Differences Between Shot Blasting Vs. Sandblasting

Abstract

 

Both shot blasting and sandblasting are surface preparation techniques that are used to clean, strengthen, or polish metal. While they share similar goals, their key differences lie in the methods, abrasive materials, and effects they employ.

Shot blasting is a mechanical surface preparation process that propels metallic abrasives (typically steel shot or grits) at high speeds (60-110 m/s) to impact the workpiece surface. This forceful and continuous bombardment effectively removes contaminants such as welding slag, rust, and oil while simultaneously enhancing the material's mechanical properties.

By inducing compressive residual stresses, shot blasting significantly improves the workpiece's resistance to fatigue fracture, preventing premature failures like plastic deformation and brittle fracture. As a result, it extends the component's fatigue life, making it a critical process in industries requiring high durability and reliability.

Sandblasting is a surface treatment process that uses compressed air to propel abrasive media (such as quartz sand, diamond sand, or iron grit) at high velocity onto a workpiece. This impact of these fine abrasive particles cleans and textures the surface, effectively removing rust, burrs, oxidation layers, and other contaminants.

This process not only achieves a desired level of surface cleanliness and controlled roughness but also enhances the steel components' fatigue resistance and improves coating adhesion, making it essential for painting, plating, and surface preparation in industries ranging from automotive to marine.

For a clearer comparison between shot blasting and sandblasting, please refer to the table below.