Whilst sandblasting is widely used in a variety of industries (thanks to its alleged speed and precision in smoothing, cleaning or even removing surface finishes), there has been some speculation over its effectiveness in recent years. In this article, we have aimed to cover as many of the advantages and disadvantages of undertaking sandblasting as possible in the hopes of giving potential users a well-rounded picture of what it entails.
Pros
- Surface Profiles – Occasionally, the manufacture of a metal component will require its surface to be profiled so that the finished coating will adhere. Sandblasting is the ideal way to create this profile in a quick and effective manner.
- Aggressive Action – The process also allows for the quick removal of surface contaminants. This could include dirt and grit that has managed to adhere to the surface overtime, paint and other coatings, or stains that have occurred due to weathering.
- Eco Friendly – Many of the mediums that can be utilised for sandblasting are environmentally friendly, ensuring that you aren’t adding to the pollution already produced. One of the more popular of these mediums is bi-carbonate of soda.
- Rust Inhibitor – The powdery film left on the surface after sandblasting (with certain mediums) helps to inhibit ‘flash rust’ from forming, which occurs when metal is exposed to the air. This eliminates the need to coat the exposed metal immediately.
- Easy Cleanup – Because it is recommended that you lay tarpaulins beneath the object you are sandblasting, the cleanup is generally fairly easy – you can just tip the leftover medium and removed material straight into the rubbish bin.
- Non Toxic – Some of the mediums that can be used, notably bicarb soda, are not considered toxic by inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact. This ensures that the health and safety of workers is taken into account and allows them to work without fear.
Diesel powered compressor used as a air supply for sandbasting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cons
- Abrasive – If care is not taken when sandblasting, the substrate of the object can be damaged. This is because the process involves the removal of surface contaminates by wearing them away. Inexperienced users should definitely use a softer medium.
- Generates Heat – The action of propelling highly abrasive particles against the substrate is known to generate heat, sparking and static electricity. This means that extra safety precautions need to be taken to avoid a fire breaking out.
- Dust Control – Situations that do not allow for water to be added to the medium (known as wet sandblasting), the area will need to be tented to help with dust control. If inhaled, these dust particles can be extremely damaging to human lungs and nasal passages.
- Crevice Collection – Because of the size of the particles, it is not unusual for them to collect in the crevices of the component. This means that care needs to be taken when cleaning up, as the particles may remain if the finish is applied too quickly.
- Harm Plants – Some of the mediums that can be used contain small levels of alkaline, which can harm nearby plants and vegetation if the dust is not properly rinsed away. This can be especially problematic if the plants were intended for consumption.
- Contains Silica – Some of the mediums that can be used, notably sand, contains silica. Research has revealed that continued exposure to silica can have serious health repercussions, including development of an often-fatal lung disease, silicosis.
As you can see, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of sandblasting for any workplace – it is your responsibility to weigh them up and determine whether such a process is right for you. Even if you decide that sandblasting is appropriate for your needs, it is important that you seek out a professional to ensure that the process is being conducted safely and correctly, minimising the risk of incident.
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Content Curator Deepak Patel
This is Deepak Patel, A tech junkie, blogger and start up entrepreneur. I love connecting online veteran to enhance my proficiency in online business.
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