Sandblasting, sometimes known as abrasive blasting, is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface or remove surface contaminants. A pressurised fluid, typically compressed air, or a centrifugal wheel is used to propel the blasting material (often called the media). The first abrasive blasting process was patented by Benjamin Chew Tilghman on 18 October 1870.[1][2]
There are several variants of the process, using various media; some are highly abrasive, whereas others are milder. The most abrasive are shot blasting (with metal shot) and sandblasting (with sand). Moderately abrasive variants include glass bead blasting (with glass beads) and plastic media blasting (PMB) with ground-up plastic stock or walnut shells and corncobs. Some of these substances can cause anaphylactic shock to individuals allergic to the media.[3] A mild version is sodablasting (with baking soda). In addition, there are alternatives that are barely abrasive or nonabrasive, such as ice blasting and dry-ice blasting.
- ^ Smil, Vaclav (2005). Creating the twentieth century: technical innovations of 1867–1914 and their lasting impact. Oxford University Press US. p. 211. ISBN 978-0-19-516874-7.
- ^ US 108408, Tilghman, Benjamin C., "Improvement in cutting and engraving stone, metal, glass, &c.", published 1870-10-18
- ^ Travis McEwan, "Edmonton worker allergic to walnuts dies after inhaling particles at worksite," CBC News, 23 October 2017. (Retrieved 2017-10-25)