Stages of Front Loader Production – Part 4 (Sandblasting).
Shot blasting.
This is already the 4th stage of production of the Metal-Technik TYTAN MT front loader.
The corrosion process usually begins when the exposed metal surface starts to react with various atmospheric components.
The iron contained in steel and cast iron reacts with oxygen and water, forming a characteristic reddish-brown compound, which is hydrated iron(III) oxide.
What to do to stop this process? Block access to the metal by applying a suitable protective coating.
Before this, we must thoroughly remove the effects of surface corrosion by sandblasting.
The before and after effect is clearly visible here (we can see it in the pictures).
Shot blasting is a process similar to sandblasting, but instead of sand, metallic abrasive is used, such as shot, grit, steel shot, or cast iron shot. Shot blasting is more intensive than sandblasting and generates greater mechanical forces, which allow for the removal of even very difficult contaminants and rust.
Shot blasting in an automated shot blasting chamber is an advanced process for preparing steel structures for powder coating.
This process is particularly effective and precise, which is of significant importance for the finishing quality of the Metal-Technik TYTAN MT loader.
Here is a description of this process:
1. Preliminary inspection and structure preparation
• Surface assessment: Before placing the steel structure in the automated chamber, a preliminary inspection is carried out to identify visible contamination, rusty spots, old paint coatings, or other undesirable elements.
• Preliminary cleaning: if large contaminants or rust particles are visible, they can be preliminarily removed manually or with mechanical brushes.
2. Placing the structure in the shot blasting chamber
• Loading: The steel structure of the TYTAN MT loader is loaded into an automated blasting chamber. Depending on the size of the structure, the process can be carried out using transport systems such as roller conveyors, overhead cranes, or forklifts.
• Mounting: the structure is properly secured in the chamber to ensure stability throughout the blasting process.
3. Automated shot blasting process
• Program selection: The operator selects the appropriate blasting program based on the type of structure, type of shot, and surface roughness requirements. These programs are programmed based on the technical specifications of the steel structure.
• Shot blasting process: In an automated shot blasting chamber, a stream of shot is precisely directed onto the steel surface by a set of rotors or nozzles. The blasting is carried out at the appropriate speed and intensity, ensuring uniform surface cleaning.
• Process Control: Automated systems monitor key process parameters, such as blasting duration, stream intensity, and surface roughness achieved. This ensures uniform cleaning quality across the entire structure.
4. Surface cleaning and inspection after blasting
• Shot removal: After the shot blasting process is complete, the structure is automatically cleaned of remaining shot and dust, often using compressed air blowing or vacuum systems.
• Quality control: After removal from the chamber, the construction surface undergoes quality inspection. The uniformity of cleaning, absence of rust residue, and appropriate roughness level, which is crucial for powder coating adhesion, are checked.
5. Preparation for Powder Coating
• Immediate painting or protection: Depending on the production process, the structure can be immediately sent to powder coating to prevent surface re-corrosion. Alternatively, an anti-corrosion primer can be applied to the surface before painting.
• Transfer to the booth: The construction is transported to the powder coating area, where the surface is once again cleaned of fine dust particles before the paint is applied.
The automated blasting process in a shot blasting chamber significantly increases the efficiency and repeatability of the quality of surface preparation for powder coating, which is crucial for the durability and aesthetics of the final product, such as the Metal-Technik TYTAN MT loader.
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