Abrasive blasting (commonly known as sandblasting) remains the most efficient form of surface preparation. Grit blasting is essential to achieve both surface profile and surface cleanliness.
Storm Machinery’s range of blast pots are known for their versatility and durability. Browse our extensive range of sand blasting equipment and accessories.
BROWSE OUR ABRASIVE BLASTING CATEGORIES
About our blast pots
Storm Machinery’s sandblasting equipment and blast pots are renowned for their reliability and versatility. Each blast pot is verified and complies with SANS 347 pressure equipment regulations. Each sandblaster comes complete with a logbook and should be pressure tested every two years.
What is sandblasting / grit blasting?
Abrasive blasting (commonly known as sandblasting, sand blasting, shot blasting or grit blasting) is the process of accelerating abrasives through a blasting nozzle in a stream of compressed air. The abrasives act as ‘sand paper’ and clean the surface at a high speed.
Surface preparation
Surface preparation is the process of thoroughly preparing a substrate/surface for a coating using high pressure blasting. Poor surface preparation results in premature coating failure. Correct sand blasting and surface preparation is a crucial part of any coating application.
Abrasive blasting & surface profile
Surface profile is, in essence, the roughness of a substrates surface. Heavy industrial coatings will not adhere to a flat, smooth surface. A surface profile / anchor pattern allows coating adhesion to take place. Poor preparation results in premature coating failure. The purpose of using a sand blaster and abrasive blasting in general is to create an anchor pattern.
Different abrasives create different profiles. A profile consists of peaks and valleys and is measured in microns with a surface profile gauge. A paint data sheet specifies the surface profile the coating will require. Easily measure your surface profile with one of our surface profile gauges.
Dry vs. water sandblasting equipment
Sandblasting & surface cleanliness
Surface cleanliness is a pictorial standard that measures the visual cleanliness of a substrate. A paint data sheet refers to the surface cleanliness your coating requires
Sand blaster training
Storm Machinery offers OEM training for all grit blasting equipment / sandblasting equipment directly purchased from any Storm Machinery outlet. Please ensure that your operators are well-versed in operation and maintenance of their sandblaster. Additionally, please keep in mind that a sand blaster / sandblasting pot is a coded pressure vessel and must be pressure tested every 2 years.
Abrasive blasting equipment & compressed air
Using a sandblaster and working with compressed air is extremely hazardous and should be handled with utmost caution. Henceforth, it is vital that operators are aware of the danger complications that can arise from using compressed air.
Please keep in mind that compressed air is hot and can result in condensation inside the blast pot. If the grit gets wet it will result in clumps and will not be able to flow freely. When condensation takes place within a blast setup solutions include aftercoolers and water traps.
What size compressor will you need for a sandblaster?
Grit blasting equipment (or sandblasting equipment) demands more from a compressor than any other air-driven tool. The size of the blast nozzle determines the volume of air required by the compressor. You can learn more about volume conversions in our article What size compressor will you need?
Blast Nozzle Air Requirements | |||||
Nozzle Size | 6.5 mm | 8 mm | 9.5 mm | 11 mm | 12.5 mm |
Approximate Consumption | +- 100 CFM | +- 150 CFM | +- 215 CFM | +- 270 CFM | +- 335 CFM |
Sandblasting machine & equipment maintenance
When using any type of abrasive blasting equipment consistently check the pots for wear. Worn parts affect performance. Keep in mind that everywhere abrasives travel there will be wear. Before using a sandblasting machine please check all components including the blast nozzle, blast hose, grit valve, and pop up valve.
Complete Each stage of your surface preparation and coating projects
Maximizing the lifespan of industrial assets requires flawless execution from grit blasting to the final coat. Any weak link in your equipment chain can lead to costly delays and compromised finishes. Storm Machinery provides a single-source solution. We supply, service, and support the industry’s most rugged blasting and painting equipment, partnering with you through every phase of the project to keep your workflow seamless and your finishes impeccable.
Abrasives
A high-quality blast pot cannot perform properly without the correct media. View our range of silica-free abrasives to ensure optimal profiling and operator safety.
Coating Application - Industrial Spray Painting Equipment
Once your desired surface profile has been achieved, the project transitions to the coating phase. To ensure a flawless application, Storm Machinery supplies a versatile range of painting technology. We offer heavy-duty airless spray painting equipment engineered for large-scale industrial projects, as well as conventional paint sprayers tailored for smaller-scale industrial applications.
Quality Control - Surface & Coating Inspection
Ensure your project complies with strict paint specifications and prevent costly coating failures by verifying your work at every stage. View our range of inspection equipment (including surface profile gauges, dew point meters, and coating thickness gauges) to guarantee absolute compliance with paint manufacturer data sheets.