The key to a successful bead blasting process is efficient tooling that serves the right purposes. Let’s look at the different tools required to get the best results.
The media itself is an essential bead blasting material. Machinists generally use two types of beads for a bead blast surface finish. They are glass beads and steel beads.
Glass beads are made from lead-free, soda-lime glass designed to come in spherical shapes. These materials are more environmentally friendly since you can recycle them over 30 times. They are also softer on components’ surfaces.
On the other hand, steel shots come from molten steel designed into round objects with round molds. They are cost-effective alternatives because they are durable and allow several recycling rounds. Steel beads are more effective for polishing or removing unwanted textures on metal surfaces.
This is where the whole blasting process occurs. You must choose a high-quality bead blaster cabinet that can ensure the safety of the personnel carrying out the operation. At the same time, the cabinet should not compromise the quality of results.
A typical bead blasting machine must be constructed with a solid material. Steel is the perfect choice in this case because it is a sturdy and durable material. Cabinets made from steel usually last longer and can withstand the high level of pressure that comes with the process.
Likewise, you don’t want your cabinet to have weak legs and disrupt the finishing process. The legs of the glass bead blaster cabinet must be strong enough to support the weight of the cabinet, the bead blasting media, and the workpieces. Weak legs will constantly shake and be unsteady, and this can be dangerous to the operator. Moreover, having your tool break down during the bead blast finish will be daunting.
So, what are the essential components of a good glass bead blasting cabinet?
The cabinet’s sealing on the inside must be very good. Remains or debris from abrasive blasting finishes can be dangerous to the health. Therefore, the seals must prevent the dust or debris from leaving the cabinet.
Your bead blaster cabinet should have larger windows to help observe workpieces adequately as you work inside the cabinet. However, what’s more important than the window’s size is its protection. Some glass beads tend to cause frosting on the glass after some time.
As a result, they may impair visibility, affecting the quality of results. Therefore, you should put replaceable protective sheets on your cabinet’s view window for longer blasting with no issue.
A bead blast finish cannot occur without the blasting gun. Therefore, it is a vital component to always keep in mind. There are several blast gun designs, and their operations also differ. While some work using a hand pedal, others work via a foot pedal.
The choice of blast gun is up to you or the operator. However, if your project requires long blasting sessions, you should consider blast guns with foot pedals. They are more comfortable and cause less strain on the operator.
Safety and comfort are a priority for every bead blasting process. Blasting gloves are among the protective gear to ensure adequate protection of the operator. The gloves often come together with the cabinet. Since you may be holding the blast gun in your hands, you want to protect them from residual harm. These gloves also help you get a good grip on the gun.
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