There are different types of blasters or blasting equipment, but the wheel blasters are particularly unique and important. For those who are newly familiar with the term, we will briefly describe what shot blasters are. The process of shot blasting is a vital step in the finishing of a steel or metal product. It involves the use of abrasive materials to “pummel” out the impurities on (or rather in) the surface of steel and other metal materials. This process shaves off a layer of the surface together with other present impurities. In recent times, the machine for shot blasting has gotten various names such as the shot blaster machine, the shot blast machine, and even the wheel blasting equipment or machine.
Functions of the Wheel Blast
First, a wheel blast is essential in the removal of impurities. These impurities are those that are lodged within the spaces in the surface layer of the steel or metal material or product. These machines are now automatic and can carry out the entire process on their own after their installation. Wheel blasts are not pressure operated. This means that they do not make use of any sort of pressure (whether air or water or any other). Instead, a spinning wheel is used. The outward force from the spinning (centripetal force) is what powers the fast movement of the abrasive material(s) being used. Hence, wheel blasts carry out functions such as steel surface cleaning in the fabrication of steel or other metal products.
Wheel blasts are essential in preparing the steel or metal product for final finishing touches. This is because it makes the surface more conducive for finishes to be used on. This means that the use of wheel blasts helps the coat or color used to remain on the surface for longer. This is because it adds a certain texture to the surface of the metal. This means that the color or coat will have more surface area to (hold on to) and will not just slip right off. This procedure is the reason for the production of matte texture or color in a lot of metal products.
Use of Wheel Blasts for Steel Surface Finishing
These wheel blasts as mentioned earlier are automatic and the best options for industrial surface polishing of steel in large quantities. The use of automatic wheel blasts for industrial manufacturing is about 10 times faster than the manual method (sandblasts). These steel products include beams, plates of various shapes and purposes, pipes and other metal constructs. They function by driving turbines with steel shots and grits and move or fire at more than 70m per second (70m/s). they strike the metal product at this speed.
It is interesting to note that this process is useful in the removal of even rust and scales. This makes the product ready for coating and machining.
There are various models of the wheel blasts for the polishing of various steel products of varying shapes and sizes.
Installation of the blasts can be handled by most sources or sellers. This makes installation relatively easier than it would seem.
