Shot blasting machine

Types of shot blasting machines

Shot blasting machines clean and restore surfaces by propelling abrasive material at high speed using compressed air.

• Tumble Blast Machine:

  A tumble blast machine consists of a rotating drum where parts are blasted while they are tumbled. It is one of the most common types of shot blasting machines. This machine works well with small and medium-sized workpieces with various shapes and sizes. Also, it is highly valued for its ability to improve product quality significantly and extend the life of equipment.

• Spinner Hanger Shot Blasting Machine:

  Hanger machines are useful in cleaning and de-scaling castings, as well as in surface preparation for painting and other processes. The spinner hanger machine performs the task of surface preparation and cleaning of the castings by blaster discs fitted to the revolving drum in the machine. Also, the workpieces are suspended from spinners in shot blasting machines that have hanger-type constructions. The blasting pattern is circular because the spinners rotate.

• Floor (fixed path) shot blasting machine:

  A floor machine has a belt that moves workpieces past a stationary blasting head. It is suitable for workpieces with low production. The floor shot blasting machine is also known as a stationary machine. It is a useful machine for shooting stationary workpieces. It has a capture hood that encloses the workpiece so that the steel abrasives being propelled at high velocity by compressed air can remove rust and scale.

• Cabinet Blasting Machine:

  The cabinet in this machine serves as its defining feature. The workpiece is blasted inside the cabinet. Operators are capable of performing manual or automated operations on the workpieces. The procedure is relatively simple. Also, operators insert their hands into gloves worn in the blasting cabinet for further operation. The gloves enable operator safety while ensuring that their hands can move freely to handle the workpiece and machine accordingly.

Specifications and maintenance of the shot blasting machine

Some key specifications of the shot blasting machine are as follows.

• ABRASIVE: The abrasive is an important part of the shot blasting process. It helps to clean or roughen the surface of the workpieces. The choice of abrasive material depends on the material to be blasted and the desired finish. Common abrasive materials include steel shots, stainless steel grits, steel grits, etc.
• BLASTING CHAMBER SIZE: The workpiece's size the blasting machine can handle is determined by the blasting chamber size. A typical size is as follows:
  • Length: 1,000 mm-3,500 mm
  • Width: 1,000 mm-2,000 mm
  • Height: 1,000 mm-1,500 mm
• CONTROL SYSTEM: Modern shot blasting machines often have automatic control systems. These may include PLC(control by program logic), touch screens, etc., for easy monitoring and controlling the blasting process.
• BLOWARES: The bules are important components of a shot blasting machine. It mobilizes abrasives to the surface of the target part. An equipment may come with several blast wheels of varied sizes and specifications. Typical ones include a blast wheel measuring 360 mm in diameter and a 6D blast wheel, which features a 6-inch hub. Smaller blast wheels are employed to target difficult spots, while large wheels cover vast areas with higher capacity.
• PREFIXING SYSTEM: In order to facilitate the reclaiming and recycling of the abrasives, some shot blasting machines are equipped with a blasting machine. The picking-up system or elevator transfers the spent abrasives back to the separator or hopper.
• ACTION SYSTEM:This refers to the delivery way of abrasives, which can be bucket elevators, drag chain conveyors, or screw conveyors, depending on the specific requirements.

It is very important to maintain a shot blasting machine. Regular maintenance can help to keep it in good condition, extend its lifespan, and improve its performance. Here are some machine maintenance tips for a shot blasting machine:

• CLEANING: It is important to keep the machine and work area clean. Remove any blasting media, dust, and debris. This helps to prevent clogging, overheating, and damage.
• LUBRICATION:Regularly apply lubricant to the moving parts of the machine, such as belts and pulleys, to reduce friction and prevent wear.
• INSPECTION:Conduct a regular inspection of the machine to check for signs of damage, wear, or loose and missing parts. Address any issues immediately to avoid further damage.
• REPLACEMENT: Replace the damaged parts found during inspection, such as blasting wheels, belts, etc. Also, carry out periodic replacement of filters and belts to prevent system failure and reduce downtime.
• TIGHTENING: Check the blasting cabinet's fasteners, screws, and bolts to ensure they are tight. This helps to maintain structural integrity and avoid collapse or malfunction.
• ADJUSTMENT:Make necessary adjustments to optimize the machine's performance. This may include adjusting the blasting pressure, media flow rate, etc.
• SYSTEMATIC SERVICING: This refers to operating the machine at prescribed intervals. This helps to prevent system failure and the need for costly repairs.

Industry scenarios where shot blasting machines can be applied

Due to its enormous scale, capacity, and diverse product demands, the auto sector is one of the most crucial business locations for shot blasting machine manufacturers. Manufacturers of shot blasting devices will investigate how automobiles function in the first place and how each component is made,

The wheel rims are prepared using the shot-blasting method. To rid the surface of the core and any oxides, pores, and sand on the interior span of the rim surface, it will employ the steel shot in the wheel blast machine. It will enhance the tire's adhesion to the rim, which will be helpful when it drives on the surfaces. Wheel blasting machines will also be used on engine parts, such as the engine's aluminum alloy cast components, to remove sand from the surface and impurities and enhance the engine's overall performance.

Car manufacturing requires many kinds of steel to assemble the body and engine and make other parts. Steel is blasted with shots to get rid of any surface defects and to make them more adhesive for other body parts, improving overall car quality. The highly utilized tracks of the cars, whether on land or other surfaces, need to be clean of any oil or dust to resist friction and allow a more natural movement. Shot blasting machines perform this by removing surface oil and dirt. Therefore, the automobile industry relies highly on shot blasting machines.

Apart from automobiles, another industry that uses the blasting machine is the aerospace industry. The aerospace industry comprises all industries dealing with civilian and military aviation and space travel and satellites. Various aircraft parts are manufactured using the shot blasting machine. Aircraft parts will use the shot blasting machine to eliminate surface defects, such as any unwanted sand that was there when they were cast, thereby improving the quality of the aircraft.

The structure of an aircraft will also go through the shot blasting machine to remove any surface defects. The outcome will be a smooth and clean surface, ready for the next processes to implement. The body of the aircraft needs to be structurally and aerodynamically sound to avoid accidents. Therefore, shot blasting machines blast almost all the parts of an aircraft, be it the aluminum alloy used to make it or its more minor and intricate parts. The aircraft can then fly smoothly in the air, and people can depend on it to reach their destinations safely, all thanks to the shot blasting machine.

The shipbuilding industry also utilizes shot blasting machines. The hull of a ship is mostly made of iron or steel, which, due to water and the weather, gets rusty and corroded. This corrosion needs to be removed so that the quality and strength of the ship remain intact, and it can carry out its essential functions, such as transporting cargo, passengers, or military equipment from one place to another.

A chain of ships in the sea or ocean can, after a while, develop a layer of sea organism to which oil and dirt adhere, making it difficult to move through the water. This layer needs to be removed so that the vessel can work to its full capacity. Therefore, shot blasting machines are used to get rid of such corrosion and dirt, preserving the quality of the ships.

How to choose the shot blasting machine

Before purchasing a blasting machine for sale, buyers should check these features first.

• Surface Preparation Requirement

  Buyers should determine the types of materials, contaminants, and desired surface profiles to be achieved. Different shot blasting machines are designed to address specific surface preparation needs. Hence, the machine chosen may differ depending on the surface preparation requirement.

• Production Capacity

  Buyers should consider the amount of work the machine will likely perform per month or year. The estimated workload and frequency of machine use affects the machine's selection. Shot blasting machines with higher production capacities may be necessary for all-around, while those with lower capacities may suffice for occasional use.

• Available Space

  Since shot blasting machines occupy a good amount of space, buyers need to check their available space and layout. Space constraints can determine the size and configuration of the blasting machine to be purchased.

• Budget

  The initial investment costs of the machine, operating expenses, maintenance costs, and potential return on investment should be put into consideration when determining one's budget for the machine.

• Machine Type

  Buyers should choose the perfect machine type (based on its work nature), including air pressure, gravity, or centrifugal blast machines, to suit the needs of their particular industry applications.

• Maintenance and Support

  Buyers should check the machine manufacturer's maintenance requirements and support services. If a machine has long-distance maintenance, it will turn out to be a very costly thing to do.

FAQ

Q1: Are there any nutrients that can impact the efficacy of shot-blasting?

A1: Yes, certain nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur might affect the efficiency of the machine.

Q2: Can someone use a shot-blasting machine for other tasks?

A2: Generally, no. The machine is specifically designed to perform its task efficiently and effectively. Using it for another purpose could be a waste of time and damage the equipment.

Q3: Can someone move a shot-blasting machine once it has been set up?

A3: Yes, but only with the help of experts. Professionals will ensure that it is appropriately disconnected and reconnected in the new location.

Q4: Is there a need for routine maintenance of a shot-blasting machine?

A4: Yes. Routine maintenance and occasional repairs can help prolong the life of the machine and keep it functioning more efficiently than ever.

Q5: Are there any special requirements for storing a shot-blasting machine?

A5: It should be kept in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures. Blasting parts should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent any moisture from getting inside them.