What’s the difference between shot blasting and grit blasting?
30 July, 2014In the world of sandblasting there are many different ways in which we can clean up, strip or even out the surface of materials. Though sand has long been banned from usage because of the deadly silicosis, you can still use a range of much safer substances to help create a perfect finish, whether you’re restoring part of a structure or simply refurbishing smaller items.
The two main types of blasting which you will most commonly hear about are shot blasting and grit blasting. Both of these blasting techniques use different materials but are often pulled under the bracket of sandblasting to give an overall impression of their purpose.
In this article we’ll be looking into shot blasting and grit blasting in a little more detail so that you know which blasting uses which materials, as well as which one is best suited for the kind of work you wish to have carried out. Using the wrong kind of materials or blasting techniques yourself can be dangerous and you risk ruining the materials you’re working on if you don’t hire a professional or experienced blaster.
Shot Blasting
Shot blasting might sound like it should involve explosives, but its name is actually related to the fact that tiny steel balls are used in the process of blasting. Steel blasting can be performed using the tiny balls or through crushed steel, and you might also hear of it being referred to as peening.
Shot blasting is best used on metal materials such as automobiles when you wish to remove any loose materials, paints or dirt. Because of its heavy duty nature it can also be used to prepare surfaces through abrasion. You can create a more rugged surface ideal for painting if you wish to through abrasive shot blasting, and there is no silicon dust from this kind of blasting which means there is less pollution for the immediate environment.
Grit Blasting
When it comes to grit blasting there are a variety of materials which can be used, and each one has its individual merits when tackling different surfaces, different substances and for different finishes. Used to smooth down walls and surfaces it can also be used to remove graffiti.
Alumina, silicon carbide and even walnut shells can be used in the process of grit blasting; these materials are used to protect your surfaces where metal blasting would be inappropriate.
At J Radford Group, we are able to utilise both of these versatile blasting services through either compressed air, liquid or vapour to give you the best possible results. Regardless of whether you want to smooth down walls or reduce faults and cracks in a metal exterior, contact us today to discuss your blasting needs and we’ll find the perfect technique and materials to help you.
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