Dry Sandblasting VS Wet Sandblasting

Dry sandblasting and wet sandblasting are two commonly used equipment in surface treatment, mainly through high-speed spraying of abrasive to clean, roughen or polish the surface of the workpiece.

The core difference between them lies in the abrasive delivery method and working medium.

Introduction to Dry Sandblasting

Working principle: Use compressed air to spray dry abrasives (such as quartz sand, steel shot, glass beads, etc.) onto the surface of the workpiece at high speed.

Benefits of Dry Sandblasting

• Strong impact force, suitable for removing stubborn rust, scale or thick coating.
  
• High processing efficiency, suitable for large or heavy workpieces (such as steel structures, castings).
  
• Abrasives can be recycled and reused at a low cost.

Applications of Dry Sandblasting

• Rust removal of large metal structures such as ships, bridges, and storage tanks.
  
• Surface cleaning of castings.
  
• Roughening of concrete walls or stones

Introduction to Wet Sandblasting

Working principle: Mix abrasives and water into slurry, and spray them onto the surface of the workpiece through compressed air or high-pressure pump (corrosion inhibitors are added to some equipment to prevent rust).

Benefits of Using Wet Blasting

• No dust pollution, cleaner working environment.
  
• More uniform surface treatment, suitable for precision workpieces (such as electronic components, molds).
  
• Reduce abrasive rebound, reduce noise and wear.
  
• Water can inhibit heat accumulation and avoid thermal deformation of workpieces.

Wet Sandblasting Application

• Cleaning and polishing of precision instruments, optical glass, and medical devices.
  
• Surface treatment of automotive parts and molds.
  
• Cleaning of sensitive environments (such as food processing equipment and pharmaceutical equipment).

Is wet sandblasting better than dry sandblasting?

Over the last few years, the debate between wet and dry sandblasting has gotten greater attention, and a substantial shift has begun with dry sandblasting giving way to wet blasting.

Advantages of Wet Blasting over Dry Blasting?

• A much lower level of dust
• Wet Sandblasting can be done in high pedestrian traffic areas
• Reduced use of abrasive media
  
• Operator Safety
  
• Lower risk of hearing loss due to low level of noise
  
• Enhanced visibility
  
• Better ergonomics and work environment
  
• Minimal PPE and respiratory gear needed comparing to dry blasting

Summary

Choose the appropriate type according to the workpiece material, processing requirements and environmental restrictions, and combine the advantages of both (such as wet spraying followed by dry spraying) if necessary.