Abrasive Blast
The foundational process of surface preparation directly impacts the adhesion, durability, and overall performance of aerospace components and medical devices. Abrasive blasting, a pivotal technique in surface preparation, stands out for its ability to meticulously clean and condition surfaces for subsequent treatments.
Understanding Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting is a surface preparation technique that involves propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure. This method is employed to remove contaminants, such as rust, scale, and other impurities, leaving behind a clean, textured surface that enhances coating adhesion. Different types of abrasive media, including glass beads, aluminum oxide, and steel grit, are chosen based on the specific requirements of the surface and the desired finish.
The Process And Types Of Abrasive Media
The process begins with selecting the appropriate abrasive media, which is crucial for achieving the desired outcome without damaging the substrate. For delicate surfaces, softer media like glass beads are preferred, while harder materials like aluminum oxide are used for more resilient surfaces requiring aggressive treatment.
The choice of media, along with the blasting pressure and angle, is meticulously calibrated to ensure optimal surface preparation, tailored to the unique needs of each project. Abrasive blasting is more than just cleaning; it’s a precise operation that enhances surface properties for better coating adherence and longevity.
Benefits Of Abrasive Blasting
Our state-of-the-art facilities and skilled technicians ensure that every project benefits from enhanced adhesion, improved surface finishes, and the efficiency that our clients demand.
Enhanced Adhesion For Coatings And Treatments
One of the primary benefits of abrasive blasting is the significant improvement it brings to the adhesion of coatings and surface treatments. By creating a uniform and rough surface texture, abrasive blasting ensures that coatings bond more effectively to the surface. This enhanced adhesion is crucial for aerospace and medical devices, where the longevity and durability of coatings can directly impact the performance and safety of the final product.
Improved Surface Finish And Product Lifespan
Abrasive blasting not only prepares surfaces for coatings but also improves their overall finish. The process effectively removes surface defects, leading to a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing finish. Moreover, by eliminating contaminants and creating a more adhesive surface, abrasive blasting extends the lifespan of the product.
Efficiency And Versatility In Surface Preparation
Capable of treating a wide range of materials and surface conditions, abrasive blasting offers a quicker and more comprehensive solution than manual cleaning methods. Whether it’s preparing large aerospace components or intricate medical devices, abrasive blasting can be adapted to meet specific requirements, saving both time and resources.
Competence At Valence
Our comprehensive capabilities in abrasive blasting underscore our commitment to excellence and innovation. Our customized solutions, advanced technology, and unwavering focus on quality make us the preferred partner for aerospace and medical device manufacturers seeking superior surface treatment services.
Customized Solutions For Aerospace And Medical Devices
Our capabilities extend beyond standard treatments, offering customized abrasive blasting solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each project. Whether it’s a critical aerospace component requiring precise texture specifications or a medical device needing a contamination-free surface, we have the expertise and technology to deliver optimal results.
Advanced Equipment And Skilled Technicians
Our facilities are equipped with advanced abrasive blasting equipment, capable of handling a wide range of materials and component sizes. Coupled with our team of skilled technicians who possess deep knowledge in surface technologies, we ensure that every project is executed with the highest level of precision and care.
Our technicians are trained to select the right abrasive media and parameters to achieve the desired surface quality, ensuring consistency and reliability in every job.
Quality Assurance And Industry Compliance
Our abrasive blasting processes are rigorously monitored and controlled to meet the stringent quality standards of the aerospace and medical industries. We are committed to delivering services that not only comply with industry regulations but exceed our clients’ expectations in terms of quality, reliability, and performance.
Applications Of Abrasive Blast In Aerospace And Medical Devices
Our ability to provide customized, high-quality surface treatments makes us a key partner in the aerospace and medical industries, where the quality of surface preparation can significantly impact the performance and reliability of the final product.
Aerospace Component Preparation
Abrasive blasting plays a crucial role in preparing aircraft components for further processing and coating applications. By removing oxides, contaminants, and creating a surface profile that enhances coating adhesion, abrasive blasting ensures that these components can withstand extreme environments and stress.
Medical Device Surface Treatment
For medical devices, abrasive blasting is used to prepare the device’s surface for coatings that promote biocompatibility, or to create textures that enhance tissue adhesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can be used as abrasive media?
Media includes sand, glass beads, steel shots, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, plastic beads, and baking soda, among others.
What safety precautions are necessary for abrasive blasting?
Safety gear such as respirators, protective clothing, gloves, and eye and ear protection are essential to protect from inhalation hazards and flying debris.
What surfaces can be treated with abrasive blasting?
Metal, wood, concrete, stone, fiberglass, and plastic surfaces can all be treated, depending on the media and technique used.
Can abrasive blasting remove rust?
Yes, it is highly effective in removing rust and corrosion from metal surfaces.
How do I choose the right abrasive media?
The choice depends on the surface material, the condition of the surface, the desired finish, and environmental considerations.
What is the difference between wet and dry abrasive blasting?
Wet blasting uses water to dampen dust and reduce airborne particles, while dry blasting does not use water, often resulting in more dust.
Can abrasive blasting be used for delicate surfaces?
Yes, using softer media like baking soda or walnut shells can gently clean delicate surfaces without damage.
How do I dispose of used abrasive media?
Disposal depends on the media type and local environmental regulations; it may involve recycling, hazardous waste disposal, or landfilling.
What are the benefits of abrasive blasting over chemical cleaning?
Abrasive blasting is faster, more efficient, can reach difficult areas, and doesn’t involve hazardous chemicals.
Can abrasive blasting be used for automotive restoration?
Yes, it’s an effective method for removing paint, rust, and body filler in automotive restoration projects.
Shot Peen and Blasting Services
Saturation Peen
Saturation peen refers peening the entire surface of a part, to enhance fatigue resistance. Based on our equipment capability, we can support large quantity orders, or individual parts with a large surface area.
Peen Forming
Peen forming is the process of using small steel shot to change the curvature of a part.
Abrasive Blast / Abrasive Clean
- Abrasive Blast / Abrasive Clean – Abrasive blasting and cleaning is used to smooth, or to roughen a surface.
- Aluminum Oxide – Aluminum oxide is a commonly used abrasive for blast finishing and surface preparation.
- Glass Bead Blasting – Glass bead blasting refers to circular glass shot that create a softer, brighter finish on surfaces.
- Plastic Media – Plastic media is a soft shot type that is the preferred and nondestructive way to strip coatings and paint from delicate parts, without compromising part integrity.
Shot Peen and Blast Sizes
| Valence Eastman | L | Valence Wichita | L | Valence Grove | L | Valence Los Angeles | L | Valence Seattle | L | Valence Everett | L | Valence Paramount | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasive Blast | 5' | Abrasive Blast | 14' | Glass Bead | 10' | Abrasive Blast | 32' | Abrasive Blast | 4' | Abrasive Blast | 12' | Abrasive Blast | 40' |
| Part Mark | No Limit | Glass Bead | 5' | Part Mark | No limit | Glass Bead | 6' | Glass Bead | 3' | Glass Bead | 12' | Glass Bead | 50' |
| Shot Peen | 5' | Part Mark | No limit | Shot Peen | 3' | Plastic Media | 6' | Part Mark | No limit | Part Mark | No limit | Shot Peen | 50' |
| Shot Peen | 12 | Part Mark | No limit | Plastic Bead Blast | 2.5' | Shot Peen | 30' | Shot Peen Form | 40' | ||||
| Shot Peen | 6' |
Shot Peen and Blasting News
Valence Surface Technologies achieves Nadcap accreditation for a new shot peen plant in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle, Washington and The Woodlands, Texas -- Valence Surface Technologies (Valence), the world’s largest independent provider of metal processing and finishing services in the aerospace and defense industry, has received Nadcap accreditation for its new state of...