Activities

Abrasive Blasting

The natural effects of sand and water propelled by the wind or by gravity were the first sources of inspiration used to design abrasive blasting equipment. In the modern age abrasive blasting has been refined by industries over decades to become one of the most desirable surface preparation techniques. 

VertiDrive, has effectively built upon this by incorporating modern technology and robotic systems to maximize effectiveness of the process. But what exactly is abrasive blasting? And how does it work?

Learn more about Abrasive Blasting

3

7x more efficient

8x faster than manual

86% reduction in cost

Abrasive Blasting

What Is Abrasive Blasting?

Abrasive blasting or sand blasting is the process of applying an external abrasive material at high pressure (such as sand, air, or water) to the surface of another material with the intention of changing its surface consistency or as a method of cleaning, preparing or finishing. We generally see abrasive blasting techniques used for the surface preparational works of metal, glass, stone, and wood within industries such as:

 

      • Ship Building,
      • Welding and Metalworking,
      • Machining,
      • Automotive Body Construction, Repair and Maintenance,
      • General Construction,
      • Painting Works,
      • Various Material Maintenance and Deep Cleaning,
      • Glass Works,
      • Industrial Cleaning,
      • Engraving Services.

Abrasive Blasting

How does Abrasive Blasting work?

The basic operational process of abrasive blasting equipment is fairly similar throughout the variety of different types available for use. Firstly the operator must select a blasting abrasive to best suit the task at hand; as can be seen on the graph below the type of abrasive selected depends upon the desired surface finish, the characteristics of the abrasive itself and the material to be worked upon.

When the abrasive material is selected we then place it into the blasting pot. This pot is a component of the blasting equipment that has been designed to withstand pressure and securely house the abrasive material until it is ready for use. As the operator starts the blasting machine an external pressure (usually in the form of compressed air) is introduced into the blasting pot which forces the abrasive material through an outlet. This outlet is connected to a hose line for the abrasive material to travel along until it reaches the nozzle component of the hose. From here, the abrasive material is allowed to propel rapidly into the surrounding atmosphere and is directed upon the asset. As the abrasive material makes contact with the surface of the asset, the combination velocity and provoked irritation (of the abrasive material) remove small amounts of the surface material until the desired finish is achieved.

Blasting Abrasive Type Heavy-Duty Surface Finish Softer Surface Finish For Sensitive Surfaces Types For Specialized Surface Types Cleanliness Adaptability Recyclable & Reuseable
Glass & Ceramic
(Ceramic grit, crushed glass, glass beads, etc)
Plastics & Metals
(plastic or steel grit, aluminum oxide, etc.)
Sometimes Sometimes
Natural Materials
(garnets, walnut shells, water, ground corn cobs, etc)
Recyclable always. Occasionally Reusable.
Specialty Materials
(dry ice, sodium bicarbonate, etc)
Sometimes

Abrasive Blasting

VertiDrive Abrasive Blasting Solutions

The VertiDrive team is the proud designer/supplier of abrasive blasting robot solutions: the VertiDrive M3 and the Vertidrive M7. Robotic blasting equipment in general has proven to be a massive leap forward for the abrasive blasting industry. We like to highlight this through the tested comparisons we have made between Robotic Blasting Equipment and Manual Blasting Equipment.

Robotic Abrasive Blasting is:

  • 7x more efficient,
  • 8x faster than manual methods,
  • with an 86% reduction in costs.

The M3 and M7 have been designed with much consideration for maximum productivity with lower operational costs. These unique solutions act as carrying platforms for traditional hand-held blasting equipment, an operator simply needs to connect the robot to the hose line of a hand-held blaster and they are ready to blast. The M3 and M7 will then convert the single hose line of this hand-held system into 3 separate blasting nozzles which spread the blasting abrasive with triple efficiency across the desired surface.

The M3 and M7 are free to move across the face of metallic structures through the usage of permanently attached, powerful magnets. Horizontal, vertical, curvatures, corners, and overhead surfaces are all a breeze for these solutions. On top of this, the robot’s operator will always be based safely on the ground and far away from any health and safety hazards such as working at height or inhalation of microscopic debris.

OUR SOLUTIONS

VertiDrive’s Robots

VertiDrive M3 high pressure robot

VertiDrive M3

In addition to the perks that we have already mentioned, the M3 is an exceptionally straightforward blasting robot to disassemble. This makes for much easier access to spaces such as manholes and other confined spaces.

Interchanging the M3 with the VertiDrive M4 is also possible with the help of the M3 – M4 conversion kit, which allows an operator to make use of the M4’s specialized hydroblasting capabilities.

VertiDrive M7 abrasive blasting robot

VertiDrive M7

The most powerful piece of VertiDrive’s abrasive blasting equipment. Operating the M7 is possible when working on challenging steel surfaces with curvatures and irregularities.

As the wheel design of this blasting robot contains a short, narrow base with a small working radius the M7’s maneuverability is ideal for working in limited, hard-to-access spaces.

Let's get in touch

Contact Details

Vertidrive logo

Phone: +31 10 763 02 00

Gieterijweg 15
3089 JZ Rotterdam
The Netherlands

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