Shot Blasting
Shot Blasting Equipment
Shot blasting equipment, often referred to as wheel blasting equipment, is a key focus area within the range of equipment provided by Finishing Rx. Finishing Rx proudly collaborates with and represents the Cardinal Parts & Equipment line of shot blasters. Led by brothers Geoff and Curtis Gibson, this company has established a reputation for cutting-edge and innovative wheel blasting equipment, demonstrating a strong ability to tackle and excel in even the most challenging blasting projects. The Gibson family name is synonymous with top-quality wheel blasting equipment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong client relationships both before and after a sale. An essential factor that led to the partnership between Finishing Rx and Cardinal was Cardinal’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong partnerships between vendors and clients, a value that aligns with Finishing Rx’s core mission. With two fabrication facilities and a foundry, their team is structured to ensure swift delivery of high-quality shot blasting equipment and replacement wear items. When you think of wheel blasting equipment, think of Cardinal Shot Blasters, as represented by Finishing Rx.
Cardinal Shot Blasting Equipment
A FinishingRx Preferred Partner
Advantages of Wheel Blasting Compared to Air Blasting
Efficiency and Speed
Wheel blasting is faster than air blasting, thanks to the high-speed centrifugal force generated by the blast wheel. This results in a rapid and uniform propulsion of abrasive media, making it ideal for high-throughput operations with short cycle times.
Durability and Longevity
Wheel blasting equipment is typically more robust and long-lasting, especially in heavy-duty applications subject to constant wear. Cardinal designs their equipment with replaceable abrasion-resistant liners and materials aligned with the shot blast pattern, ensuring durability. The construction of Cardinal Shot Blast cabinets and structures with thick steel plates further guarantees longevity with proper maintenance.
Coverage and Consistency
The blast wheel ensures uniform coverage and consistent results across large surfaces, as the continuous media flow guarantees even treatment of the workpiece. This is particularly beneficial for tasks like rust removal, surface preparation for coatings, and shot peening for stress relief.
Reduced Dust and Contaminants
The enclosed nature of wheel blasting systems, along with efficient dust collection systems and metallic media, results in minimal airborne dust and contaminants compared to air blasting. This leads to a cleaner work environment and reduces the need for extensive cleanup and maintenance.
Lower Operating Costs
Wheel blasting systems are more cost-effective in the long run, as they recycle abrasive media within the system. Metallic media can be reused thousands of times before degradation, unlike mineral or glass abrasives. Moreover, wheel blasting requires less energy than air blasting, as mechanical propulsion replaces pneumatic methods, with air primarily used for dust collection and other auxiliary functions.
Automation and Integration
Wheel blasting systems can be seamlessly integrated into automated production lines, featuring sensors and controls for automated processes. This automation enhances consistency, quality, and reduces the necessity for manual intervention.
– Surface Preparation: Cleaning and preparing surfaces for painting, coating, or bonding.
– Deburring: Removing burrs and sharp edges from machined parts.
– Descaling: Eliminating scale and rust from metal surfaces.
– Deflashing: Removing flash from metallic or plastic molded parts
– Peening: Strengthening metal components by inducing compressive stresses.
– Finishing: Achieving desired surface textures and finishes on various materials.
What is Shot Blasting / Wheel Blasting
Wheel Blasting, also known as shot blasting, is a process that involves using centrifugal force to propel abrasive media (typically metallic shots or grits) against a material’s surface to clean, strengthen, or polish it.
Key Components of Shot Blasting Equipment
Blast Wheel: This central component of the shot blasting machine utilizes centrifugal force to accelerate abrasive media toward the workpiece. It comprises a motor-driven impeller and a blast wheel that rotates at high speeds.
Work Handling System: This component, tailored to the specific application, may include conveyors, rotary tables, or tumbling barrels to transport workpieces through the blast zone.
Abrasive Media: Metallic shots or grits are commonly employed as blasting media. These are stored in a hopper and fed into the blast wheel.
Dust Collection System: Vital for maintaining a clean work environment, this system enables the recycling and reuse of abrasive media.
Cabinet or Enclosure: This structure houses the blasting process, containing the abrasive media and controlling dust emissions during the operation.
Control System: Modern wheel blasting equipment incorporates advanced control systems to adjust blasting parameters such as wheel speed, media flow rate, and exposure time.
In conclusion, wheel blasting offers significant benefits over air blasting in terms of efficiency, consistency, operating costs, and suitability for high-volume and automated processes. Contact Finishing Rx to determine the most suitable equipment and blasting process for your specific application.