What is shot blasting?

Shot Blasting is a surface treatment process using high velocity steel abrasive. Shot blasting is method through which it is possible to obtain excellent cleaning and surface preparation for secondary finishing operations.

In general shot blasting concentrates abrasive particles at high speed (65-110 m/second) in a controlled manner at the material thereby removing surface contaminates due to the abrasive impact. Initially in the 1930’s the shot blasting process used compressed air for propelling the steel shot. This method remains in use today for cleaning metal frames and welded elements. Shot blast production lines, both manual and automated systems, became possible with the introduction of centrifugal wheel blast machines.

When it comes to finishing and cleaning operations, the shot blasting surface treatment technique is a highly effective option. The high speed controlled shot blast creates an abrasive impact which removes surface contaminates, thereby making it an effective method for cleaning iron, steel, forgings, machine parts, fixtures etc..

Shot blasting is commonly used for:

• The cleaning of iron, steel, non-cast parts, forgings, etc.

• Mechanical cleaning of sheets, rods, coils, wire, etc.

• Shot peening to alter mechanical properties (increasing resistance to fatigue for springs, gears, etc.)

• Preparing surfaces to be painted, coated, etc.

Abrasive delivery method

There are two ways of accelerating the steel shot:

A) By compressed air:

This system is suitable for lower production applications where maximum flexibility is needed. These systems are very flexible in that the shot can be delivered horizontally through a

rubber hose and nozzle assembly. This enables uses in finishing operations of steel frames and weld elements thereby replacing hand tools. Because of this, an air blasting machine for a production line is expensive compared to the centrifugal wheel blasting machine. For example to deliver shot at a rate of 1100 kg per minute a 1650 Hp compressor and 33 workers are needed using 10 mm diameter nozzles delivering 6.5 kg/cm2. On the other hand the same task using centrifugal wheel turbines only requires a total of 100 Hp distributed to between one or a multitude of turbines housed in the same machine. Only one or two operators are needed for such a shot blasting machine.

By centrifugal turbine: Centrifugal wheel blasting is the more common blast cleaning technique as well as the most economical and environmentally friendly method. The turbine delivers abrasive shot by centrifugal force in a specific and controlled direction, speed and quantity. Function of the turbine is similar to that of a fan or centrifugal pump. Shot blasting machines may use one or a multitude of turbines positioned in such a way that the abrasive blast pattern covers the entire surface of the material to be shot cleaned. The shape and size of the parts determine the number of turbines used in a machine. Power of the turbine motor is based on degree of cleaning needed and throughout speed of the material.

Abrasive Recovery and cleaning system

Recirculation and cleaning the abrasive shot is required to maintain a consistent cleaning operation. In conventional shot blasting equipment after the shot hits the part the abrasive falls into the collection hopper under the machine.

The shot is then carried by gravity or screw conveyor to a bucket elevator. The elevator carries the shot, removed oxides and other contaminates to an air wash separator located in the upper portion of the machine. A combination of baffles, strainers and plates separate these contaminates which are ineffective during the shot blast operation. The cleaned abrasive is contained in an upper hopper (feeding-box) and is subsequently fed into the shot turbine by gravity.

The re-circulating and cleaning capacity of the abrasive in each machine is related to the shot blasting power used for the turbines. An incorrectly sized system will cause premature wear to the machine and decrease overall shot blasting effectiveness and shot consumption.

Blast Cabinet

The machine cabinet contains dust and abrasive. A machine mounted dust collector, reduces air pressure inside the machine thereby preventing dust from escaping into the shop environment. Material access openings in the entrance and exit of the shot blaster must be designed and protected to prevent abrasive spillage. Cabinets are built from low carbon steel with an inner shell made of abrasive resistant materials including high strength alloy plates and thick rubber compounds. In the areas that are subject to direct high velocity shot, alloy steel plates (64 RC hardness) are used which have much more abrasion resistance than other more commonly used materials like manganese steel.

Dust collector system

Dust produced during shot blasting is withdrawn from the machinery cabinet and continuously re-circulating abrasive by a dust collector. Typical dust collector design uses baffle filters or cartridges.

The dust collector not only evacuates dust within the machine but also keeps the surrounding area clean and dust free. Changes in airflow will reduce collector efficiency and therefore result in lower dust extraction, loss of the cleaning power, and contribute to dust in the immediate production area. A properly designed and sized dust collector is therefore critical to the ongoing performance of the shot blasting system.