What is the difference between sandblasting and shot blasting

Sandblasting and shot blasting are both methods used for surface cleaning and preparation, but they differ in several key aspects:

Sandblasting

Abrasive Material: Sandblasting traditionally uses sand as the abrasive material, though other materials such as glass beads, aluminum oxide, or silicon carbide can also be used.
Process: Sandblasting involves propelling the abrasive material against a surface at high velocity using compressed air or steam.
Surface Finish: It can be used for a variety of surface finishes, from rough to smooth, depending on the abrasive material and pressure used.
Applications: Commonly used for cleaning, smoothing, and texturing surfaces, such as removing paint, rust, or coatings.

Shot Blasting

Abrasive Material: Shot blasting uses small, spherical pellets or “shots” made of steel, cast iron, or other materials. These are typically harder and more durable than sand.
Process: Shot blasting uses a mechanical method to throw the abrasive shots at high velocity against a surface. This is often done using a rotating wheel or other mechanical means rather than compressed air.
Surface Finish: It tends to produce a more uniform and consistent surface finish due to the spherical shape of the shots and the controlled nature of the blasting process.
Applications: Frequently used in industrial settings for cleaning, deburring, and preparing surfaces for further processing, such as before coating or painting.

Key Differences

Abrasive Material: Sandblasting uses sand or other abrasives, while shot blasting uses metal shots.
Method of Propulsion: Sandblasting uses compressed air, whereas shot blasting uses a mechanical wheel or other devices.
Surface Finish and Efficiency: Shot blasting generally provides a more uniform finish and is often more efficient for large-scale industrial applications.

summary

sandblasting is versatile and can handle various abrasive materials and finishes, while shot blasting is more specialized for industrial applications requiring a uniform surface finish and efficient cleaning.