Aluminium Oxide Sandblasting
Aluminum oxide sandblasting is a surface treatment technique that involves forcibly propelling aluminum oxide particles at high speed onto a surface to remove contaminants, roughen, or shape it. This process is also known as abrasive blasting or media blasting.
The aluminum oxide abrasive material is typically made of small, sharp-edged grains of aluminum oxide mineral that are classified by their particle size and shape. It is an excellent choice for sandblasting due to its high hardness, durability, and ability to fracture upon impact, which generates new sharp edges to continue the blasting action.
To perform the sandblasting process, a sandblaster machine is used, which includes a tank to hold the abrasive material, a hose to deliver the abrasive material to the blaster nozzle, and a compressor to generate the air pressure needed to propel the abrasive particles.
During the sandblasting process, the nozzle is aimed at the surface to be treated, and compressed air is released through the nozzle, propelling the aluminum oxide particles at high speeds towards the surface. The force of impact effectively removes any contaminants, rust, corrosion, or coatings present on the surface.
Aluminum oxide sandblasting is commonly used in various industries such as automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction because it can effectively clean, prepare, or create a textured surface on a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, composites, and ceramics. However, safety precautions must be taken when using this technique, including wearing protective clothing, respiratory equipment, and ensuring proper ventilation in the workspace.