Sandblasting, also known as abrasive media blasting, is an invaluable industrial process. It’s used in the manufacture and maintenance of industrial radiators and other vital components. Here’s what you should know about sandblasting and its benefits.

What Is Sandblasting?

Sandblasting uses compressed air to shoot a stream of sand against a metal surface to knock away dirt and grime. It’s typically used for cleaning or etching metal as well as for preparing metal surfaces for priming and painting.  Despite its name, sandblasting doesn’t exclusively use sand. Glass beads, aluminum oxide, and walnut shells can also be used for cleaning industrial radiators. All these sandblasting materials share an important characteristic: the ability to abrade metal.

Sandblasting is usually performed in a dry, closed environment with a handheld blasting tool because exposed metal surfaces are susceptible to moisture-related damage. Smaller objects and equipment are often treated inside a sandblasting cabinet. The cleaning and refurbishing of anything larger than cabinet size happens inside a blast room.

The Benefits of Sandblasting

With sandblasting, trained operators can clean an industrial radiator much faster, more easily, and more thoroughly than cleaning metals by hand. It can remove mill scale, rust, oil, dirt, and paint from surfaces, leaving the underlying metal free of stains and contaminants. The process is highly efficient and keeps machines and equipment in top condition, while also minimizing downtime owing to cleaning and maintenance.

From industrial radiator fabrication to repairing heat exchangers and fuel tanks, you can count on the skilled operators at American Radiator to get the job done right. Serving St. Louis, MO, since 1946, their expert team provides precision results and free pickup and delivery of commercial trucks and construction equipment within 50 miles of their location. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (314) 725-3357 to speak with a member of this talented crew.