If you’re looking for a surface treatment solution, there are some things you should know beforehand. It’s not as easy as just picking up an armful of steel and letting it fly across your driveway. There are some pretty specific things you need to know before you even consider taking on the task.
If you don’t know what shot blasting is, it’s the process of removing rust or dirt from metal surfaces. This can be done with abrasives or compressed air. A shot blasting equipment is loaded with small pellets that are propelled at high speeds at the surface being treated. These pellets have sharp edges that cut into the surface and remove the dust, rust, and dirt. When these small bits hit something, they cause a big mess—and sometimes, this can be dangerous.
Here are the top three tips you should know when shot blasting:
1. You Must Have Safety Equipment
Shot blasting can be a dangerous job, so you need to make sure you have the right safety equipment.
You need to protect your head first and foremost. Hard hats are a must for shot blasters. Even if you’re just visiting the site, you still need to wear a hard hat. Head injuries are the most common type of injury sustained in shot blasting accidents, so safety is vital.
You also need to protect your eyes with safety goggles. They will stop you from getting debris in your eyes and help to protect your vision as well as prevent injuries.
You also need clothing that protects you from flying debris, as well as protecting against static charges such as coveralls or overalls.
Finally, it goes without saying that all operators must have the proper training and accreditation before they operate shot blasting machines.
2. Choose the Right Shot Blasting Equipment
When it comes to shot blasting, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, you’ll want to choose the right equipment for the job. This will ensure that you get the results you desire without wasting time or money.
You may be surprised to find out that there are several different kinds of shot blasting equipment available for use—and the type you choose will depend on your unique needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for a system that is blast-resistant, powerful, and long-lasting, then centrifugal systems may be right up your alley. These types of systems tend to be popular in industrial settings due to their durability and longevity. They feature an abrasive wheel that rotates at high speeds and can be used with various types of media such as steel shot or grits.
If portability is more important than power, compressed air and pneumatic systems could be a better fit for your needs. These types of systems allow you to move around freely while blasting and easily transport them anywhere because they are not bulky (like centrifugal systems).
3. Take Care of Your Shot Blasting Equipment
Other than wearing protective gear and choosing the right equipment, you also need to take good care of your machine. If you want your shot blaster to last for a long time, clean it regularly and replace your impeller frequently. A damaged impeller results in poor cleaning and can damage the machine.
Conclusion
There you have them – the top three shot blasting tips you should know before starting this exciting exercise! With these simple guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to avoid costly mistakes and enjoy the benefits of working with shot blasting equipment.