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Sponge jet blasting

Blasting process where a sponge-like abrasive is blasted out and creates a vacuum on the workpiece that binds to the removed material.

Beskrivning
Illustration of Sponge jet blasting

The process

A medium with a sponge-like texture [1] binds the abrasive grit. Using high-pressure air as the medium it’s flung out through a nozzle against the workpiece to be machined. In the collision with the surface, the sponge is compressed [2]. This leads to the creation of a vacuum between the contact surfaces, and when the abrasive agent rebounds of workpiece it takes it with it, thus collecting the remaining material and dust which the abrasive agent has loosened.

The process is relatively dust-free, and after the surface is blasted the abrasive is vacuumed up so that it can be reused and the material is removed through a special process.

Advantages and disadvantages
In comparison with alternative methods
Can blast sensitive equipment
Available in various strengths: Low wastage
Reusable media reduces the need for the media
Minimal dust creation
Low ricochet
Media cost calls for it's reuse
Special media grading required for reuse
Limited availability of equipment
low efficiency