Rough, corroded or poorly prepared metal surfaces are costly in terms of time, rework and durability. How can you guarantee optimal surface treatment before painting, coating or welding? Sandblasting, a proven abrasive blasting technique, offers a precise and flexible industrial solution. Discover how this process, used in aerospace, automotive and medical applications, removes burrs, oxidation and residues while controlling roughness. With Finishtech, an expert based in Reims, explore the keys to choosing the abrasives, equipment and configurations suited to your constraints, combining safety, performance and French know-how.
- What is sandblasting? Definition and fundamental principle
- The many applications of industrial sandblasting
- The strategic choice of abrasives: a key performance factor
- Sandblasting equipment: which machines for which needs?
- Sandblasting, shot blasting, soft blasting: how to choose the right process?
- Safety and good practice: the golden rules of industrial sandblasting
- Finishtech expertise: your partner for optimal surface treatment
What is sandblasting? Definition and fundamental principle
Definition of a historic industrial process
Sandblasting is an industrial surface cleaning technique using abrasive blasting. The process consists of projecting particles at high speed through a nozzle using compressed air. The term comes from the original use of sand as an abrasive, a technique patented by Benjamin Chew Tilghman in 1870. Although silica sand was the first abrasive used, the health risks associated with crystalline silica led to its replacement by alternative solutions.
The main purpose of sandblasting: preparing and modifying the surface
This metal surface treatment aims to strip, remove oxidation and eliminate weak surface layers such as paint or rust. The major technical objective of sandblasting is to create a controlled roughness, generally between 6.3 and 12.5, which improves the adhesion of subsequent coatings. This pre-painting preparation is a critical step in industrial finishing processes. The process is part of the broader family of surface treatment techniques, complementing methods such as mass finishing that aim to optimize the properties of mechanical parts.
The many applications of industrial sandblasting
From stripping to aesthetic finishing
- Stripping and oxide removal : removes paint, rust and organic contaminants to restore the integrity of the metal.
- Creating roughness : optimizes the adhesion of paints, anti-corrosion coatings and adhesives through a controlled anchor profile.
- Deburring parts : removes metal burrs after machining on automotive or aerospace components.
- Aesthetic finishing : achieving a satin finish on stainless steel/aluminum welds through glass bead blasting.
- Precision engraving : marking serial numbers on glass, headstones or technical components.
Sandblasting adapts to a variety of requirements through the choice of abrasive and flow rate. It restores car chassis and prepares turbine blades in aerospace for thermal coatings.
Application sectors: from aerospace to medical
In the medical field, low-pressure sandblasting with 27µm alumina is used to treat titanium or zirconia implants. It removes saline contaminants and creates micro-retentions for bone adhesion. Bio-based abrasives such as 25µm glycine clean the tissue around implants.
In aerospace, blasting with corundum (9 on the Mohs scale) prepares steel blades for anti-corrosion treatments. Magnetic abrasives such as JetMag allow stripping in ATEX Category 2 zones.
Low-pressure sandblasting (2-7 bar) prepares surfaces before painting in the automotive industry. Bio-based abrasives (crushed walnut shells) prevent scratches on rims or thin sheet metal bodywork. ISO 8501-1 standards govern cleanliness for optimal coating durability.
The strategic choice of abrasives: a key performance factor
Why sand is (almost) no longer used
Sand, historically the most common abrasive material, has been abandoned because of its crystalline silica content. This substance causes an irreversible lung disease: silicosis. According to a study by Usine Nouvelle, this harmfulness has led to an almost universal rejection in favor of safe alternatives. Today, health regulations and modern alternatives guide this choice.
Overview of modern abrasives and their uses
| Type of abrasive | Characteristics | Main application | Target materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corundum | Angular, very hard (9 Mohs), available in brown, white or pink | Aggressive stripping, glass engraving, surface preparation before painting | Ferrous metals, stainless steel, aluminum, technical glass |
| Glass beads | Round, not very aggressive (5.5 Mohs), silica-free | Cleaning, satin finish (bead blasting) | Stainless steel, aluminum, plastics |
| Vitrified slag | Angular, economical, no ferrous contamination | General stripping, facade cleaning | Concrete, steel |
| Plant-based abrasives | Soft, biodegradable, various shapes | Gentle blasting of delicate surfaces, fine deburring | Wood, composites, soft metals |
| Silicon carbide | Extremely hard (9.5 Mohs), high thermal conductivity | “High-end” treatments, precision engraving | Ceramics, technical glass |
Modern abrasives stand out for their specialization. Very hard corundum excels at metal stripping. Glass beads are suited to aesthetic finishes. Plant-based abrasives meet environmental needs while preserving fragile materials. Silicon carbide, which withstands 1400°C, is the choice in aerospace and electronics. The choice depends on the balance between aggressiveness, cost and safety, reflecting manufacturers’ commitment to combining performance and regulatory compliance.
Sandblasting equipment: which machines for which needs?
The essential components of a sandblasting installation
Sandblasting relies on three elements : the compressor (with a dryer to prevent moisture), the sandblaster (suction or pressure blasting) and the nozzle. Suction systems are suited to low throughput, while pressure systems are used for heavy stripping.
Nozzles, such as boron carbide Venturi models, project the abrasive at 700 km/h. Some versions reduce noise while maintaining efficiency.
Glove boxes, open blasting: choosing the right configuration
For small parts, glove-box cabinets contain dust and recycle the abrasive with reinforced gloves and filtration. They are suitable for various abrasives such as slag or glass beads.
For large structures (beams, buildings), open blasting requires a powerful compressor and a protective suit. The operator uses a mobile blast pot under close supervision to limit the risks associated with dust.
Finishtech offers metal surface treatment machines suited to every need, from precision to industrial output, guaranteeing quality, safety and compliance.
Sandblasting, shot blasting, soft blasting: how to choose the right process?
Telling them apart to choose better
Sandblasting projects angular abrasives (corundum, garnet) at high pressure (7 bar+). It is used for heavy stripping (rust, paint) on metal structures or boat hulls. Shot blasting, with metal beads (steel shot), induces surface work hardening, strengthening the fatigue resistance of mechanical parts in automotive or aerospace applications. Soft blasting uses fine abrasives (glass beads, bicarbonate) at low pressure (0.5-4 bar), suited to fragile substrates such as glass, plastic or antique furniture.
Compare the methods in our detailed guide.
Selection criteria: pressure, abrasive and desired result
Remember four decisive parameters :
- Pressure: sandblasting/shot blasting (7 bar+) ensure deep cleaning; soft blasting (0.5-4 bar) preserves sensitive materials.
- Abrasive : angular grit (sandblasting) works in depth, spherical beads (shot blasting) improve hardness, soft abrasives (soft blasting) are reusable and environmentally friendly.
- Impact: sandblasting creates roughness (6.3 to 12.5 Ra) for adhesion. Shot blasting hardens surfaces. Soft blasting preserves the original geometry.
- Applications: sandblasting is used in the shipbuilding industry, shot blasting strengthens automotive springs, soft blasting restores works of art or precision finishes.
Your choice should take into account the material, the finishing objective (paint removal, mechanical strength) and environmental standards, with technical support in France for a suitable solution.
Safety and good practice: the golden rules of industrial sandblasting
Operator protection: an absolute priority
Industrial sandblasting involves respiratory risks (crystalline silica, lead) and physical risks (abrasive projections). The mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes:
- Positive pressure helmet (EN 14594 standard) : air filtration via a triple system (pre-filtration, activated carbon, desiccant)
- Blast suit with sealed cuffs
- Reinforced gloves against perforation by particles traveling at 200 m/s
- Integrated hearing protection (noise levels >100 dB)
Working in a cabinet reduces exposure to PM2.5 dust by 80% compared with open blasting. Initial training on the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for abrasives is mandatory.
Standards and waste management
Equipment must comply with the ISO 3861:2021 standard for hoses. Waste (used abrasives, lead residues, etc.) is classified as hazardous (HP14) :
- Collection in sealed bags (max 25 kg)
- Labeling with lead content (tests according to standard NF X 31-210)
- Storage in class 1 facilities (content >100 mg/kg)
Companies must declare hazardous waste flows on Trackdéchets or keep a register for 3 years. Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €750,000.
Finishtech expertise: your partner for optimal surface treatment
French know-how at your service
Based in Reims, Finishtech offers mass finishing solutions for demanding industries. With our British partner ActOn Finishing, we combine local expertise and proven technologies to meet finishing challenges : reducing burrs, improving shine or increasing the durability of parts.
Unlike competitors focused on raw technology, we favor a personalized approach. Our support includes the choice of abrasives, training and maintenance in France. This proximity has convinced major players such as Rolls Royce and H.C. Starck Ltd.
From audit to solution, we support you
Industrial finishing needs vary according to materials and objectives. At Finishtech, we guide you in selecting suitable machines (vibrators, centrifugal machines) and consumables. Our goal: optimize surface quality and productivity.
To discuss your project, get a free quote. Also discover our mass finishing machines designed for up to 80% time savings on manual deburring.
Sandblasting, an essential metal surface treatment technique, meets the requirements of the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors. Finishtech, based in Reims, offers you French expertise and customized solutions for tailor-made industrial finishing. Get a free quote or discover our mass finishing machines.
