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.