How Does A Sandblaster Work
If you are new to sandblasting, it is important that you be able to answer the question: How does a sandblaster work? There are different types of sandblasters but they all work on the same principles. Fine particles of silica sand or a replacement material are used to clean, smooth, or erode a surface of any unwanted substance. This could be rust, an old paint job, or a weathered outer surface.
This is achieved by using an air-powered gun that spits out the sand particles at a very high velocity. All sandblasters have this gun, and it is a central component to the sandblasting process. It is a pressurized gun with a ceramic barrel or some other interior coating that stops the sand from eroding it. All guns share these features, but what differs is the process by which the eroding particles are introduced into the gun. This depends on the type of sandblaster in question.
Gravity-Fed Sandblasters
These models consist of three parts: an air tank or compressor, a hand-held pressure gun with an air hose, and a hopper. The hose attaches to the air tank and the hopper fills up with the sand substance to be blasted. As soon as the trigger of the gun is pressed, all of the compressed air is released, firing through the gun. Simultaneously, the place where the hopper and gun are connected opens, so that the air speeding through the gun pulls sand down through this opening and out the barrel to the desired surface. The sand is pulled downwards into the gun by the force of gravity.
Pressure Blaster
You may still be asking yourself: well, how does a sandblaster work if it’s not a gravity-fed blaster? Another type of sandblaster is the pressure blaster, the easiest but most expensive type to use. They are comprised of a canister of sand under very high pressure. A sandblasting gun is connected to a port on the canister, usually at the top. It is connected by a special, reinforced hose that won’t erode from the force of the sand. When the gun’s trigger is pulled, the air and the sand get powerfully forced out as a mixed entity. The canister has to be replaced when it empties, which is what makes this so expensive. The sand cannot be collected afterwards to use again.
Siphon Sandblaster
This is the most cost effective sandblasting equipment. The sandblaster parts consist of a sandblasting gun with two different hoses: one is connected to the bottom of the handle and the second is attached to the bottom of the barrel. There is an air tank and a reservoir for the loose sand particles. The air hose and compressor are connected while the second hose attaches to the underside of the reservoir container. When the trigger of the gun is pressed, the air creates a suction, pulling the sand up the hose from its reservoir and through the gun. You can collect the sand afterward to re-use.
Now that you understand the basic mechanics behind these types of sandblasters, you have an answer ready when someone asks you “How does a sandblaster work?” Further, you can make an educated decision about which type of sandblasting machinery will work best for you.
