Posted on Thursday, 12th March, 2020
When it comes to the preparation of surfaces, wet blasting cabinets are at the forefront of the cleaning industry. This process offers outstanding results, which is why many industries choose this method to simultaneously blast and clean components across an array of applications. Here at Vixen Surface Treatments, we are recognised in the trade for our first-class Aquablast range of wet blasting technology. Backed by nearly 30 years of experience, our equipment is used by companies worldwide.
What is Wet Blasting?
Compressed air, abrasive media and water are combined into a slurry, forming a solution that helps to clean and prepare surfaces. This highly effective process ensures a superior finish and is an ideal way to also remove unwanted paint, rust and burrs from parts.
The wet blasting process is particularly effective for:
• Cleaning of dies and moulds
• Removal of paint, rust, scale, carbon and similar deposits
• Surface preparation prior to bonding, repainting and recoating
• Satin finishing of stainless steel and other metals
• Cleaning of PCBs and electrical components
• Blasting in environments which must remain dust-free
The Advantages of Using Water
The Aquablast range offers huge benefits to a wide variety of industry sectors, including aerospace, automotive, construction and manufacturing. Our machines are built in house and come with specialist features that are expertly engineered to enhance the blasting process.
One of the main advantages is that the cleaning process happens by the flow of the water and abrasive media, rather than sheer impact like it would with dry blasting. Thanks to this, a softer, satin-like finish is produced on metals such as stainless steel, aluminium and brass. Cosmetically, wet blasting allows you to achieve a consistent finish on components, which is something many industries desire.
The water acts as a lubricant, meaning that no media impregnation occurs. Not only this, but the substrate is protected from erosion and distortion. Because of the cushioning of the water, the life of the abrasive media is greatly extended.
This method is also dust-free, which is huge advantage compared to dry blasting. The water and moisture used throughout this process absorbs loose particles which means a better working environment for operators.
Vixen’s Full Range of Wet Blasting Technology
Vixen Surface Treatments are leading the way when it comes to wet blasting machinery. We are the number one specialist in the development and production of surface treatment equipment, offering cutting-edge solutions across the globe. Our Aquablast range boasts the ultimate technology for delivering high-class results, which is why our machines are currently in operation in more than 50 countries.
Our Aquablast machines are manufactured to the highest of qualities from stainless steel. The standard sizes are the 915, 1215 and 1515, though we are able to design bespoke options that are specifically tailored to meet your needs.
As well as this, we also produce the Aqua Wheelblaster. This has been exclusively engineered for alloy wheel preparation, featuring an internal spigot that ensures ease of handling and loading. The Aqua Wheelblaster cuts preparation time to just 3 minutes, which means car body repair workshops and garages can efficiently clean and prepare more wheels than never before!
For those looking to blast clean components in a production line quickly and efficiently, the Cube Aquablast could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Thanks to the cubic shape and double guillotine doors, this machine is ideal to fit seamlessly into your cleaning line.
Automatic wet blasting is possible with the Radial Arm Aquablast. Components are rotated on the turntable while the blast guns move side to side with a sweeping motion.
If various parts are able to be tumbled and are not delicate, the Front Loading Aquablast Tumbler is a great option. This automatic machine cleans batches of components together inside a drum and uses a PLC controller for multiple cleaning programmes.
If you clean the likes of engine blocks and other greasy components outside, then our high-pressure washing solution takes the mess away. Vixen’s Aquajet uses a filtration system, high pressure pump and nozzle to effectively clean parts - all in the space of a compact cabinet.
Thanks to our vast range of wet blasting machines, you can be sure that we’ll have something to suit your needs. Get in contact with the team at Vixen Surface Treatments to discuss your requirements.