From Dust to Brilliance: The Liquid Sandblasting Transformation

July 30, 2024

Since the advent of sandblasting in 1870, the technology has rapidly developed in industrial fields. Today, it is widely used across various industries. However, with its extensive use, the drawbacks of traditional dry sandblasting have become apparent, particularly the severe dust pollution and its significant health hazards for workers. To address these issues, liquid sandblasting was introduced.

Liquid sandblasting revolutionizes the traditional dry sandblasting method by placing abrasive sand in water. Using a slurry pump and compressed air, the slurry is sprayed at high speed onto the workpiece through a spray gun, achieving surface cleaning and finishing. Liquid sandblasting is highly efficient, consumes less abrasive, improves the surface finish and strength of workpieces, and fundamentally reduces environmental pollution. The equipment is easy to install and does not require a separate workroom, making it suitable for direct installation on production lines.Since its introduction, liquid sandblasting has been well received by customers and is widely used in various industries, including aerospace, electronics, 3D printing, gear molds, hardware machinery, automotive, and medical devices.So, what are the roles of liquid sandblasting?

Cleaning Cast Surfaces: Liquid sandblasting effectively removes the oxide layer and residues from cast surfaces while polishing them to improve surface smoothness. This method is particularly economical and effective for complex, net-shape castings, such as turbine blades in jet engines. For die-cast parts, liquid sandblasting reveals a uniform metallic color, enhancing the parts' appearance. Liquid peening can further improve surface hardness and corrosion resistance, as well as beautify the surfaces of instrument casings and frames.
Removing Oxide Scale: After heat treatment, liquid sandblasting efficiently removes oxide scale and residual salts, enhancing surface smoothness. It is especially effective for complex molds and precision parts. For example, liquid sandblasting prolongs the life of files after heat treatment without damaging their cutting edges. This process is invaluable for industries that rely heavily on precision tools and molds, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Removing Micro Burrs from Machined Parts: Burrs, though small, can cause significant harm. As technology advances, mechanical parts are becoming more complex, with higher precision requirements. In industries such as textiles, hydraulics, aerospace, and medical devices, where burrs are not tolerated, liquid sandblasting is an efficient and high-quality method for deburring. It can also create small rounded corners at surface intersections, a common requirement for many mechanical parts. This precise control over surface finishing is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of high-precision components.
Cleaning Contaminants and Rust: Various molds, such as forging, stamping, rubber, tire, plastic, and glass molds, inevitably accumulate release agents and burn marks over time. Liquid sandblasting effectively cleans these contaminants, extending the molds' lifespan. It also meets medical sterilization requirements for food molds and restores old mechanical parts to like-new condition. This restoration capability is particularly beneficial for industries looking to refurbish and reuse expensive equipment, reducing costs and waste.
Preparing Surfaces for Other Treatments: Pre-treatment with liquid sandblasting before electroplating significantly enhances the adhesion of the plating layer. This is especially evident for hard chrome plating, such as on engine piston rings and textile machine rollers. For painted or sprayed parts, liquid sandblasting before coating increases the adhesion of the coating, improving bonding quality and strength. This step ensures that subsequent treatments are more effective, leading to higher quality and durability of the finished products.
Polishing: As a polishing method, liquid sandblasting is highly effective, particularly for parts with complex shapes like impellers and turbine blades. It is also economical for polishing molds for coins, ceramics, and diamonds. The ability to achieve a high degree of polish without damaging intricate details makes liquid sandblasting an invaluable tool in precision manufacturing and high-end production.
Creating Non-Reflective Decorative Surfaces: Liquid sandblasting produces non-reflective surfaces, making it ideal for parts that require smooth but non-reflective finishes, such as surgical instruments. It is also used for frosted glassware, instrument panels, plastic drawing paper, and single crystal silicon surfaces. The versatility of achieving both aesthetic and functional surface qualities expands the applications of liquid sandblasting in various fields.
Improving Mechanical Performance: Mechanical parts such as gears, crankshafts, textile machinery, and sewing machines benefit from liquid sandblasting. It improves surface smoothness by 0.5-1 grade and creates micro pits that retain lubricant, enhancing lubrication and extending part life. Liquid peening significantly increases fatigue strength and corrosion resistance, and exposes surface defects, aiding in crack detection. This comprehensive improvement in mechanical performance is essential for extending the operational lifespan of critical components.

What Are the Advantages of Liquid Sandblasting in Modern Industry?

Expanding further on the significance of liquid sandblasting in modern industries, we must also consider its environmental benefits. Traditional dry sandblasting generates a significant amount of dust, which not only poses health risks to workers but also contributes to environmental pollution. Liquid sandblasting, by incorporating water into the process, effectively eliminates dust generation, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative. This reduction in airborne particles is crucial in maintaining a cleaner and safer workplace.Moreover, the water used in liquid sandblasting serves as a cooling agent, preventing overheating of the workpieces. This is particularly beneficial for materials that are sensitive to high temperatures. The cooling effect not only protects the integrity of the material but also enhances the efficiency of the sandblasting process. By maintaining lower temperatures, liquid sandblasting reduces the risk of thermal damage and warping, which can be critical in precision manufacturing.Liquid sandblasting also allows for the recycling and reuse of abrasive materials. In dry sandblasting, abrasives often become contaminated and are discarded after a single use. In contrast, the water in liquid sandblasting captures and settles contaminants, allowing for the abrasive particles to be filtered and reused. This not only reduces material costs but also minimizes waste, contributing to more sustainable manufacturing practices.In addition to its industrial applications, liquid sandblasting is also used in the restoration of historical artifacts and monuments. The gentle yet effective cleaning action of liquid sandblasting makes it ideal for removing accumulated dirt, corrosion, and old paint from delicate surfaces without causing damage. This method has been employed in the preservation of cultural heritage sites, where maintaining the original integrity of materials is paramount.Furthermore, liquid sandblasting can be tailored to specific needs by adjusting the type of abrasive used. Different abrasives can achieve various levels of surface finish and cleanliness, making the process highly versatile. For instance, softer abrasives can be used for gentle cleaning of soft metals and plastics, while harder abrasives are suitable for tougher cleaning tasks on harder materials. This adaptability ensures that liquid sandblasting can meet the diverse requirements of multiple industries.In summary, the advantages of liquid sandblasting extend beyond just the immediate improvements in surface quality and operational efficiency. Its environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and applications in both industrial and cultural preservation contexts underscore its value as a modern technological advancement. As industries continue to seek methods that balance productivity with sustainability, liquid sandblasting stands out as a prime example of innovation meeting these dual goals. Its ability to enhance performance, reduce environmental impact, and provide cost savings ensures that liquid sandblasting will remain a cornerstone in both current and future manufacturing practices. The ongoing development and refinement of this technology will likely lead to even more applications and further improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.