Four blasting techniques used on metal surfaces

Vibra Finish has more than 40 years of experience in production finishing. The Mississauga, Ont.-based company has expertise in a wide range of finishing techniques and services, including blasting — a method used to clean, polish or strengthen a surface by hitting it with various materials at high pressures.  

Vibra Finish offers wheel blasting, shot blasting, abrasive blasting and glass bead blasting services, each with their own ideal applications. 

• Wheel blasting is used to clean metal. Instead of using high pressure air to propel beads, a spinning wheel is used. The centrifugal force of the spinning wheel propels beads at an adjustable rate, allowing the user to fine tune the abrasiveness of the clean. 
• Shot blasting is used to clean, polish and strengthen metal. Used in almost every industry that works with metal products and parts on a regular basis, shot blasting is necessary to prepare metal for surface coats, such as plating, paint and overlays. This method is commonly used in the automotive industry in the preparation of new parts, and the restoration of old parts.
• In abrasive blasting, a stream of abrasive material is forcibly propelled against a surface under high pressure. The purpose is to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants. 
• Glass bead blasting uses high pressure to blast a surface with tiny glass beads. The purpose is to clean the surface of any external deposits, such as paint or rust, without damaging the metal. This process is often used in the automotive industry to remove rust or paint from a vehicle prior to priming and repainting.

Vibra Finish has a team of experts who are trained to help customers determine the best finishing method for their application. To learn more about how the company can help you, contact Vibra Finish. 

• Tweet