Wet blasting is a cleaning process that uses liquid to enhance a surface’s finish levels. Though it was created to mitigate the ban on silica in sand blasting, it has remained a popular finishing method due to its many advantages over the previously used method of sand blasting. However, with wet blasting systems, the abrasive and water mix is more gentle on the part surface because the water acts as a cushion. (more…)

In a pressure blast machine, the abrasive media is contained in a pressure vessel under pressure (at 40 to 100 psi) for use in the process. Examples of this abrasive media include steel shot or grit. Once the valve is open to start blasting, the media moves from the pressure pot through the grit valve and then through the hose to start blasting under pressure using the gun or nozzle. The media has two-to-three-times times the velocity on impact and would be close to three-times faster with stripping applications. Normal blasting pressure ranges from 35 to 45 psi. (more…)

Passivation is a chemical process that uses a mild oxidizing agent, such as a mineral or organic acid solution, to promote the removal of excess iron from the surface of the stainless steel. This treatment will enhance the formation of a chromic oxide layer, thereby enhancing its corrosion-resistant properties. (more…)

Since the metalworking industry has a wide variety of finishing requirements and an equally wide range of products to be finished, the efforts necessary to accomplish the desired results demand increasing degrees of specialization. Equipment that meets your precise operating needs is crucial to satisfying the specific output standards for the final product. (more…)

If you’re new to doing your own surface finishing, you may be confused about the different types of media available, particularly the role of plastic tumbling media. In what situation would you use a plastic rather than something like steel or ceramic media? (more…)