Plastic media blasting uses softer, angular particles to clean and strip coatings from surfaces without damaging the surface underneath. It allows it to remove paint, rust, and etching from aluminum and composite materials and even rubber molds. Rough surfaces bond better than smooth ones because they have more sites for adhesives and coatings to adhere to. Methods like sanding or chemical treatments can roughen metal surfaces but require much work and generate much hazardous waste.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike chemical stripping, blasting cleans surfaces without needing acid, which reduces the risk of premature failure and protects the surface and environment from potential damage. Blasting also allows for precise control of surface profiling, ensuring the substrate is prepared for coatings in a way that maximizes adhesion. Plastic media blasting is a dry process that can remove paint and coatings from aluminum and steel without producing heat that would warp or pit the surface. It’s also an excellent choice for cryogenic deflashing and rubber mold cleaning.
Additionally, media blasts produce much smaller waste material volume than other methods. The equipment can collect most pulverized paint and coatings into a drum for reclaiming and reuse.
Economical
While blasting is not the best option for every type of coating, it’s hard to beat for overall cost-effectiveness and high removal rates. Plastic media, shaped like sand, works quickly and efficiently to remove old paint and coating without chemical damage. Softer materials such as acrylic and melamine are effective for blasting sensitive and more tolerant surfaces. They also provide a faster stripping rate than harder abrasives such as sand. This cleaning method is often preferred by aviation MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) for its ability to strip aluminum fuselages, wings, landing gear, and engine components with minimal surface damage and without compromising the integrity of the metal substrate. It’s also a dry process, which eliminates the costs of chemicals and solvents and their subsequent waste disposal.
Recyclable
Many different types of blast media can be used in various applications. Still, plastic blasting media is beneficial for stripping paint, deburring parts, and other light surface finishing applications. It is a lightweight blasting medium made from recycled, fully cured amino plastics. This blast media type can be used on sensitive surfaces such as aluminum or composite materials without harming the substrate. It can also be used at lower air pressures to avoid heat buildup and warping on the cleaned surface. While chemical cleaning methods are often necessary when dealing with specific contaminants, blasting allows for a much more thorough cleaning and can help ensure a high-quality finish. It’s essential for powder coating, as a poorly prepared surface can lead to adhesion or weld failures.
Fast
The plastic media blasting process is speedy, especially compared to traditional methods like chemical and acid strippers or manual sanding. Additionally, plastic blasting can remove stubborn coatings and rust without generating heat that could warp or pit the substrates used. The abrasive particles used in the blasting process can also be shaped to create different finishes on a surface. For example, blasting aluminum oxide can smooth it apart and prepare it for painting or electroplating while creating a surface roughness profile to optimize adhesion for the new coating. Blasting with plastic media is also the best way to clean sensitive surfaces without harming them. Melamine is a soft, lightweight media that’s more gentle than silica sand.
Safe
Surface preparation helps prevent future issues such as corrosion and damage. It also ensures that a coating or adhesive will adhere to the surface. It will minimize future maintenance and repair costs. Blasting with plastic media eliminates the risks associated with other abrasive blasting methods. The process uses lower pressure and doesn’t contain hard abrasives, like silica sand, which can cause health problems for employees. This method is especially beneficial for metal surfaces, removing rust without damaging the substrate. The etch created by the blast provides an adhesion profile that is ideal for painting or powder coating. MontiPower’s power tools also allow for stripping and prepping in less time. It is crucial for facility efficiency and can help reduce hazardous waste generation at the site. Read more exciting articles on Ebeak.
