How to Set Up Blasting Equipment

Sandblasting is a technique that prepares a surface for a treatment, coat or finish. Whether you need to remove paint, add decoration, leave a bright finish or more, a sandblasting setup will help get the job done reliably and cost-effectively. However, before you can take advantage of this efficient process, you must prepare your blasting equipment.

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Necessary Tools and Equipment for Sandblasting

Sandblasting includes many pieces of equipment, such as:

• Abrasive blast materials: Choose your materials by hardness, size, shape and type—whatever is necessary for the application.
• Air compressor: An air compressor pressurizes the air to blast the surface and provide your desired results.
• Blasting respirators: Also called hoods, blasting respirators protect the operator by creating an all-around protective shield and keeping the air free of dust, contaminants and abrasives, per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
• Blast pot: Also called the pressure blast tank, a blast pot is a coded pressure vessel that delivers the abrasives into the pressurized air stream.
• Deadman switch: A deadman switch stops the airflow to halt operation at any time for safety reasons.
• Hoses: The air and abrasives flow through hoses during use.
• Moisture trap and separator: A moisture trap and separator removes the water in the compressed air before it goes into the blast pot.
• Nozzle: A nozzle is where the abrasive media comes out.

Blasting Prep

No matter what way you choose to set up your blasting equipment, there are a few key preparatory items to take care of. When setting up a blasting system, be sure to:

• Wear safety equipment: The proper safety equipment includes a blasting respirator, steel-reinforced footwear, a blasting suit made of heavy canvas and protective gloves.
• Inspect all parts and components: Examine each part to see if there are any leaks, damages, defects or cracks that will impede performance.
• Lay the hoses straight: Lay the bull and blast hoses as straight as possible. Kinks and bends in the hose can lessen the integrity of the material, leading to poor performance.
• Connect the hoses and pin fittings: While connecting the hoses and pin fittings, inspect them again for a secure fit.
• Position the compressor correctly: The compressor should be upwind from your work area and stabilized on level ground. This position will prevent dust from entering the system and ensure that the lubrication and oil and moisture separators work correctly.
• Conduct compressed air and nozzle tests: These tests make sure the air is moisture-free, and the oil is at an ideal level.
• Follow the right start-up procedure: Follow the factory recommended regulations.

Sandblasting Setups and Applications

Finishing Systems has many sandblasting setups available, including:

• Wet blast equipment
• Portable blasting
• Air blast rooms
• Blast cabinets
• Bulk blasting
• Cryogenic deflashing
• Blast and recovery
• Air blast tumble equipment

Blasting equipment is beneficial for surface preparation and metal finishing processes, and we will help you find the best system for your application. To learn more about our selection or for pricing information, contact us today.

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