Archive for Aqua Blasting

What are the Advantages of Aqua Blasting / Vapour Blasting?

Here at us, we have recently added an aqua blasting service to our comprehensive range of metal plating and metal finishing services. This non aggressive technique effectively removes the dirt and corrosion from the surface of the material, but it does not damage the surface in any way, as can be the case with some other ‘blasting’ techniques.

The Benefits of Aqua Blasting

The primary benefit of aqua blasting is that all the critical dimensions of the component stay the same, making the process safe to use on precision engineering items, molds and automotive engine components.

It cleans by utilising the flow of water to remove dirt, not by impact; therefore it doesn’t change the dimensions of the part. In addition to cleaning the surface, it also de-greases it simultaneously.

Aqua blasting is far gentler than grit blasting and bead blasting, but just as effective. During grit and bead blasting, the media is ricocheted off the surface of the component in an aggressive manner.

But the water involved in aqua blasting reduces the ricochet of media due its cushioning effect; therefore the angle of the media is changed to produce a lapping effect which travels across the surface to give an even satin/polished finish.

Typical Applications of Aqua Blasting

• Degreasing and surface finishing of components in the automotive, reconditioning & maintenance industries
• Removal of paint, rust, scale, carbon & similar deposits in engineering industries
• Surface preparation prior to bonding, re-painting or re-coating
• Satin finishing of stainless steels & other special materials
• Cleaning of PCB’s & electrical connectors
• Removal of small burrs from manufactured components
• Cleaning of dies & molds

Aqua Blasting Now Available at us

As experts in the field of electroless nickel plating, corrosion resistance and surface technology; we are delighted to be able to add Aqua Blasting to our repertoire of fantastic services. Also known as vapour blasting; this wet-blasting process is perfect for the gently eradicating surface dirt and grime from metal components.

Aqua Blasting permits the non-aggressive cleaning of a surface to produce a satin finish on a number of metal materials – which resultantly won’t pick up marks after treatment.This new process that we are now offering involves the use of a non-ferrous media; which is subsequently mixed with water to result in an extra-smooth finish once the process has been carried out.

No Alteration of Critical Dimensions

That is possible thanks to the flow of a water-borne abrasive. Aqua Blasting cleans by the flow of water and not by impact; with the water acting as a lubricant between media and component. With the water acting as a protective buffer; and the emulsion gently eradicating any grime – the underlying surface is crucially left intact.

Vitally, there will be no alteration of critical dimensions. The creation of any dust is also avoided; as there no break-up of any media during the Aqua Blasting process. Unlike with shot blasting (and other blasting methods which actually move the surface material from the components), the process is non-intrusive; and it is perfect for delicate parts and soft metal.

Aqua Blasting is commonly used when a fine finish is required for aluminium, alloys, steel and many other metals; including bronze, magnesium, titanium, brass and copper. It also used in the removal of carbon deposits, paint and rust in engineering industries; as well as in surface preparation prior to bonding, re-painting and re-coating.

Aqua Blasting Suitable for a Range of Industries

Examples of industries where the process is commonly utilised include automotive, aerospace, reconditioning and maintenance. The process is particularly ideal for the degreasing and surface finishing of a number of bike and car components; including cylinder heads, motorcycle wheel hubs and side covers. Aqua Blasting can also help to reduce porosity in castings and is very easy to keep clean.

It can be applied to almost all metals; and degreases and cleans the surface of them in tandem. To find out more about our new treatment process – as well as a range of our other metal plating and metal finishing surfaces – you can call us or email .

Everything You Need to Know About Vapour Blasting

Aqua blasting, or vapour blasting as it is sometimes called, is commonly used for fine surface preparation, de-burring, finishing and polishing.

The aqua blasting service here at us will degrease, blast and finish components all at the same time, providing a complete vapour blasting service for a variety of components. Other uses for the process include the removal of carbon deposits, the removal of paint, rust, and similar deposits in the engineering industry, and surface preparation prior to bonding, re-painting or re-coating.

How Does Vapour Blasting Work?

The process of vapour blasting is completely dust free, and uses a mixture of a media and water to form a slurry. This slurry is then pumped through a vapour blasting nozzle under considerable pressure whilst at the time being mixed with a high pressure air supply. The pressurised slurry then flows over and around the part, component or surface that is being blasted, producing a clean, smooth finish.

What are the Advantages of Aqua Blasting?

Vapour blasting has a lot of advantages over conventional sandblasting or bead blasting. Unlike shot blasting (and other blasting methods which actually move the surface material from the components), the process is non-intrusive; and it is perfect for delicate parts and soft metal. Aqua blasting is commonly used when a fine finish is required for aluminium, alloys, steel and many other metals; including bronze, magnesium, titanium, brass and copper.

With the water acting as a protective buffer; and the emulsion gently eradicating any grime – the underlying surface is crucially left intact. Vitally, there will be no alteration of critical dimensions. The creation of any dust is also avoided; as there no break-up of any media during the aqua blasting process.

Key Advantages of Aqua Blasting:

  • Can be applied to almost all metals
  • Surfaces are degreased and cleaned in tandem
  • Cleaning process relies on water flow and not impact
  • Makes surfaces more stain resistant
  • Singular part or batch process
  • No dust from the process

Aqua Blasting, Wet Blasting and Vapour Blasting Service Chesterfield, Derbyshire

To find out more about our aqua blasting service, as well as a range of our other metal plating and metal finishing services, call us or email .

Top 3 Reasons to Use Aqua Blasting as Your Metal Cleaning Method of Choice

As experts in metal finishing and metal plating, us have recently expanded our services to include aqua blasting, or vapour blasting, as it is sometimes called. This wet blasting process has many great advantages, including the ability to effectively and gently eradicate surface dirt and grime from metal components. Here are 3 reasons to choose aqua blasting as your metal cleaning method of choice.

Aqua Blasting Leaves the Underlying Surface Smooth

The process permits non-aggressive surface cleaning in order to produce a satin finish on a wide range of metals. Aqua blasting cleans by the flow of water and not impact, and the water acts a lubricant between the media and the component. It involves the use of a non-ferrous media; which is subsequently mixed with water to result in an extra-smooth finish once the process has been carried out. That is possible thanks to the flow of a water-borne abrasive.

Unlike shot blasting, and other blasting methods which actually move the surface material from the components, the process of aqua blasting is non-intrusive. It is, therefore, suitable for delicate parts and soft metal. Aqua Blasting is commonly used when a fine finish is required for aluminium, alloys, steel and many other metals; including bronze, magnesium, titanium, brass and copper.

Critical Dimensions of the Part are Not Affected

Another benefit to aqua blasting is that the water used in the process acts like a protective buffer. This means that the emulsion is able to effectively lift off any grime, all the while leaving the underlying surface intact. That means that there will be no alteration to the dimensions of the treated part, eradicating the need for post treatment plating etc.

Aqua Blasting is Useful for a Variety of Needs

In addition to its gentle cleaning properties, aqua blasting is a process that can also be used for the removal of carbon deposits, and the removal of paint, rust, carbon, and similar deposits in engineering industries. It can also be used as a method of surface preparation prior to bonding, re-painting or re-coating.

Aqua Blasting and Vapour Blasting Service Chesterfield, Derbyshire

To find out more about our aqua blasting service, as well as a range of our other metal plating and metal finishing services, call us or email .