Sandblasting Tips for Metal Fabrication Interns
Taking an internship in an industrial fabricating company is an exciting experience especially if you enjoy the practical sessions of your college curriculum. It provides you with a hands-on opportunity to practice everything you have learnt in the school about sandblasting. Additionally, you get to hone your sandblasting skills under the supervision of experienced fabricators. However, you need to show that you are capable of holding your own with sandblasting activities especially if you want to get a permanent job after graduating. This article provides sandblasting tips that will set you apart from your peers.
Clean the Surface -- At times, excitement might get the best of beginners, and they might forget to clean the surface of metal before sandblasting. However, dirty and greasy surfaces require more abrasive medium which makes the sandblasting process to take longer. No supervisor will employ a prospect that wastes time and abrasive medium because of the cost implications. Therefore, it is essential to clean the surface of metal before doing anything else. If the metal surface has decals, tapes or stickers, make sure that you remove these as well. You will cut sandblasting time by half and make efficient use of the abrasive material.
Protect Bolt Threads -- Bolts make up most machinery that might require to be sandblasted. Even though they are inexpensive, most workshops prefer to sandblast rusty bolts rather than buy new ones. It goes a long way towards helping a client to save costs. However, it is critical to remember that the threads on a bolt are essential for secure fastening. Therefore, you should protect the threads from the sandblasting abrasive medium. An ingenious way to do it is by sliding a plastic tubing over the bolt. The plastic tubing will protect the threads from damage and make the bolts usable.
Drain Moisture From Blasting Equipment -- Sandblasting equipment uses compressed air to provide the required pressure. After a piece of equipment is used, moisture will collect inside the compressor, the hose and on the nozzle if the air is not drained. If you start sandblasting while humidity is present in the above areas, then the sand will cake and clog the hose and the nozzle. Therefore, it is vital to drain the moisture every day before you use the sandblasting equipment. For example, force compressed air through the hose to blow the water droplets out. Alternatively, drain the compressor of air at the end of the day to prevent moisture buildup.
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