Types of Sandblasting - Sandblasting is a process of smoothing, shaping, and cleaning a hard surface using solid particles propelled at high speeds. - Artificial sandblasting was patented by Benjamin Chew Tilghman in 1870. - Thomas Wesley Pangborn improved the process by adding compressed air in 1904. - Sandblasting equipment consists of a chamber where sand and air are mixed. - Nozzles made of materials like boron carbide are commonly used in sandblasting.

Wet Abrasive Blasting - Wet abrasive blasting uses water as the fluid to move the abrasives. - Advantages of wet abrasive blasting include trapping dust, lubricating the surface, and reducing removal of sound material. - Norman Ashworth pioneered the wet abrasive process as an alternative to dry blasting. - Wet blasting can use various media densities, including plastic and steel. - It is safer to use siliceous materials or remove hazardous substances like asbestos.

Vapor Blasting - Vapor blasting is a milder form of wet blasting where pressurised air is added to water in the nozzle. - This process allows for cleaning mating surfaces while retaining their ability to mate. - Vapor blasting is even gentler than wet blasting. - It can be used on delicate surfaces without causing damage. - The process is commonly used for cleaning and surface preparation.

Bead Blasting - Bead blasting is a process of removing surface deposits using fine glass beads at high pressure. - It is preferred over sand blasting for auto body work as it creates a more uniform surface finish. - Bead blasting is used to clean pool tiles, remove embedded fungus, and brighten grout color. - It is also used in creating a uniform surface finish on machined parts. - Bead blasting is effective for cleaning mineral specimens with a Mohs hardness of 7 or less.

Wheel Blasting - Wheel blasting is an airless blasting operation that uses a spinning wheel to propel the abrasive against an object. - It is a high-power and high-efficiency blasting method. - Recyclable abrasives like steel or stainless-steel shot are commonly used. - Specialised wheel blast machines are used for deflashing plastic and rubber components. - Wheelabrator patented the first blast wheel in 1932.