Submitted by: Ellie Lewis
If, while performing your coatings, you have ever wondered how the technique of sandblasting came about, wonder no more. Sandblasting is an act so common that most of us do not even give it a second thought. But this high pressure cleaning and preparation method was not always around. Rather, someone had to invent this process of expedited erosion. Modern workers use sandblasting methods to smooth surfaces in a quick fashion, rather than waiting for years as Mother Nature performs the same process for them. Although it may seem like a modern invention, Benjamin Tilghman developed the process of sandblasting in the late nineteenth century. In 1870, Tilghman created a machine meant to easily strip away paint and rust from select surfaces.
In 1893, this technique became a staple in the industrial world, used to clean large industrial surfaces. It was Thomas Pangborn who expanded upon Tilghman s ideas in 1904. Pangborn created a new machine that utilized compressed air, which it combined with an abrasive material such as sand, in order to clean metal surfaces for further use. The sandblasting machine has always been one that uses a supply of abrasive materials to clean the surface at hand. Typically these machines used these particles in combination with an air compressor and a hand nozzle from which the combination of air and particles are released. Modern sandblasters are used to both clean industrial-type surfaces as well as for artistic purposes, when artists use these machines to craft unique designs upon a surface for aesthetic purposes.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wel-EBePfMU[/youtube]
As one would expect, the first sandblaster used sand to chisel a surface clean. Nowadays the process has evolved to the point where sand is not always used, especially after it was discovered that inhaling the particles can lead to a dangerous repertory disease, silicosis. 1918 saw the first sandblaster to utilize an enclosure. This space used a viewing screen so that the workspace would be shielded and workers would not inhale any dangerous sand particles. A fan was used so that particles could be further kept away from workers faces.
Beginning in 1939, substances outside of sand were used to clean metal surfaces. Particles derived from aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, quartz, glass beads, powdered abrasives, plastic abrasives, copper slag, steel grit, coconut shells, walnut shells and fruit stones were put into use. Users tested out these new materials in hopes of finding a safer abrasive material. Modern sandblasting procedures ensure the safety of users through the use of protective gear, proper ventilation and an alternate air supply. Of course, the process can still be dangerous for workers, making it important for sandblasters to exercise all precautions against lung disease.
When it was first developed, the process of sandblasting was intended for use during industrial endeavors, for example, removing unwanted particles or polishing metal surfaces. Today, however, many use the same process to create decorative and artistic works. There are a great number of things being sandblasted for consumers, and modern sandblasting innovations ensure that objects retain their natural shape even through the high pressure process.
About the Author: Ellie Lewis recently worked with a
San Antonio coatings
firm as new developments occur regularly in this field. She worked with a
San Antonio sandblasting
firm as she sought quotes for an abatement project.
Source:
isnare.com
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