Sandblasting is a powerful tool for many manufacturing, construction, and renovation projects. This process uses dedicated equipment to propel sand or other abrasive media toward a surface that needs to be cleaned. The force and speed of these many tiny particles scours away unwanted buildup, leaving the underlying material intact. For this reason, sandblasting has a wide range of practical applications. 

5 Media & Sandblasting Applications

1. Paint Removal

Manually stripping paint from a wall or another surface is a tedious process, and removing it chemically may cause undesirable reactions with the base material. Sandblasting is a quick, clean alternative for removing paint from a large area.

2. Rust Removal

If your local machine shop needs to clean up metal parts before starting repairs or welding, sandblasting is the method of choice. Rust is softer and weaker than the metal underneath, so it’s easy to sand away without causing permanent damage to the part.

3. Small Part Shaping

For small and intricate equipment, parts need to be created with a high level of precision. Unfortunately, the manufacturing process often leaves sharp edges or metal burrs. Sandblasting can be used to smooth these imperfections and finish small parts with careful accuracy.

4. Concrete Cleaning

To remove paint, stains, and stuck-on debris from concrete, sandblasting is once again the method of choice. Large areas can be treated quickly, and even very stubborn materials can be removed this way.

5. Artwork

When used on slightly softer surfaces or with harder blasting media, sandblasting can leave etch marks behind. This property has been used to create beautiful works of art on materials that might otherwise be hard to mark.

Sandblasting is a versatile and widely used process in industries across the country. To learn more about how it works, ask your local metal shop.

Superior Machine & Welding in Anchorage, AK, provides metal fabrication and repairs. Their extensive shop includes equipment for welding, sandblasting, and manufacturing. Contact them today to arrange a custom job or get a quote on your repairs. You can reach them at (907) 278-3944 or online.