Difference between Shot Blasting and Sandblasting

Abrasive blasting clean is a common method of industrial cleaning. The principle of abrasive blast cleaning is to shoot streams of abrasive media on the surface of the workpiece and break down the surface layer. In this way, the underlayer will be cleaned. In the past decades, abrasive blasting cleaning has been adopted more commonly. Therefore,  specific technology and abrasive related services have come into being. Shot blasting and sandblasting are two of the examples. Here we’ll talk about the difference between shot blasting and sandblasting.  

What is shot blasting?

Shot blasting is a popular cleaning method which uses centrifugal or mechanical force to shoot abrasive media stream on the surface rapidly. The force is usually gained through rotary turbine wheels. Different abrasive media might be used in the shot blasting machine. It depends on the surface of the workpiece and nature of the project. Steel is the most common abrasive, while glass,  plastic, and even aluminum oxide would be used sometimes.

What is sandblasting?

At first, the sand was the only abrasive material in the cleaning process, thus, it is called sandblasting. Currently, sand is already replaced by other abrasive materials. Using compressed air as a power source,  sandblasting room shoots high-pressure abrasive materials to the targeted surface to clean oil, dirt, etc.

Difference between Shot Blasting and Sandblasting

The main difference between shot blasting and sandblasting is the mechanism of propelling the abrasive media stream. Through shot blasting,  centrifugal or mechanical force is used. While in sandblasting, compressed air is used.

It is hard to say which method is better because the two methods are often used to deal with different objects. When cleaning soft and sensitive materials,  sandblasting is better. That’s because sandblasting can not only effectively clean the surface but also improve the mechanical profile of the surface. Shot blasting is more effective when cleaning tougher materials.

Qinggong Machinery has both shot blasting machine and sandblasting room for sale. Please contact us,  we can give you more professional advice.