In aerospace manufacturing, sandblasting isn’t just a routine process—it plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, performance, and durability of aircraft components. Compared to general industrial applications, aerospace sandblasting is governed by much stricter standards for materials, processes, and equipment. In this article, we break down the key reasons behind these high demands, covering technical functions, material selection, equipment requirements, and quality inspection procedures.
1. The Role of Sandblasting in Aerospace Manufacturing
Aerospace components are often made of high-strength alloys, feature complex geometries, and operate in extreme environments. Sandblasting supports their performance in several critical ways:
Surface Preparation: Efficiently removes rust, scale, and contaminants to ensure clean surfaces for coatings, welding, or bonding;
Defect Removal: Eliminates burrs, spatter, and other surface imperfections, enhancing dimensional accuracy;
Fatigue Life Enhancement: Induces compressive stress to resist crack initiation and propagation;
Surface Roughness Control: Adjusts Rz values to meet friction, coating, or aesthetic requirements.
2. Strict Process Standards: Precision That Leaves No Room for Error
Aerospace companies implement rigorous sandblasting standards to ensure absolute reliability. Common specifications include:
Rust Removal Grade Sa2.5: According to GB/T 8923, surfaces must be free of visible oil, rust, mill scale, or coatings, achieving a “very thorough blast cleaning” condition;
Surface Roughness Rz 60–80μm: Based on GB/T 13288, to ensure strong coating adhesion and corrosion resistance;
Time-Sensitive Coating: Primed coatings must be applied within 4 hours after blasting to prevent flash rusting or contamination;
Environmental Conditions: Relative humidity should stay below 85%, and the metal surface should remain at least 3°C above dew point.
In addition, surfaces must be blown clean using dry, oil-free compressed air, and must not be touched after cleaning to prevent contamination.
3. Choosing the Right Abrasives: Performance and Safety Matter
Unlike general manufacturing, abrasive selection in aerospace requires a higher level of precision and cleanliness:
Ceramic Media: High hardness, consistent grain size, reusable—ideal for components like engine blades and fuselage skins;
Stainless Steel Shot: Used where surface brightness and material integrity are key;
Eco-Friendly Abrasives (e.g., glass beads): Low-dust, recyclable, and compliant with environmental standards.
📌 Tip: Consider substrate material, target roughness, and local environmental regulations when selecting abrasive media.
4. Equipment Requirements: Automation and Clean Tech Lead the Way
Efficiency and consistency are crucial in aerospace production, prompting the adoption of advanced sandblasting systems:
Conveyor-Type Sandblasting Machines: Best for high-volume, uniform parts;
Tumble Blasters: Suitable for small, irregular-shaped components;
Automatic Media Feed Systems: Deliver stable material supply, reducing human intervention;
Robotic Sandblasting Arms: Offer multi-axis motion, programmable paths, and remote control—reducing cycle time by up to 70% and improving consistency and safety.
📌 A patented feeding system, for instance, has shown great improvements in dust control and media recycling efficiency.
5. Quality Inspection & Common Questions Answered
Every blasted component undergoes strict quality checks before further processing:
Cleanliness Inspection: Visual comparison against standardized photos to confirm Sa2.5 rating;
Roughness Testing: Roughness gauges or reference samples ensure Rz values meet specs;
Dust Removal: Residual particles are cleared with dry air; no hand contact is allowed post-cleaning.
Common Issues & Solutions
Q1: Why does rust reappear after sandblasting?
A: Likely due to delayed priming or high humidity. Always coat within 4 hours and control workshop conditions.
Q2: What if the nozzle wears out?
A: Replace it once the diameter increases by more than 25% to maintain blasting force and pattern consistency.
Q3: What causes uneven roughness?
A: Check blasting pressure, nozzle angle/distance, and media type. Adjust accordingly for uniform surface results.
Every standard in aerospace sandblasting serves one purpose: zero compromise on safety and performance. From media choice to automated precision equipment and strict timing protocols, the process is engineered to meet the highest quality expectations.
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