Pros and Cons of Media Blasting
Not all cleaning projects can be accomplished using soap, water and hard work. There are some substances, such as rust, graffiti and years of accrued gunk that just need a little something else. That’s where media blasting comes in. Media blasting is a process that uses tiny particles, combined with high air pressure, to clean a variety of surfaces. There are several different forms of media blasting, from using harder substances like minerals and metals, to using softer substances, such as nut shells or synthetic compounds. Each have their advantages and drawbacks. At AR Iron, we have the knowledge and experience to work with each of these mediums. Read on to see the pros and cons of media blasting and how this process can be useful to your needs in and around Las Vegas.
How Media Blasting Works
By using fine particles in a high-pressure air stream, media blasting can clean virtually any surface with precision. It will also keep said surface intact, even under high pressure and friction. The ability of this process to not damage the surface being worked on depends on which abrasive is being used. For instance, if you wish to clean a brick wall, you would use a biological abrasive such as ground nut shells or seeds. This will clean any dirt or graffiti off the brick, while not damaging the quality of the surface. Conversely, if you wish to blast the rust off of your bumper, you might want to consider a very hard abrasive such as aluminum oxide.
The Benefits of Media Blasting
The upside of media blasting is getting pretty much any job done. Due to the wide array of particles that can be used, the list of potential targets is virtually endless. It is highly effective, relatively simple and, depending on the abrasive used, can be ecologically friendly. Biodegradable substances such as fruit seeds, nut shells and some minerals are frequently used and easily disposed of. Furthermore, due to the use of blasting cabinets and blasting rooms, the inherent mess made by the dust formed can be easily contained and cleaned up.
The Safety Risks
There are some safety risks that come with media blasting, however. Sand was the primarily used medium for decades, until health risks related to breathing in the sand particles were revealed. Now, sand is not used in mainstream blasting and is, in fact, illegal to use in most countries. Other safer minerals, namely garnet, has replaced sand as the most common mineral used. Additionally, hard metals such as steel or copper could produce hot sparks and shoots, potentially causing serious burns. Dust emitted from these projects could result in a potentially combustible atmosphere, and concerns such as unstable footing and heat exhaustion will also cause concern. Blasting chambers and blasting rooms have lessened these threats considerably, and safety precautions should always be taken when undergoing any project.
AR Iron
At AR Iron, we have all the know-how and experience for any type of media blasting you may need. Whether it is metal furniture that needs refinishing, a bumper that wants a younger look or even a computer circuit board that needs cleaning, we know just the right medium to use and how to use it. We have our own on-site blasting room for bigger projects that is over 3,100 cubic feet in area. If you think you may have a project or two that could benefit from our expertise in media blasting, contact us today. We have proudly served our neighbors in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, for more than 25 years and we would love to assist you with your next project.
