A Shot Blasting Machine is an enclosed abrasive blasting machine used to clean and prepare metal surfaces. These machines are used to clean metal components such as forgings, castings, steel surfaces, large metal structures, and rusted metal parts. Shot Blasting Machine Manufacturers in India frequently use the phrase ‘Shot Blasting’ to refer to a variety of procedures such as grit blasting, abrasive blasting, shot peening, and media blasting. While the method of shot blasting stays the same, the capacity, size, and structural design of a shot blasting machine may vary.
This blog post explains how a shot-blasting machine works and how it is different from a sand blasting machine.
How Shot Blasting Machine Works – The Process!
Shot blasting is used to avoid metal fatigue or breaking, as well as to polish and harden surfaces. The shot’s job in this procedure is to remove impurities, corrosion, and dispersed fragments of trash or residues that may impact the strength of a metal. It is an environmentally friendly and quick, cost-effective surface finishing process that uses a high-speed stream of shoots to clean and polish metal and other surfaces.
Shot blasting, also known as wheel blasting, cleans surfaces by spinning a centrifugal wheel within a massive machine. A motor generates enough kinetic force throughout this operation to shoot or push the pellets at your target surface. This procedure is quick and works well on huge surfaces. Multiple persons may utilize many machines for centrifugal shot blasting to cover more land, although one person may easily accomplish the work.
Technologies Used in Shot Blasting Machines
Wheel Blasting
By turning a turbine wheel, electric motor energy is instantly converted into kinetic abrasive energy. Each wheel’s capability ranges from around 60 to 1200 kg/min. Wheelblast machines are employed with these massive volumes of accelerated abrasive when large components or large regions of parts need to be de-rusted, descaled, deburred, desanded, or cleaned in some way.
The kind of equipment is frequently determined by the manner of transportation of the components to be blasted, which can range from basic table machines to integrated, fully automatic manipulator machines for complete series automobile manufacturers, as well as roller conveyors and strip descaling systems.
Air Blasting
Airblast machines can take the shape of a blast cabinet, with compressed air pneumatically accelerating the blast media and projecting it onto the component via nozzles. Wet blasting is the use of a media-water combination for particular purposes.
Blast nozzles in both air and wet blasting can be set in permanent locations or manipulated manually or by automatic nozzle manipulators or robots.
The abrasive media utilized is determined by the blasting task; in most circumstances, any form of dry or free-flowing abrasive media can be employed.
Difference Between Shot Blasting and Sand Blasting
Shot Blasting Machines and sand blasting machines are both used for surface preparation and cleaning in various industries. While they serve similar purposes, there are differences in the techniques and materials used in each process. Here are the main differences between shot blasting and sand blasting machines:
- Abrasive Material
Shot Blasting: Shot blasting machines use metallic or non-metallic abrasive media, such as steel shot, steel grit, or other small metal particles. These particles are propelled at high speeds onto the surface being treated to remove contaminants, scale, rust, or old coatings.
Sand Blasting: Sand blasting machines employ silica sand or other types of sand as the abrasive material. The sand is propelled using compressed air or other means to remove surface impurities or to create a desired texture on the treated surface.
- Method of Propulsion
Shot Blasting: In shot blasting, the abrasive media is propelled using centrifugal force generated by a rapidly rotating wheel or turbine. The media is thrown onto the surface at high velocity, impacting the contaminants and removing them.
Sand Blasting: Sand blasting relies on compressed air or other means to propel the sand particles onto the surface. The air pressure creates kinetic energy, causing the sand to impact and clean the surface.
- Speed and Intensity
Shot Blasting: Shot blasting machines are generally faster and more aggressive compared to sand blasting machines. The high velocity of the metallic or non-metallic particles allows for rapid and efficient removal of contaminants, rust, or coatings from the surface.
Sand Blasting: Sand blasting tends to be a slower process compared to shot blasting. The sand particles are less dense and have lower kinetic energy, resulting in a milder impact on the surface. Sand blasting is often used for more delicate or precise surface treatment.
- Re-usability of Abrasive Media
Shot Blasting: Metallic shot or grit used in shot blasting can be reused multiple times before it becomes too worn or contaminated. This re-usability reduces the cost of consumables in the long run.
Sand Blasting: Silica sand used in sand blasting is typically a one-time-use abrasive media. It gets contaminated during the process and needs to be disposed of after a single use. This can increase the overall cost of sand blasting operations.
Surface International is one of the leading Shot Blasting Machine Suppliers in India, offering high-quality products at the best prices. Contact us right away if you’re looking for the best-quality shot-blasting machines. We can supply these blasting machines in customized sizes as per your industrial requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of material we can use for shot blasting?
Shot blasting is applied to durable metals such as aluminum, iron, stainless steel, etc. A wide range of media is used to achieve the shot-blasting process that includes;
Steel shots: Steel shots are commonly used for surface cleaning and surface profile preparation prior to coating and painting.
Steel grits: They are used to include surface roughness on thick surfaces, ferrous castings, and manufactured components because they improve surface durability.
Garnet Steel Shot: They are ecologically friendly, and are used for heavy-duty industrial cleaning such as tanks, shipbuilding, and repairs.
Aluminum shots: They provide strength, surface smoothness, and clean defects prior to painting metal die-casting or hardware and machinery components.
Why is Shot Blasting Used in Industries?
The shot blasting process can be used to clean, strengthen (peen), or polish metal. Almost all metal-working sectors, including aerospace, automotive, construction, foundries, shipbuilding, rail, and many more, require shot blasting. The two technologies used are wheel shot blasting and air shot blasting.
What is the shot blasting machine price range?
Shot Blasting Machine prices can vary significantly depending on different factors such as abrasive media type, size, and capacity. Generally, smaller and simpler shot blasting machines can start around a few thousand, while larger, more advanced models can range from thousands to lakhs. Highly specialized or custom-built machines can be even more expensive. It’s essential to consider your specific requirements, production needs, and budget while choosing the right shot-blasting machine.