Media Cabinet Blasting

What is Media Cabinet Blasting?

A media blaster propels abrasive media from an air powered media blast gun. Media blasting is a very efficient way of removing debris from the surface of parts or preparing a surface for painting or other finishes. … A search on the Internet for “media blaster” or “sandblast cabinet” gives you a lot of information.

Media Cabinet Blasting vs Chemical Stripping

When it comes to prepping and cleaning your project’s surface, there are two widely-used techniques to consider: abrasive media blasting and chemical cleaning. While both options have been used on projects large and small among various industries, the benefits of blasting are known to outweigh those of chemically-induced removal in the majority of instances. Let’s take a closer look.

The Benefits of Abrasive Blasting

It’s less likely to damage the underlying surface: Chemical stripping can permanently damage the integrity of a project’s surface when applied incorrectly. Chemical damage can also be hard to detect immediately. Sometimes, corrosion appears long after the initial cleaning, resulting in unexpected costs in order to remediate. While there is a chance that your abrasive blasting can create unwanted changes on a surface if pressure is applied for too long, damage to the integrity of the material itself is less likely.
It’s safer for operators: With the correct abrasive media blasting, there’s little to no risk of inhaling toxic chemicals that could cause long-term health effects, nor is there risk of exposure to toxic chemicals that could burn and damage skin. Naturally, you want your team to have as minimal a risk for injury as possible. Abrasive media blasting is also safer for end users or those that will interact with the project in its final location; chemical residue, on the other hand, can remain on a surface long after its initial application.
It’s environmentally-friendly: Abrasive blasting uses machinery that can be used for years and years, and the media required for this type of surface cleaning is often naturally-occurring, like walnut shell grit, and corn cob grit. Chemical cleaning, on the other hand, requires non-reusable matter that can be dangerous to human health and the environment.
It’s more efficient: Chemical cleaning often requires a second manual step where the residue is brushed or scrubbed off the surface. This step isn’t necessary with abrasive blasting, which doesn’t leave as much residue if any at all.
It can be done in a controlled environment: Abrasive media blasting is typically conducted within enclosed machines known as cabinets. A project can be inserted inside the cabinet and blasting takes place inside. Chemical cleaning, on the other hand, may require the direct application of chemicals in an open environment.