What are the links between a rough deburring sand blasting operation and the delicate operation of bead blasting precision microtechnology parts? In fact both are often seen in the same way since they use the same method. Surfacing presents a bead blasting machine tailored to technology parts and allows users to go much further than with the conventional sand and bead blasting operations. To learn more we met Mr. Gérald Nicolet, R & D Manager at Surfacing.
One of the common problems in managing a sand blasting machine is the weariness of the used media. If we talk about the use of such a machine to remove paint on an exhaust pipe for example, the state of the media is of little importance. On the contrary if we speak about a finishing operation on a microtechnology part, the state of the media is essential to ensure quality. Media with a surface loaded by pollution can ruin a subsequent electroplating operation and a medium whose geometry is no more guaranteed directly affects the quality of surface finish on the part. The bead blasting machine unveiled by Surfacing solves this problem. Including very advanced features and benefiting from an innovative design, the machine made very positives impressions at the first shows to which it was presented.
Let’s see some characteristics of this new machine
Complete solution If bead blasting operations may seem simple because we simply blow the media (the tool) on the part to be treated, constraints are very important. The technology must be completely mastered to not pollute the parts (let’s imagine a junk metal particle "glued" on the surface before PVD coating: the disaster). "Nowadays bead blasting is a technology operation and when we offer a machine to a customers, it incorporates our know-how, advice on the choice of media and pressure and of course training" says Mr. Nicolet. Surfacing also performs tests on its production machines and thus always offers the best solution to its clients.
Trizirkon ball diameter 30µ The new Surfacing bead blasting machine is a high-tech machine and it can be combined with extraordinary new media! For example the new Trizirkon ceramic ball with a diameter of 30 to 70 µ. With a 60 Rockwell hardness it includes only 10% of silica, the risks of pollution of the substrate are reduced to the minimum. If its cost is four times higher than a glass ball, its life expectancy is ten times greater. This hyperfine powder leaves an impression of incredible softness on the skin… and watched under the microscope, each particle is a perfect sphere.
Parts that deserve the best "When parts arrive to be bead blasted they have already gone through many value-generating operations. These are "sensitive" parts with which users do not have the right to do any mistake. With our new machine, we offer our customers safety and great working conditions" says Mr. Nicolet.
We will go into deeper details of this new way to bead-blast parts in our next issue of Eurotec.
Surfacing Prés-Bersot 7 2087 Cornaux Tel. +41 32 757 6000 Fax + 41 32 757 6001
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