Sandblasting/Blast Cleaning

Interblast first became involved in sandblasting in the early 1970's, undertaking the repairs on an old wrought iron toll bridge over the River Wyre. It soon became apparent that, prior to any welding repairs, layers of old paint would need to be removed. Hand tools and needle guns were not sufficient for this and it was decided sandblasting would be the only method to remove the paint successfully.

Applications

From those early beginnings, we have now built up the experience and facilities to handle items for various applications and industries:

• Aerospace
• Off-shore
• Power
• Rail
• Pulp & Paper
• Chemical
• Domestic
• Hobbies

Capabilities

We have the capacity to handle steel fabrications, tanks, vessels and pipework assemblies.

Sandblasting types we use include:

• Grit Blasting
• Steel and Shot Blasting
• Aluminium Oxide Blasting
• Garnet Blasting
• Glass Bead Blasting

Sandblasting

Sandblasting is a generic term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across that surface at high speeds; the effect is similar to that of using sandpaper, but provides a more even finish with no problems at corners or crannies.

Sandblasting can occur naturally, usually as a result of the particle blown by the wind causing eolian erosion, or artificially, using compressed air. An artificial sandblasting process was patented by Benjamin Chew Tilghman on October 18, 1870.

Historically, the material used for artificial sandblasting was sand that had been sieved to a uniform size. The silica dust produced in the sandblasting process caused silicosis after sustained inhalation of dust.

Sandblasting may now only be performed in a controlled environment using ventilation, protective clothing and breathing air supply.

Other materials for sandblasting have been developed to be used instead of sand; for example, steel grit, steel shots, copper slag, glass beads (bead blasting), metal pellets, dry ice, garnet, powdered abrasives of various grades, powdered slag.

Even ground coconut shells or corncobs have been used for specific applications and produce distinct surface finishes.

.........Wikipedia