Airless shot blast machine

Types of airless shot blast machines

An airless shot blast machine is a piece of equipment that helps in surface finishing by removing debris, paints, rust, and imperfections. Such machines are used in different industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive, to prepare surfaces before painting or coating them. Airless machines come in several types to cater to specific applications or preferences. The first type of airless shot blast machine is the airless continuous feed machine. This machine works continuously with the help of a constant power supply. It uses recirculation and pressurization to coat surfaces effectively. The second type of airless shot blast machine is the pressure-fed machine. This type of machine uses pressure to spray the blast media. It works with a blast pot that is fitted with a pressure regulator, a hose, and a nozzle. The pressure-fed machine is suitable for large-scale projects. It is also portable and easy to use. The third type of airless shot blast machine is the electric-fed machine. Like the pressure-fed machine, the electric-fed machine is suitable for big projects and is portable. It works by using electricity to propel the media toward the surface. Like the air blast machine, the airless shot machine performs the same functions. The airless machine comes with a sealing unit, which helps to eliminate the need for extensive surface prep and reduces the amount of overspray. It also has a spray nozzle that provides better control and uniformity. The downside of the airless shot blast machine is that the surfaces may not achieve a high gloss finish.

The fourth type of airless shot blast machine is the hydraulic-fed machine. This type of machine works by using hydraulics to push the blast media through the nozzle. It is very powerful and can handle tough jobs. In terms of safety precautions, it is important to wear safety goggles, hearing protection, and safety masks when operating an airless shot blast machine. The goggles will protect the operator's eyes from the propelled debris and the nozzle drain, while the mask will filter harmful paints and coatings. This way, the operator will be protected. Operators should be well trained on how to use it to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Specifications and maintenance of airless shot blast machines

Specifications

The specifications of airless shot blast machines vary with models and manufacturers.

• Operating power: Airless shot blast machines typically operate with an air compressor between 2.5hp and 20hp. Bigger compressors suit larger, more powerful blast machines.
• Machine pressure: The pressure of airless shot blast machines is between 2.5-6.5mpa. The higher the machine's operating pressure, the more impact it will have on the surface of the blasted item.
• Blast wheel diameter: is between 320-840mm. Larger blast wheels suit large, heavy-duty airless shot blast machines and cover more surface areas. Smaller-diameter blast wheels suit smaller, portable machines.
• Machine weight: An average airless shot blast machine weighs about 12-15kg. Bigger, more powerful blast machines can weigh as much as 65kg.
• QC: The quality control of airless shot blast machines involves testing and inspecting key components such as the blast wheels and pressure gauges, to make sure they operate smoothly.

Maintenance

• Regular clean: Airless shot blast machines use oil-free air. A moisture separator still needs to be used to remove water from the compressed air. Customers can install a small aftercooler or air drying system in the air line before it connects to the airless blast machine, which can improve the quality of the air.
• Inspect air compressor hoses: Sand hoses or air compressor hoses should be inspected regularly and replaced at the first sign of damage or wear. Damaged hoses can affect the air pressure, which in turn impacts the effectiveness of the machine.
• Wheel media and wear parts: should be inspected and replaced regularly to maintain the machine's blasting productivity. Users should also clean the machine. All media will break down and turn to fine dust after being blasted through the machine multiple times.
• More frequent maintenance will be required for airless shot blast machines that are used continuously every day compared to machines that are used less often. -

Scenarios of Airless Shot Blast Machines

The purpose of using an airless blast machine is to prepare surfaces by creating a rough texture. The results will ensure better adhesion if there is a need to apply a coating. Many industries use these machines. Nevertheless, the following examples illustrate some industry scenarios in which they use them:

• The construction and architectural industries: For concrete surfaces to have a rough texture, operators use airless blast machines to treat them. Doing this creates a stronger bond for other surfaces like concrete coatings, blocks, and walls. Bridges, parking decks, and roads are examples where this treatment will be done.
• The marine industry: Blast machines are used to prepare the surfaces of boats, barges, and ships before applying paints and coatings that protect the vessels from corrosion and wear.
• The automobile industry: Airless shot blast machines are used on different car parts like the frames and body panels. Roughening the surfaces will improve adhesion for primers and paints for a better finish.
• The aerospace industry: Any aircraft component, such as engine parts, must have coatings to enhance wear resistance, corrosion, and fatigue. The airless shot blast machine is used to ensure better adhesion of these coatings.
• The metal fabrication industry: In this case, the airless machines are used to prepare metal surfaces like pipes, plates, and steel structures for welding or to improve coating adhesion.
• The oil and gas industry: Airless shot blast machines are used to prepare surfaces of pipelines and drill rigs for coatings that protect them from corrosion and other environmental hazards.
• The woodworking industry: Wood surfaces, for example, furniture and flooring, can be roughened using airless machines to improve the adhesion of stains and finishes.
• The sports industry: Airless machines are used to prepare the surfaces of different types of courts, like volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts. The roughening ensures a stronger bond for the coatings that will provide players with the required level of friction and traction.

How to choose airless shot blast machines

Selecting the right airless shot blast machine for sale involves considering factors relevant to operational requirements, task specifications, surface types, and purchasing capabilities.

• Machine Purpose and Specifications:

  Before shopping for an airless machine, examine what surfaces need to be worked on, the state of the surfaces, and the desired end result. This includes finding out if the entire surface needs to be stripped, roughened, or cleaned, including the type of coating to be removed. Identifying hard-to-reach places like crevices, pipes, and corners is also essential. Making this examination helps buyers settle for a suitable shot blast machine ideal for their task, which will most likely be a handheld machine.

• Maching Type:

  Maching types to consider will be specified based on the work to be done. If the work involves tackling small to medium projects, a portable airless shot blast machine is great. For bigger jobs, look for larger tanks with more capacity, like a 100L airless shot machine, which is better for large scales. Consider a machine with self-propelled capabilities for effortless movement and blasting. An airless shot blast machine works by propelling steel shots to impact and remove surface defects. It has a sealed pressure vessel with an air compressor. The air compressor increases the air pressure in the vessel, which is then used to propel the steel shots. The steel shots are released through a nozzle at high pressure, impacting the surface, and removing defects. Knowing how an airless machine works will help buyers determine which type, size, or feature of the machine to go for.

• Nozzle Size:

  Choose an airless shot blast machine with a nozzle size that matches the specific blasting requirements. A larger nozzle size may be selected for faster production rates, while a smaller nozzle size may be used for more precise blasting control.

• Machine Condition:

  Consider whether the machine is new or used. Buying a brand-new steel blast machine will be more expensive than going for a used one. Consider all the factors that will affect the outcome of the machine's work, such as its features, specifications, etc., before choosing the machine.

• Budget/Price:

  Buyers must settle on their budget before purchasing an airless shot blast machine.” It's important to note that machines of a larger size with better specifications will come at a more increased cost.

Q & A

Q1: What is the difference between air and airless shot blasters?

A1: An air-based shot blaster is different from an airless one. The air blaster pot creates pressure internally and propels the blasting media. On the other hand, an airless pot uses a centrifugal impeller driven by a pneumatic motor to propel the blasting media.

Q2: Does an airless shot blaster need a compressor?

A2: No, airless blasting machines do not require a compressor since they use a pneumatic motor to propel the blasting media.

Q3: Why are shot blast machines essential?

A3: Shot blast machines are useful in surface preparation and contamination removal. Heating the surface before coating it can also improve coating adhesion.

Q4: What is the lifespan of a shot blast machine?

A4: If maintained properly and used as intended, shot blast machines can last up to twenty years or more.