SandBlasting Equipments & Supplies

The main goal of the sandblasting technique is smoothing, shaping and cleaning hard surfaces by forcing solid particles across those surfaces at high speeds. Since sandblasting process was patented by Benjamin Chew Tilghman on 1870, many different processes and equipments have appeared in the market.

• Automatic sandblasters are machines that eliminate the use of manual movement of either the shot stream or the workpiece, but rely on mechanical means to supply these features.
• Blast cabinets are enclosures in which items are placed to be abraded. Blast cabinets are useful in containing the blasting operation and preventing exposure of the blasting media to surrounding workers.
• Blast rooms are large enclosures in which large items may be blasted. Like blast cabinets, blast rooms keep the blasting operation contained, thereby limiting exposure of abrasives to workers.
• Micro-blast or micro-jet machines are specialized machines for applications needing selective surface preparation, material removal and finishing.
• Portable blasters remain useful in circumstances in which mobility remains necessary, such as freelance contracting. Most portable blast machines come equipped with wheels for easier transportation.

According to the wikipedia enciclopedia Sandblasting is a generic term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across that surface at high speeds; the effect is similar to that of using sandpaper, but provides a more even finish with no problems at corners or crannies. While theoretically all abrading (or grinding) may be said to involve a cutting action, the cutting instrument being a natural one, for example, the sharp edges of randomly oriented crystals, as opposed to the teeth of a file, milling tool, or the like, nevertheless there is a practical distinction between an abrading (or grinding) device on the one hand, and a cutting device on the other.

Concerning dentistry, aluminum oxide particles are commonly used as a sandblasting media. This sand blasting in dentistry is used for multiple purposes including divesting the casting investment materials and increasing effective surface area for enhancing the mechanical retention strengths of succeedingly applied fired porcelain or luting cements. Usually fine aluminum oxide particles are recycled within the sandblasting machine. Ceramics such as aluminum oxides are brittle, therefore, some portions of recycling aluminum oxide particles might be brittle fractured.

Fractal dimension analysis showed that the aluminum oxide particle as a sandblasting media should be replaced after 30 or 40 min of total accumulated operation time. Other medical studies show that sand blasting in dentistry is very useful. There is a relationship between sandblasting and composite resin-alloy bond strength by a silica coating. Bond strength was measured by applying compressive shear stress. It was found that sandblasting made the alloy-water contact angle smaller and wettability greater. The adhesive strength of composite resins with alloys was influenced by sandblasting.

Many of the techniques in contemporary esthetics are greatly enhanced with sandblasting. When used extra-orally, sandblasting is an uncomplicated rapid procedure that can be delegated to a competent auxiliary. It should be performed in a negative pressure enclosure to contain the aluminum oxide abrasive particles. Even when using this type of enclosure, the operator should wear mask and safety glasses for extra safety.

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