The Role and Characteristics of Ceramic Sandblasting

Ceramic sandblasting involves high-pressure air injection onto the surface of a workpiece, which results in impact polishing for fine surface treatment. This process effectively removes impurities, discoloration, and oxidation layers while simultaneously roughening the surface, thus eliminating residual stresses and enhancing substrate hardness. The end result is improved aesthetics and durability of the object. In simpler terms, the main functions of ceramic sandblasting include:

1. Deburring: This is akin to conventional polishing. Sandblasting removes surface burrs by impacting them.

2. Dirt Removal: Common applications include rust removal, oxidation layer removal, and mold debris. In essence, it eliminates unwanted elements to make the workpiece appear uniform, shiny, and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Preparation for Coating: Using ceramic sand, it efficiently improves surface roughness, thus significantly enhancing adhesion. This leads to longer lifespans for coatings and electroplating.

4. Enhancing Surface Hardness: Sandblasting strengthening improves a product's mechanical properties. It's commonly applied to surface treatment for components like aerospace parts and special gears.

Experimentation with different sandblasting media was carried out using a sandblasting machine of uniform type, consistent air pressure, identical blasting distance, and workpieces of the same roughness. The test materials were selected from stainless steel and titanium alloy components.

• Walnut Shell and Plastic Particle Blasting: After 15 seconds of impact on the test objects, surface examination revealed minimal changes, with the sand material deforming significantly.

• Glass Bead Blasting: Inspection of the workpiece surface after 15 seconds showed a slightly matte appearance with a faint glimmer. About 75% of the sand material was broken and unsuitable for reuse.

• Stainless Steel or Steel Wire Cut Shot Blasting: After 15 seconds of impact, the workpiece surface exhibited uneven dimples, devoid of gloss or matte areas. The sand material was reusable.

• Alumina-Based Blasting: The workpiece surface, after 15 seconds of impact, showed no signs of gloss or matte regions.

• Zirconia Silicate Bead Blasting: After 15 seconds of impact, the workpiece surface was entirely matte, exceptionally even, and produced a remarkable effect. The sand material remained unbroken and reusable (for approximately 20-30 uses).

In summary, from the experiments, the following insights can be derived:

1. Diverse Effects of Different Sandblasting Media: Dynamically, using the same propelling force on particles with similar diameters but different densities yields varying velocities and impact forces, resulting in distinct effects.

2. Ceramic Sand Efficiency: Ceramic sand is cost-effective and requires fewer changeovers, thereby improving production efficiency. It resists deformation during sandblasting, producing no dust or metal contamination, maintaining a clean working environment and safeguarding employee health.

3. High-Quality Finish Compared to Glass Sand: Ceramic sand yields a higher level of smoothness and lifespan (approximately 20 times longer).

4. Improved Finish and No Metallic Residue Compared to Steel Shot: Ceramic sand provides superior quality with a longer lifespan, doesn't introduce iron element contamination, or leave metal dust on the workpiece. It also restores the natural color of the metal.

5. Between Glass Sand and Steel Shot in Terms of Density: Ceramic sand has intermediate density and greater hardness. In the blasting intensity range, it effectively covers both ends of the scale between glass sand and steel shot.

6. Well-Suited for Metal Sandblasting and Strengthening: Ceramic sand offers moderate weight and high hardness, making it suitable for metal sandblasting strengthening and forming.

7. Low Dust Production and Safe for Workers: Ceramic sand maintains its shape and doesn't wear out during usage, ensuring consistent sandblasting quality during mass production.

8. High Sphericity and Minimal Equipment Wear: Ceramic sand's high sphericity and smooth surface minimize equipment wear.

In application, ceramic sandblasting serves to enhance the gloss, polish, and aesthetics of products, resulting in a smoother and non-reflective surface finish. It is useful for cleaning and polishing rough castings and mechanical parts, eliminating burrs, and achieving an even, consistent metal appearance while improving mechanical properties.

Summary

Ceramic sandblasting is a versatile technique that offers a range of benefits:

• Efficiently cleans and polishes cast and forged parts, removing residual impurities and enhancing their aesthetics.

• Eliminates minor burrs and improves surface smoothness.

• Enhances the mechanical properties of components.

• Provides different levels of gloss and matte finishes for specific purposes.

• Reduces stress and strengthens surfaces.

• Minimizes dust production and is safe for workers.

• Maintains consistent blasting quality during mass production.

• Resistant to deformation and equipment wear, ensuring prolonged usability.

• Ideal for metal strengthening and forming processes.