Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Material used for sand blasting in aviation field
June 19, 2008
hi,
I am from Dubai I have a question which is being appeared in general civil aviation authorities quistnair for couple of times, what is the proper material used for sand blasting. Cheers.
Regards,
-Dubai, UAE
Sand can be used, but it breaks down fairly fast, so it needs to be changed more often. In the USA, it in not used very much because of our federal safety regulations concerning silicosis (breathing silicon dust).
Probably the best is silicon carbide, but it also contains silicon so is not used as much as it could be. The paper work that goes with its use is a pain far greater than the actual precautions used.
That leaves aluminum oxide. Brown is cheaper than white, but white lasts a good bit longer and I believe that it is in the long run more cost effective.
Aluminum oxide also has a benefit of dissolving in a caustic cleaner tank, so you do not have particles embedded in the parent material causing surface roughness.
The real answer is you need to use whatever material is specified in the overhaul or OEM specifications.
- Navarre, Florida
June 20, 2008
Add to James list. Glass beads are very common in the industry.
AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
June 23, 2008
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