Bead Blasting

• Improves surface finish post manufacture
• Can be used to decontaminate surfaces
• Option of glass or ceramic bead
• Refines surface post Shot Peening
• Can add compressive stress to the surface
• Can reduce surface stress raisers post machining
• Produces a fine decorative finish

The effect of bead blasting helps to refine the surface and hence reducing stress raisers and produces a more homogenised surface. It can also be used after shot peening to decontaminate the surface and remove the presence of any unwanted contaminants. In all of these instances the process will impart a small amount of compressive residual stress which can therefore improve the performance of the part.

Mould Texturing

If a mould requires a textured finish then Bead Blasting can be employed to produce and even textured finish. Depending on the product being moulded this can produce a matt fine textured finished part or a satin surface finish. If after many impressions the mould has worn the process can be repeated to maintain the original textured finish.

At Sandwell we have considerable expertise in this field and can advise on the most suitable technique depending on mould complexity, material and finish required.

Satinising

The process can be applied to any metal item and is particularly effective on aluminium and stainless steel. When combined with a light aluminium oxide grit blast it is possible to eliminate light machining marks from the finished component. By varying the operating parameters of the process it is also possible to give the appearance of an aluminium ‘casting’ to a non-cast item. The many variables that contribute to the end result, once decided with our customer, are recorded and controlled to ensure repeatability for large batches or repeat work.

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