A Guide To Vapour Blasting
Vapor blasting, also known as wet blasting or liquid honing, is rapidly becoming the number one choice for applications requiring the highest quality of surface finish.
The Vixen Aquablast 1215 wet blasting machine, which we use at Myk Vapour Blasting uses the vapour blasting process to simultaneously degrease and blast industrial components, of many different shapes and sizes.
The key to vapour blasting is that the finish is produced through the flow of water borne abrasive, giving a finer finish due to the flushing action of the water. No media is impregnated into the component, nor is there any dust created by the break-up of media, unlike dry blasting where the finish is produced by sheer force of media impact. This means this method is completely dust-free which is ideal for any workshop environment.
After contact with the component, the slurry then drains back into the sump creating a re-circulating system. Fine broken down media and other contaminants are fed via an overflow to a sedimentation filter located at the rear of the cabinet.
Subaru Impreza Cylinder Head
Subaru Impreza Cylinder Head
Subaru Impreza Cylinder Head
Subaru Impreza Cylinder Head
Subaru Impreza Cylinder Head
Subaru Impreza Cylinder Head
The illustrations below show the different natures of grit, bead, and wet blasting. The aggressiveness of dry grit and bead blasting is shown in the first two illustrations which demonstrate the severe 90° ricochet that occurs when using these methods.
The third illustration shows the gentler, but just as effective, vapor blasting method. The ricochet of media is reduced due to the cushioning from the water; the angle of the media is changed producing a lapping effect travelling across the surface, giving an even satin/polished finish.
Advantages:
- Dust free process
- Cleans by flow of water, not impact
- Simultaneously degrease & blast clean
- Water acts as a lubricant between media&component
- Promotes longers media life
- Produces a 'softer' finish
- Avoids media impregnation on soft materials
Applications:
- Degreasing/surface finishing
- Cleaning of dies & moulds
- Removal of paint, rust, scale, carbon and similar deposits
- Satin finishing of stainless steels & other materials
- Cleaning of PCB's & electrical connectors
- Removal of small burrs from manufactured components
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