Aluminum Blasting
Blasting approaches tailored to aluminum that minimize material loss and deformation due to its soft structure.
Overview
Aluminum is a lightweight (roughly one-third the density of steel/copper), non-toxic, non-magnetic, spark-free metal. Its ease of forging, machining and casting, combined with the protective effect of the natural oxide layer that forms on its surface, gives it a wide range of applications from aerospace to automotive, from refrigeration to kitchenware.
Aluminum blasting is performed for surface cleaning, removal of old coatings, surface renewal, or to achieve a specific texture. Because of the material's soft structure, abrasive selection is critical: hard, sharp-edged abrasives can cause unwanted pitting and deformation on the surface. The result also depends on selecting each component of the pressure blasting system (compressor, air tank, dryer, pot, nozzle) correctly and keeping the pressure constant throughout blasting.
Recommended Abrasives for Aluminum
- Glass Beads — low abrasion, the option with the least risk of surface deformation
- Stainless Steel Shot — controlled, repeatable surface roughness
- Ceramic Beads — balanced cleaning power
- Plastic Abrasive / Blasting Soda / Walnut Shell Granules — gentler, less aggressive alternatives depending on the purpose
Since aluminum is a soft metal, the relatively soft abrasives listed above should be preferred over hard/angular abrasives. Contact Saykar to select the machine and consumable best suited to your application.
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