Features of Wet Blasting
The following are the representative features of wet blasting.
A variety of abrasives can be used
Abrasives of various materials, shapes, and sizes can be used. And of these, the ability to handle super-fine particles (average particle diameter: 3 μm), which are difficult to use with dry blasting, is a major feature.
This enables fine and precise wet blasting that minimizes damage to the target workpiece.
High controllability and repeatability
In contrast to dry blasting where abrasives are handled as powders, wet blasting is operated utilizes a slurry in a liquid state. This is the reason for the high controllability of wet blasting. It is easy to change the surface roughness and the processing amount quantitatively, which also gives you excellent reproducibility.
Minimal dust or residue
Dust that poses a problem in dry blasting hardly ever occurs in wet blasting, in which abrasive materials are used in a liquid state.
In addition, since water instantly washes away the abrasives simultaneously during processing, the abrasives remianing (residue) on the workpiece is extremely slight.
In addition, static electricity, which causes abrasives to stay on the part, is not generated by wet blasting.
Can process thin materials
One of the processing targets that maximizes wet blasting features is "thin materials".
Though it varies depending on the substance being used, it is possible to process workpieces as thin as several tens of microns.
The reasons for this include the ability to use extremely fine (small) abrasives and the ability to significantly reduce pressure with our original nozzle.
Additional effects from additives
This is wet blasting that can do processing with just abrasives, compressed air and water. However, by using additives, you can add the effect of each chemical to the process. For example, it is possible to inhibit oxidation on the part by using rust inhibitors, or the cleaning effect can be further enhanced by adding degreasers.