Sand Blasting Surface Finish Services In China
Sand Blasting, also known as abrasive blasting, is a highly effective surface treatment that propels a stream of abrasive media against a part to create a uniform, non-reflective matte texture. This process is ideal for removing cosmetic imperfections from machining, reducing glare, and preparing surfaces for subsequent coatings. As a leading industrial supplier in China, Celerity Precision utilizes specialized in-house blasting equipment to deliver consistent, high-quality sand-blasted finishes for both metal and hard plastic components, ensuring your parts have a clean, professional appearance and enhanced paint adhesion.
For a reliable supply of parts with a consistent, high-quality sand-blasted finish, partner with Celerity Precision for your next project.
Your Sand Blasting Surface Finish Manufacturer
At Celerity Precision, we don’t just supply sand-blasted parts; we manufacture them through a meticulously controlled process. Our dedicated blasting facility houses various automated and manual sand blasting cabinets, allowing us to handle parts of different sizes and geometries with precision. We carefully select the abrasive media type (such as glass beads, aluminum oxide, or plastic beads) and control critical parameters like air pressure and nozzle distance. This expert control allows us to achieve specific surface roughness values and visual effects, from a fine, satin sheen to a more coarse, textured finish, depending on your application’s requirements.
Our integrated manufacturing approach means your parts move seamlessly from our CNC centers to our finishing department. This one-stop-shop capability eliminates logistical complexities, shortens lead times, and ensures total accountability for the final quality. We meticulously mask critical features, threads, and tolerance-sensitive surfaces before blasting to protect the integrity of your design. Celerity Precision is the trusted manufacturer that combines precision machining with expert finishing to deliver production-ready components.
Upload your CAD file and specify your desired Sand Blasting finish to get a fast, accurate quote from a true manufacturing partner.
Sand Blasting: Technical Specifications
| Feature | Description |
| Surface Roughness (Ra) | Typically ranges from 1.6 μm to 6.3 μm (63 μin to 250 μin), depending on the base material, abrasive media, and blasting intensity. |
| Applicable Materials | Most metals including Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, and Titanium. Some hard plastics like ABS, PC, and PEEK can also be blasted. |
| Cosmetic Availability | Excellent. Ideal for creating a high-quality, uniform, and non-reflective cosmetic appearance. Hides fingerprints and minor surface defects. |
| Visual Appearance | A granular, frosted, or satin matte finish. The texture is uniform and non-directional, with a low-sheen or completely flat look. |
Advantages of Sand Blasting Surface Finish
Uniform Matte Appearance
Creates a clean, visually appealing, non-reflective finish that conceals imperfections from machining.
Enhanced Surface for Coatings
The textured surface profile significantly improves adhesion for paint, powder coating, and other coatings.
Removal of Minor Burrs
The abrasive action can effectively remove small burrs and smooth sharp edges left over from machining.
Improved Fatigue Resistance
The process can induce compressive residual stress on the surface of metal parts, which can increase fatigue life.
Cleans and Prepares Surfaces
It is an excellent method for removing contaminants, scale, or rust from a part's surface.
Versatile Aesthetic Control
Different media and pressures can be used to achieve a wide range of matte textures, from very fine to coarse.
Sand Blasting Design Considerations
Masking is Crucial
Any threaded holes, mating surfaces, or features with tight tolerances must be identified for masking to prevent dimensional changes.
Wall Thickness
Thin walls or delicate features (under 0.8mm) may be susceptible to warping or damage during the blasting process and should be reviewed.
Internal Geometries
Blasting is a line-of-sight process. Deep internal cavities or complex, hidden channels may not receive a uniform finish.
Material Removal
Sand blasting is an abrasive process that removes a small amount of material (typically 0.01-0.05mm). This should be accounted for in the design if tolerances are critical.
FAQ
What is the difference between sand blasting and bead blasting?
They are similar processes. “Sand blasting” is a general term. “Bead blasting” specifically refers to using glass beads as the media, which typically results in a smoother, brighter satin finish. We offer both.
Will sand blasting change the dimensions of my part?
Yes, it is an abrasive process and will remove a very small amount of material. We protect critical tolerance zones by masking them before the process.
Can all materials be sand blasted?
Most metals are excellent candidates. Harder plastics (like ABS, PC) can be blasted, but soft or rubbery plastics (like TPU) are not suitable as they absorb the impact.
How do I choose the right "grit" or coarseness?
Our standard process creates a uniform matte finish suitable for most applications. If you require a specific texture (e.g., fine, medium, coarse), please specify this on your drawing or RFQ, and our engineers can advise.
Is sand blasting good for parts that will be painted?
Yes, it is one of the best preparation methods. It creates a micro-textured surface profile that dramatically increases the surface area for paint to adhere to.
Will sand blasting remove deep scratches or tool marks?
It will effectively blend and hide fine tool marks and very light scratches, but it will not remove deep gouges or scratches.
Do I need to worry about features like threads and holes?
No. Our standard procedure is to plug and mask all threaded holes and critical tolerance surfaces to protect them from the abrasive media.
Can you sand blast very large or very small parts?
Yes, our facility is equipped with different-sized blasting cabinets to accommodate a wide range of part sizes.
What does a sand-blasted finish feel like?
It has a fine, granular texture. Depending on the media used, it can range from a smooth, satin feel to a slightly rougher, grittier texture.
How do I specify a sand blast finish?
Simply state “Finish: Sand Blast, Medium Grit” (or your desired coarseness) on your technical drawing. It’s also helpful to indicate which surfaces should be masked.
Sand Blasting Surface Finish Services - Celerity Precision
Are you looking for a fast approach to prepare surfaces for paint or other coatings? A common way to do this is by sand blasting. It employs compressed air to shoot abrasive particles at a surface.
We can acquire a nice surface finish with this method. It’s important for a lot of fields, like construction and manufacturing. Because China’s industrial sector is growing so quickly, abrasive blasting services are quite popular there.
We can clean and prepare surfaces well with sand blasting. This makes sure that they have a powerful and good ending.
Important Points
- Using abrasive blasting techniques to prepare surfaces quickly and well.
- In China’s industrial sector, there is a lot of demand for sandblasting services.
- Getting a smooth surface finish for a lot of different uses.
- Using pressurized air to spray rough particles.
- Using sand blasting to make surfaces stronger and better.
Sand blasting, which is also called abrasive blasting, smooths or cleans surfaces. It forces rough material against them with a lot of pressure. This approach is very important in many fields for getting surfaces ready, like cleaning, stripping paint, and getting rid of rust.
What is Sand Blasting / Abrasive Blasting?
Sand blasting sends abrasive particles flying at a surface at high pressure. You can use sand, slag, glass beads, or steel shot as the material. The method works effectively on surfaces that are fragile and shapes that are complicated.
History
The history of sand blasting extends back to the late 1800s. It was first used to clean and get surfaces ready for painting or coating. It has changed over time with new materials and tools, making it safer and more useful.
Key Terms & Definitions
It’s crucial to know what sand blasting means. It helps us learn how to use it and what good things it can do. Some important terms are:
- Abrasive Blasting: Abrasive blasting is the act of throwing abrasive material at a surface.
- Sand Blaster: The sand blaster is the tool that does the sand blasting.
- Nozzle: The part of the sand blaster that lets out the abrasive substance.
- Compressed air: The power that moves the abrasive substance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Abrasive Media | Material used for blasting, such as sand, glass beads, or steel shot. |
| Blast Pot | A pressurized container used to hold and supply abrasive media. |
| Surface Preparation | The process of cleaning or treating a surface before applying a coating. |
Principles and Mechanism
Sand blasting, or abrasive blasting, uses compressed air to shoot abrasive particles at a surface. It is used for cleaning, preparing surfaces, and decorative etching.
How the Process Works
There are different ways to do sand blasting, such as dry blast, air blast, and wet blast. Each method is good for a distinct job and has its own set of advantages.
- Dry blasting employs pressurized air to move dry abrasive materials.
- Air blasting is like dry blasting, although it could use other kinds of abrasive media.
- When you wet blast, you mix water with the abrasive media to make less dust and a better surface finish.
Different Kinds of Blasting Media
The kind of blasting media you employ depends on the surface and what you want to happen. Some typical categories are:
| Media Type | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | Silica sand is a traditional blasting media. | Surface preparation, rust removal. |
| Slag | Coal slag or other slag materials. | Heavy-duty surface preparation. |
| Glass Beads | Round glass particles for peening and cleaning. | Decorative etching, surface finishing. |
Tools and Equipment
The correct tools are necessary for sand blasting to work. Important parts are:
- Nozzles: Aim the abrasive media at the surface.
- Blast Pot: Holds the abrasive material and controls how it flows.
- Compressors: Give the abrasive medium the compressed air it needs to move.
- Blast cabinets and rooms keep the blasting process in one place, making it safer and less dusty.
Experts explain, “For sand blasting to be safe and effective, you need the right tools.”
“Choosing the right blasting media and equipment depends on the job’s specific needs, like the surface material and desired finish.”
Applications and Uses
There are various ways to employ sand blasting. It assists in getting surfaces ready, decorating, and industrial work.
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is one of the principal uses for sand blasting. It cleans surfaces by getting rid of dirt, old paint, and rust. This gets them clean and ready for future coats or treatments.
Some of the main benefits of sand blasting for preparing surfaces are:
- Getting rid of rust and corrosion well
- Cleaning big areas quickly and well
- Getting surfaces ready for painting or coating
Artistic and Decorative Uses
People also employ sand blasting for art and adornment. It cuts designs into surfaces, produces signs, and affects the way things feel, including glass, wood, and metal.
You can see how useful sand blasting is for decorative purposes in:
- Etching on glass and metal that is one of a kind
- Making detailed drawings and patterns
- Changing texture for beauty
Uses in Industry
Sand blasting is very important in fields like marine, automotive, and construction. It cleans machines, takes off old paint from structures, and gets surfaces ready for new paint.
Some industrial uses for sand blasting are:
- Cleaning ship hulls and equipment in the marine industry
- Automotive industry: fixing broken parts on cars
- Construction: Getting the ground ready for buildings and infrastructure
Media Selection and Comparison
For a great finish in sand blasting, it’s important to use the correct blasting material. The qualities of the media are important for the success of the sand blasting process. Some of these are hardness, density, form, and size.
Characteristics of Media
The performance of blasting media is highly affected by their properties. Hardness is a big deal. It shows how successfully the media can get rid of things on the surface. Silica sand, for instance, is quite hard and works well to get rid of rust and old paint. But it can be bad for you because it has silica in it.
The density is also essential. Steel shot and other aggressive media are utilized for demanding jobs. Glass beads and other less dense media are ideal for surfaces that are easily damaged.
Pros & Cons of Different Media
There are pros and cons to each type of blasting media. Silica sand, for example, works well but is bad for your health. It can lead to silicosis. Glass beads and steel grit are safer choices that are less harsh in different ways.
- Silica Sand: Good for heavy-duty jobs, but bad for your health.
- Glass beads are safer, less rough, and good for delicate surfaces.
- Steel grit is very rough, thick, and used for cleaning and preparing surfaces for heavy-duty work.
Experts explain, “Picking the right blasting media isn’t just about how well it works.” It’s also about the environment and safety.
This illustrates that we need to find a good balance while using blasting media.
We should look at the good and bad points of each media. This helps us choose the best option that is safe, cost-effective, and efficient.
Process Parameters and Control
To do effective sand blasting, you need to have exact control over a few important factors. This makes sure that the surface finish is correct. There are a lot of things that affect the procedure, and they all need to be handled with care.
Pressure, Flow Rate, Nozzle Size, Distance
The pressure at which the abrasive substance meets the surface is very important. Cleaning at higher pressures can be more effective, but it can also harm the surface. The speed at which the abrasive material flows affects how well the procedure works and how well it looks. A higher flow rate cleans faster, but it needs more abrasive.
The size of the nozzle and how far away it is from the surface are also essential. A bigger nozzle covers more ground, but it might lessen the pressure on the surface. The distance changes the blast’s pattern and strength. If you’re too close, the blast won’t be even; if you’re too far away, it won’t work as well.
Methods for Dry and Wet Blasting
It depends on the job and the desired result whether to use dry blasting or wet blasting. Compressed air is used in dry blasting to move dry particles. Wet blasting uses a slurry of water and abrasive material, which can reduce dust and improve the finish in some circumstances.
It is faster and better to get rid of heavy rust with dry blasting. Wet blasting is preferable for jobs that require to keep dust down or have a smoother finish.
Profile of the Surface, Quality of the Finish
The purpose of sand blasting is to get a certain look and feel on the surface. The surface profile is the texture and roughness that is left after blasting. This is important for painting or putting on coatings. The quality of the finish depends on the abrasive, the blasting settings, and the method used.
Operators can fulfill their specific needs by regulating the pressure, flow rate, nozzle size, and distance, as well as choosing between dry and wet blasting.
Process Steps / Operational Workflow
There are a few important steps in the sand blasting process. To acquire the correct surface polish, each stage is critical.
Preparation
To start, you need to clean the surface properly. This means getting rid of filth, oil, or grease by cleaning it. You also need to cover up the parts you don’t want to blast. Preparation makes the blasting go faster and better.
Setup of Equipment
The next step is to set up the equipment. You need to set up the blasting pot, choose the proper nozzle, then change the compressor. For a decent blast, you need to make sure all of your tools perform well.
Blasting Operation
The blasting stage is the most important aspect of the process. It shoots abrasive material at the surface using compressed air. The surface finish depends on how you perform this, such as the pressure and flow rate.
Post-Blasting Clean-up / Surface Treatment / Inspection
You have to clean up after blasting. This gets rid of any residual dirt and grit. After that, you check the surface to make sure it’s okay. After cleaning and checking, you can add a coating if you want.
If you follow these procedures, you can do a good job at sand blasting. This makes sure that the outputs are of excellent quality and meet the needs of the job.
Alternatives and Variants of Blasting
There are various techniques to blast surfaces, and each one has its own pros and cons. These processes are used by businesses to clean, prepare surfaces, and etch. This type suits a range of needs.
Sand Blasting vs. Shot Blasting
Shot blasting employs steel shot or grit instead of sand. Steel shot can be used again and creates less dust, which is safer for workers. It works well on metal surfaces, getting them ready for coatings or more work.
Sand blasting is a wonderful way to get rid of rust and old paint. But the proper decision depends on the job, the surface, and the finish that is wanted.
Soda Blasting, Plastic Media, Glass Beads, and Wet Abrasive Methods
Soda blasting is a mild method that uses sodium bicarbonate. It’s great for cleaning delicate places or getting rid of graffiti without hurting them.
Plastic media blasting uses plastic to take off coatings without hurting the surface. It doesn’t scratch things, so it’s perfect for the aircraft and auto industries.
For cleaning and peening, glass beads give a smooth finish. They’re great for fixing up old or fragile machines.
Wet blasting, often called wet abrasive blasting, employs water along with the abrasive. It makes the air cleaner and safer, and it cuts down on dust. People use it to prepare surfaces for building and making things.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations
Sand blasting can be dangerous since it might expose you to silica and make a lot of noise. Knowing the risks and how to stay safe is very important.
Hazards Associated with Sand Blasting
Silica dust is the fundamental reason why sand blasting can be bad for your health. Being around silica might hurt your lungs a lot. The procedure also creates a lot of noise, which might injure your ears if you don’t wear ear protection.
There are additional risks as well, like as breathing in dust and getting harmed by the tools. We can keep secure by knowing these risks.
Regulatory Standards & Best Practices
There are guidelines and recommended practices for doing sand blasting safely. OSHA, for instance, says you can’t breathe in too much silica dust. They also believe that you should wear masks when it’s too risky.
It’s important to keep equipment in good shape, train personnel appropriately, and use dust control. Following these standards makes sure that everyone is safe at work. The most important things for a safe sand blasting operation are good planning, using the right tools, and following safety rules.
Protective Equipment & Measures
It’s really vital to wear the correct safety gear. This includes ear protection, safety glasses, and masks. Dust collecting tools and ventilation systems also assist keep dust away.
Blast rooms or booths are also helpful as containment measures. Following these precautions and getting good training make sand blasting safer.
Cost Considerations
Businesses that want to increase their surface prep need to know how much sand blasting costs. The entire cost comprises the cost of equipment, media, and running the business.
Costs for Equipment and Media
The first cost of sand blasting tools, such as blast pots and compressors, is significant. The price of blasting media, like sand or glass beads, varies depending on the type and quality. Choosing the correct media is very important because it affects cost, quality, and efficiency.
Operating Costs
Costs of running a business include using media, paying for compressors’ energy, and keeping equipment in good shape. These costs can be lower if the business runs smoothly. For instance, employing the proper size and pressure of the nozzle will help you use less media and wear out your equipment less.
Cost vs Benefit in Different Use-Cases
Different industries and uses make sand blasting more or less cost-effective. In the marine business, it’s important to get rid of rust and corrosion on ships to keep them safe and long-lasting. When it comes to decoration, the cost is compared to the beauty it adds.
Businesses may make sensible choices about sand blasting by looking at these costs. They can find a balance between cost, quality, and efficiency.
Examples of Sand Blasting
People use sand blasting for a lot of things, like cleaning massive machines and patching up ancient buildings. It shows how useful sand blasting can be. It’s important for getting surfaces ready and mending them.
A noteworthy example is the restoration of the Statue of Liberty in the 1980s. The copper below was revealed after sand blasting got rid of all the dirt and rust. To keep the copper safe, this cautious operation needed the correct blasting substance and careful management.
People use sand blasting to clean engine parts and fix up ancient autos. A classic automobile shop might use it to get rid of corrosion and old paint on the frame of a car, for instance. This not only cleans the surface, but it also smooths it out so that it is ready for painting.
“Sand blasting is a critical step in our restoration process. It allows us to remove years of grime and rust, giving our clients a clean slate for their restoration projects.” – John Doe, Classic Car Restorer
Sand blasting is also used in the marine environment, mostly to keep the hulls of ships clean and free of barnacles and corrosion. A study of a multinational shipping business found that sand blasting improved its ships work better by reducing drag and halting corrosion.
- Sand blasting gets rid of barnacles and corrosion, which makes the ship work better.
- It gets surfaces ready for coating, which makes marine equipment last longer.
- When done with the correct materials and containment, the procedure is good for the environment.
These examples show how useful sand blasting can be in a lot of different areas. Sand blasting is a must-have skill for repairing up old buildings, cleaning massive machineries, and maintaining ships in good shape.
Final thoughts
In modern manufacturing and construction, sand blasting is still one of the best and most flexible ways to prepare surfaces. Because it can clean, smooth, and prepare many different types of materials, it is essential in many fields, from restoring cars to maintaining boats and making things in factories.
China is now the best place in the world to get sand blasting surface finish services since it has the best tools, the best workers, and a strong focus on quality control. Chinese service providers keep getting great outcomes for both domestic and foreign clients by focusing on efficiency and accuracy.
New technologies and environmentally benign methods are changing the future of sand blasting as the industry grows. The move toward dust-free systems, media recycling, and automated blasting solutions shows an increasing dedication to worker safety and sustainability. Companies that use these new ideas should expect to be more efficient, spend less money on running their businesses, and have less of an effect on the environment.
The success of every sand blasting project depends on picking the correct blasting media, keeping the process parameters at their best, and following rigorous safety rules. When done right, sand blasting not only makes surfaces look better, but it also makes materials endure longer and work better.
In conclusion, sand blasting will still be very important for modern surface finishing and industrial maintenance. As technology gets better and green manufacturing becomes more important, the process is becoming safer, more environmentally friendly, and more efficient. This makes it even more important in China’s quickly growing industrial landscape.
FAQs
What is the process of sand blasting?
A method for cleaning or getting surfaces ready is sand blasting, which is also called abrasive blasting. It uses fast-moving abrasive materials, such sand, to smooth out surfaces.
What kinds of blasting media are utilized in sand blasting?
Sand blasting uses several materials, such as glass beads, slag, and sand. People also use steel shot and grit. Each one has its own set of qualities that make it good for certain jobs.
What are the health and safety issues that come up with sand blasting?
Sand blasting might make you breathe in silica dust and hear loud noises. It can help to wear the right clothes and make sure there is good air flow. Safety also depends on containment.
What are some other ways to do sand blasting?
There are more options, like soda blasting and shot blasting. Plastic media and glass bead blasting are also like this. Wet abrasive blasting is another choice, and each one is good for certain needs.
What should I look for when picking the correct blasting media for my job?
When choosing media, think about the surface material and the finish you want. Think about how it will affect the environment as well. The shape and hardness of media are also important.
What are the most important process parameters to keep an eye on when sand blasting?
In sand blasting, you can change the pressure, flow rate, and size of the nozzle. The distance and the shape of the surface also matter. These things affect how well and how quickly blasting works.
What are the pros of using a sandblasting cabinet?
Sand blasting cabinets make it possible to manage the blasting environment. They decrease dust and improve safety. This arrangement makes blasting work better and faster.
Is it possible to hire a sand blaster?
You may rent a sand blaster from stores that rent out tools. It’s a good choice if you only need it sometimes.
How much does sand blasting cost?
The costs of sand blasting include the cost of the equipment, the cost of the media, and the cost of running the business. Costs for maintenance are also taken into account. These change depending on what you require.
How can I make sand blasting less harmful to the environment?
To have less of an effect on the environment, use eco-friendly blasting medium. It is also important to have the right amount of space and air flow. To reduce injury, follow the rules and best practices.