GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO 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.
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.
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.
Shot blast production lines, both manual and automated systems, became possible with the introduction of centrifugal wheel blast machines. The system of shot
blasting by centrifugal wheel is more productive than by compressed air and achieves a better more uniform surface finish.
The criteria used for selecting the type of shot blasting system depends on the size and shape of the parts, the condition of the surface to be cleaned, final surface finish specification and overall process required.
