Types of Direct Driven Shot Blasting Machines
The Direct driven shot blasting machine is available in different models. Buyers can explore these types to find the perfect floor blasting machine for their clients.
- Direct Driven Turbine: This machine uses a turbine that accelerates steel shots to impact the surface of the target item. The Direct driven turbine has a high blasting power and excellent control over the trajectory of the blasting media. Manufacturers prefer this design because it has fewer moving parts. Less frequent maintenance will be required to keep the machine functional.
- Direct Driven Shot Blasting Machine: This machine blasts surfaces using steel shots. These are usually smaller spherical parts made from steel that are used as blasting media. The shots are propelled by the turbine to impact the surface of the item being processed to clear it of sand, rust, or any other unwanted material. A direct driven shot blast machine is often more energy efficient. Fewer connections are required between the drive motor and turbine wheel. This helps to reduce the overall energy consumption of the entire machine.
- Walk-Around Direct Driven Shot Blasting Machines: These types of machines are compact and have ergonomic designs. An operator can walk around while holding the device to blast surfaces with ease. The blasting power of these machines can be fine-tuned to target different kinds of surfaces. They are also capable of reaching tight and low head areas where other shot blasting machines cannot work. Some manufacturers include dust collection options to reduce the amount of dust generated and keep the work environment clean.
- Direct Driven Shot Blasting Machines With Automatic Conveyor: An automatic conveyor in a shot blast machine helps to smoothly feed the parts into the chamber. It also helps to move finished parts out after the blasting process. The automatic conveyor does the job at a consistent and high speed. This helps to improve overall productivity and efficiency of the entire process. The part of the blasting machine that the conveyor feeds items into is also designed for easy maintenance and access. This ensures that the blasting process remains smooth and unhindered.
Specification and Maintenance
The specifications and maintenance requirements for a direct driven shot blasting machine will vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. Here are some general specifications and maintenance requirements:
- Machine Material: Direct driven shot blasting machines are typically made of high-quality steel or cast iron. Components that are frequently blasted are easy to come into contact with abrasive materials.
- Blasting Capacity: The blasting capacity of a direct driven shot blasting machine shows the quantity of workpieces that the machine can process in one hour. Usually, the blasting capacity is equal to the quantity of machine feeding buckets multiplied by the quantity of blasting buckets per hour.
- Operating Pressure: The operating pressure of a direct-driven blasting machine refers to the pressure at which the machine works. It usually ranges from 0.2 MPa to 0.6 MPa. Higher pressure can increase the impact strength and cleaning effect of the abrasive on the surface of the workpiece.
- Pre-Processing and Post-Processing: An essential part of machine maintenance is pre- and post-processing. Before using the machine, users should inspect the blasting wheel and protect glass to ensure they are not damaged. After using the machine, they should clean the blasting wheel and protective glass and inspect them for damage.
- Regular Maintenance: Users should promptly repair damaged parts to maintain the efficiency of the machine. They should also regularly blast the machine's entire wheel and fallen glass to keep it clean.
- Oil and Lubrication: In addition to the blasting wheel and protective glass, users should also oil and lubricate the entire machine to keep it running smoothly.
- Electrical and Mechanical Failures: Users should pay attention to the electrical and mechanical failures of the entire machine. If a failure occurs, they should repair it in time to prevent accidents.
- Operators: Only professional operators should operate the direct-driven blasting machine. They should receive professional training and understand the operating procedures and precautions for the entire machine.
Applications of Direct Driven Shot Blasting Machines
Direct driven shot blasting machines can be used in diverse industries and applications. Here are some of the common uses of this machine.
- Construction: Direct driven shot blasting machines are commonly used to prepare concrete surfaces before laying down the seals, overlays, or other types of floor coatings. The machine helps improve the bonding of these materials. Also, shot blasting machines can be used to remove asphalt, contaminants, or concrete curing compounds quickly.
- Manufacturing: In manufacturing facilities, shot blasting machines have multiple uses. For instance, steel parts are blasted to remove any surface oxidations or rusts before assembly. This improves adhesion when parts are welded or assembled together. Again, parts such as castings, stampings, and weldments are blasted to enhance the mechanical properties and smoothen the surfaces.
- Automotive: The automotive industry uses direct driven machines in aftermarket and manufacturing applications. In most OEM and aftermarket scenarios, the machine is used in the car chassis and body panels to get rid of mil-scale, rust, and other surface impurities. Blasting before coating enhances coating adhesion and increases the vehicle's lifespan.
- Aerospace: Aerospace companies can use direct driven machines for de-scaling and de-burring of turbine engine components. These direct driven machines have a precise control of blast intensity, which is ideal for removing scale and burrs on turbine engine parts.
- Structural Steel: Shot blasting machines can also remove rust, scale, and contamination on structural steel elements like angles, beams, plates, channels, and columns. Structural steel elements are blasted before coating to improve coating adherence.
- Pipelines: Shot blasting machines prepare steel and iron pipes for coatings and cathodic protection. The pipes are blasted to remove any surface impurities like rust and oil. Once impurities are removed, the pipes are immediately coated to enhance corrosion resistance when installed underground.
How to Choose Direct Driven Shot Blasting Machines
A few factors must be considered when choosing a direct drive shot blasting machine for an industrial purpose, like floor preparation. First, the overall size or dimensions of the machine in question must be considered. This also includes the working or blasting diameter and height.
This machine should ideally fit in the locations of the surface that needs to be blasted. The weight of the machine is also important as it needs to be transported easily to different locations. The capacity of the shot blasting machine must be ideal according to the needs of the industry. The average output is usually between 0.8 to 3.0 tons per hour.
Know the type of surface that needs to be blasted. The kind of abrasives that will be used must also be considered, as not all shot blasting machines are compatible with all kinds of abrasives. Surfaces that are rough or uneven require the use of more powerful machines, while smooth surfaces can do with a machine of less power.
The power of the shot blasting machine, as in the motor power, should also be ideal so that the energy cost does not run high. Usually, machines with a power range between 5 to 30 HP are used. The duty cycle of the machine, as in how long it can be used continuously, should be considered. A machine with a higher duty cycle is more preferable.
Consider how easy it will be to operate the machine. Blasting machines that are simple to operate with less training ensure productivity and efficiency. The configuration of the machine in question should also be looked at. A tumble blast is different from an elevator or a drag line, for example. The rearrangement of the machine should be such that it can access all the parts that need to be shot blasted with ease.
Some machines come with added quality control features like automated monitoring and data logging that help ensure consistency and precision in the work being done.
The cost of the machine must be considered, and factors like installation cost, spare parts availability, industry-specific use, energy efficiency, and long-term ROI must be considered before deciding.
Q&A
Q: What are the trends in the shot blasting machine market?
A: The global shot blasting machine market's size was valued at nearly $500 million and is estimated to grow to about $650 million by 2030, an expected CAGR of more than 4% from 2022 to 2030. A custom report by MarketsandMarkets.com indicates that the direct driven shot blasting machine market is set to grow due to increased infrastructural development in emerging economies and increased demand for efficient surface preparation and cleaning solutions in various industries. The market is also experiencing a shift towards environmentally friendly and low-noise machines, resulting in the increased adoption of dust-free shot blasting machines worldwide.
Q: What parts of a direct shot blast machine needs to be replaced the most?
A: The parts that need to be replaced most are typically the impellers, blast wheels, control panels, linings, filters, and belts. However, manufacturers will have the custom replacement parts based on the specific requirement of the machine.
Q: Will a 4-in-1 direct drive shot blast machine help reduce operating costs?
A: Yes, a 4-in-1 direct drive shot blast machine has several benefits. By combining four processes into one, it can effectively reduce operating costs.