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What is sandblasting?
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The sandblasting technique refers to setting fine
pieces of material in motion at high speeds in order to clean or chisel at
a surface. As the name suggests, the process literally involved the use of
sand, but this method was put to an end once it came to light that the
inhalation of sand particles frequently resulted in a serious respiratory
condition that led to a debilitating lung disease called silicosis. The
modern-day alternatives to sandblasting include shot blasting and bead
blasting. |
The history of sandblasting
In the late 1800s, the air processor helped bring
sandblasting into industrial use, with improvements being made to the
process throughout the 20th century. By 1939, quartz, aluminium oxide and
silicon carbide were used as mediums for sandblasting materials.
Thereafter, softer media such as walnut shells and fruit stones were
explored. The aircraft industry then began using glass beads and plastic
abrasives for surface treatment.
Which medium is used is determined by the type of
material to be sandblasted, what is to be removed and how the user wants
the finished product to look. Aluminium oxide, steel shot, steel grit,
crushed glass, glass beads, acrylic, polyester, melamine, pumice, corn
cob, walnut shells and dry ice are just a few of the standard mediums used
in sandblasting.
The automotive industry uses sandblasting
routinely to remove paint and prepare metal surfaces for refinishing. It
is used elsewhere for decorative finishing and removing debris. It is even
used by denim companies to give the fashionable worn look!
Legality of sandblasting
Whilst performed in the right conditions,
sandblasting is safe, but this cannot always be assured. Carried out with
inadequate health and safety protections in place, workers can be exposed
to hazardous crystalline silica and the threat of contracting serious or
even fatal lung disorders, such as the aforementioned silicosis.
Accordingly, in the UK, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a
reminder that the use of sand containing silica for dry sand blasting of
vehicles is prohibited.
As companies consider their duty of corporate
responsibility, the likes of Levi Strauss have banned the use of
sandblasting because of the realisation that they cannot completely
control the actions of their supply chain.
For those seeking blasting services with a
similar result to sandblasting, either shot blasting or
bead blasting are
the only viable choices.
Looking for an alternative to
sandblasting? Call us on 01252 518177 or
click here
to email us with your requirements |