Sandblasted Aluminum Extrusion Profile Guide
Sandblasted Aluminum Extrusion Profile Guide
Sandblasting is a surface finish or surface topography. Also known as sandblasting, it blasts the surface with sand grains. This process uses powered machines. High pressure must be applied to the surface using air compressors and sandblasters to blast coarse particles. hit the surface, they create a smoother, more uniform texture.
With sandblasting, the abrasive properties of the sand are transformed into a smoother surface with minimal visible defects and imperfections. It is similar to sandpaper in that when rubbing an area, the sand removes some of the top layer material. This results in a smoother texture .
Sandblasting prepares the surface for coating application. Use temporary climate control solutions to keep temperatures or relative humidity levels low. It removes excess moisture that can hinder the application and drying of the protective coating. Exposing bare metal to the environment makes it susceptible to oxidation. Therefore, control of temperature and humidity is essential when preparing metal surfaces.
There is a compartment on top of the sandblaster to distribute the sand. It attaches to a traditional air compressor cap. By activating the air compressor, the sand is propelled through the hand-held nozzle. Sand pressure may vary by setting. It can range from 50 to 130 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Sand "blasts" the entire surface with its abrasive properties. It produces a smoother surface. A prime example of a blasting material is concrete. Sandblasting is done after the concrete has been placed and allowed to dry. This process removes some excess material from the concrete, making it smoother.
What to Consider When Sandblasting Aluminum Profiles?
Here are some pro tips we can share.
Tip #1: Choose the right blasting media.
Glass beads and baking soda are best for strip coats that won't damage the surface. When you need to leave an outline for repainting, use cullet or aluminum oxide. Although alumina is more expensive than cullet, it is faster. We do not recommend the use of steel-based blasting media with aluminum surfaces. It can impregnate aluminum surfaces and cause corrosion. Use glass bead media for a polished look. Other options may affect the cost-effectiveness and final appearance of the product.
Tip #2: Apply blasting pressure.
Aluminum sheets have the potential to be used for thinner thicknesses. Therefore, they may have a tendency to warp when blasting. By starting with a very low pressure setting and gradually increasing the pressure, you can avoid warping or noticeable indentation on the product surface. It produces a burst pressure of approximately 50 – 60 PSI.
Tip #3: Complete a small dot test.
Each specific project has its own unique factors to consider. Completing a small test blast will eventually result in a given blast medium. Also, the pressure will provide the time needed to explode. It facilitates proper bidding of blasting jobs and ensures satisfactory results for the chosen medium and pressure.
What makes sandblasting beneficial?
Sandblasting is inexpensive and reusable. It provides additional economic advantages. It effectively cleans surfaces better and faster than conventional techniques. This process removes rust from metal surfaces.
The surface of the workpiece has a certain degree of cleanliness and different roughness due to the impact and cutting action of sand.
Sandblasting improves the mechanical properties of the aluminum profiles surface. In addition, the following make this surface treatment a whole: improve the fatigue resistance of the aluminum profiles, increase the adhesion between the aluminum profiles and the coating,
Extends coating durability, paint flow and finish.
This surface finish has its own unique challenges. In summary, we can achieve the best results by: Selecting the appropriate blasting media, such as glass beads, soda water, or alumina; starting with low pressure and increasing gradually; completing a test area before blasting the entire product surface .
In every process, there will always be problems. When dealing with metals such as aluminum, it can be complex, precise, and rigorous. Therefore, taking proper, careful and judicious steps in selecting, combining and applying materials will yield the best results.
For your aluminum profiles needs, Kamikawa Precision offers custom products. Check out our product pages to see what we can offer or contact us at (salesglobal@Kamikawa Precision-enclosure.com).
