• 29

  Nov

  2021

Difference Between Shot Blasting & Sandblasting

Abrasive blast cleaning is a popular industrial cleaning method in Dubai. The blast cleaning includes a powerful stream of abrasive material that forcefully breakdown into the superficial layer, this reveals the clean layer underneath. This cleaning method has gained popularity in Dubai and all over UAE in the past few decades, thereby giving rise to sub-services that engage in cleaning with various materials or techniques. Sandblasting and shot blasting are the popular abrasive cleaning methods. 

Analyze the difference between the two methods and choose the right one! 

What Is Sandblasting?

Earlier, sand was the abrasive used in sandblasting but over time, sand had various issues like moisture content, contaminants, and more. Eventually, sand was diminished off, and sandblasting machine manufacturer use alternate abrasives for cleaning.  

Now, the term sandblasting refers to the process of driving that abrasive material with the effect of compressed air. In this cleaning procedure, compressed air is the main source that directs a high pressure of abrasive media on the given surface. 

For example – it can be an automobile part with grease, dirt, and oil or rusty chains in shipyard or old filing cabinets prepped for powder coating. 

Sandblaster booth in Dubai works like a cleaning booth with all the required equipment to serve various industries. This proven pre-finishing technique has been around for years. The equipment has a free-spraying stream creating harmful dust clouds for a sophisticated enclosure with stream control options. Now, the media has changed from deadly sand to more user-friendly materials. 

Despite the change in material and equipment, sandblasting is the common abrasive treatment for cleaning. It’s a suitable choice for soft and sensitive materials that are ready for final finishes. Sandblasting is more economical, affordable, easy to operate, and offers excellent quality. 

What Is Shot Blasting?

Shot blasting uses a centrifugal or mechanical force that shoots out a swift stream of abrasive material at a surface. The force is achieved from a rotating turbine wheel. The abrasive materials used in shot blasting differ according to the target surface and nature of the project. 

In most cases, industries prefer steel, whereas glass, aluminum oxide, or plastic materials are used for shot blasting. As per the results, shot blasting in Dubai is an ideal choice for cleaning steel or other ferrous metal surfaces. 

Shot blasting is quite aggressive than sandblasting technique. In most cases, it’s used for large and complex projects that require strong application force and dense material to clean or prepare the surface. 

It’s a basic method in large-scale operations, for example – restoring automobile frames, recycling steel containers, and more. 

Sandblasting or Shotblasting, what Is Your Choice?

It’s a great dilemma while answering this question whether to consider sandblast or shot blasting? You have to consider several factors before involving in the abrasive blasting treatment. Moreover, the best method depends on the treating surface and expected finish. 

Sandblasting Benefits

• Sandblasting machines ensure a less forceful procedure that reduces the chance of any damage. 
• Sandblasting is cheaper than shot blasting
• Flexible process
• Improve the mechanical profile of your surface, making it easy to paint or include a coating. 

Shot Blasting

• Works well on large-scale projects
• Shot blasting is a good choice on tougher materials
• Environment friendly
• Reduce the use of non-eco-friendly products
• The process removes rust and corrosion from the surface

What Are The Materials Used In Both The Equipment?

• Steel shot and steel grit works well for heavy-duty jobs
• Glass beads are good for soft surfaces that require a gentle abrasive.
• Black beauty is a coarse material that works well for paint removal and heavy rust removal. 
• Aluminum oxide is a perfect choice for rough surfaces that require fine polishing. It’s a common choice because of its reusable, low-cost, and hard features. 
• Silicon carbide is the hardest material that is available in all sizes ranging from fine powder to coarse grit.
• Plastics are a common and ideal choice for fiberglass treatment. Plastic abrasives vary in shape, size, hardness, and density.
• Walnut shells are good for plastic surfaces and soft metal. It’s readily available, inexpensive, and compostable. 
• Even now some operations use sand for blasting! However, OSHA regulates the exposure of silica sand to workers. 

Final Words On Sandblasting And Shotblasting

Both the systems employ simple and advanced designs for quick cleaning. However, both system requires abrasive material and this material is the sole ingredient in this blasting process. The media is available in different forms based on the intended applications. 

Sand blasting machine manufacturer may guide you on choosing what system and media to work on your specific project. Find professional blasting operations in Dubai for high-quality services.