any desired location and making itself a convenient option.

Abrasive blasting:

Abrasive blasting, as the name suggests, is the process used to achieve high degree of abrasion. It is usually done on a tough metallic surface. This type of blast cleaning is achieved at very high pressure and the materials used are quite abrasive for eg. tiny steel balls, glass pieces etc. In some cases sand is also used for abrasive blasting. Abrasive blasting has lots of side effects and the most prominent is that it can cause health hazards. Most of the professional prefer the use of eco-friendly objects like baking soda so as to minimize the degree of hazard.

There are various leading companies providing shot blasting for antiques, wrought iron, alloy wheels repair, auto and fireplace restoration in London. When you plan do avail the same services, go for an established company.