There are many vapor blasting media options available in today’s market, but glass beads are a very common choice. This is because glass beads are the ideal vapor blasting media for achieving a smooth, polished finish. These are especially desirable in applications like automotive restoration. Other suitable abrasives include ceramic beads, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, and plastic media. Choose your vapor blasting media based on desired finish, surface preparation requirements, and material being worked on. It’s also important to choose the wet blasting…
The Media Blast & Abrasives Industry Blog: Expert Perspectives
Media Blast & Abrasives is known as leading Industrial Blast Cabinet Manufacturer throughout the abrasive blasting cabinet market. Our machines range from production capacity daily output to cabinets that run on residential power meant for home hobbyists. We are passionate about helping customers practice safe abrasive blasting using find the right machine for their needs. What is an Industrial Blast Cabinet Manufacturer? Industrial Sandblasting Equipment is a very specific category of abrasive blasting machines. Our engineers…
Media blasting abrasives are one of the least understood aspects of the abrasive blasting industry. This is partly because we use terms that haven’t advanced with blasting technology, and partly because Media Blast & Abrasives is one of the only manufactures dedicated to educating users. A Brief History of Media Blasting Abrasives “Sandblast Cabinet” was the first Trade Name used to describe any generic abrasive blasting cabinet. Unfortunately, sand is a single use abrasive that does…
Blasting Solutions for your abrasive blasting projects quickly become clear when talking directly to the equipment manufacturer. User’s needs are discussed and questions are quickly answered. With today’s communications, and the speed of searching online, talking directly to the manufacturer is the best solution whenever possible! A History of Excellence in Blasting Solutions Media Blast & Abrasives used to advertise using printed publications, like the Yellow Pages, across the country. We also paid to be included in the Thomas…
Dry Blast Cabinets are an abrasive blasting category describing any containment cabinet with dry abrasive delivery. These cabinets use Airless Abrasive Delivery using J-Belts and Paddle Wheel Impellers to accelerate dry abrasives. Most people typing “Dry Blast Cabinet” into Google, are searching for a Manually Operated Dry Blasting Cabinet. What is a Dry Blast Cabinet? Dry Blast Cabinets are the fastest part cleaning abrasive blasting cabinets. These machines use compressed air to deliver abrasive of all different…
Media Blast® is not a powder coating facility. But we know our machines can be used for sandblasting powder coat surfaces before they are processed. While each powder coating facility does things a bit differently, we’ll explain the benefit of sandblasting before applying powder coating. Why bother sandblasting powder coat surfaces first? Many abrasive blasting applications today use sandblasting to prepare a surface for powder coating adhesion. Sandblasting powder coat surfaces creates a surface to…
High-quality sandblast equipment offers several significant benefits. Although it often costs more up front, the return on investment makes it a valuable asset for industries such as manufacturing, automotive, medical, and restoration. 7 Advantages of Buying Superior Sandblast Equipment Media Blast and Abrasives understands the importance of purchasing first-rate sandblast equipment. It’s why so many of our machines are best-in-class! Here are 7 key advantages to investing in top-of-the-line abrasive blasting cabinets: 1. Efficiency and Productivity: Excellent sandblast equipment is designed for consistency and…
People use abrasive blasting cabinets for sandblasting machine parts in a variety of industries. Professionally manufactured cabinets, like those at Media Blast and Abrasives, offer the most controlled environment and cleanest working space. These cabinets can be used for cleaning, finishing, or preparing machine parts from a variety of industries. Anything from automotive and aerospace to the medical implant industry for just about any Body Implant part. 6 Benefits of Sandblasting Machine Parts There are a…
R&D media blaster cabinets are designed to accommodate abrasive blasting applications that require a large, Heavy Duty 100% welded cabinet to contain the blast. They also use a larger gun size than light duty models. These machines have dust collectors designed for more intermittent machine use to clean specific areas and not the whole surface. What is R&D Abrasive Blasting? R&D media blasters use a high-pressure stream of abrasive material to clean, polish, or prepare a surface….
Light Duty blaster cabinets have lower Daily Duty Cycle (DDC), use smaller gun sizes, and are always siphon abrasive delivery. Light Duty abrasive blasting cabinets are designed for use in small shops. They are also excellent for at-home passion projects. What is Light Duty Abrasive Blasting? “Light Duty abrasive blasting cabinets are specifically designed for hand-held parts. These machine models are for lower DDC… using a smaller gun size. Understand it would take all day to process a large part resulting…
Wet media blaster cabinets have been around since the beginning of the abrasive blasting industry. It’s a unique method for part-processing that nearly went extinct. Thankfully the rise of medical device manufacturing brought wet blasting back into the spotlight. (Check out that fascinating story here.) What is Wet Abrasive Blasting? Wet Vapor Blasting uses pumps, mixing paddles, and even compressed air to suspend abrasive grains in water. This slurry mixture is then pumped to a siphon injector gun assembly. This…
This video from our partners at Ikonics Imaging never gets old! In this episode of their “Will it Blast?” YouTube video series, Peter and Amber showcase some seasonal spooky sandcarving with CrystalBlast® cabinets. Did you know you can sandcarve pumpkins? This quick and easy method is a GREAT solution for those super complicated designs. ProTip: Make sure to clean out your dust collector thoroughly if you’re blasting gourds or other organic material!
Why group blasting cabinets in Categories? To offer online searchers the opportunity to review blasting cabinets based on the intended machine use. We call machine use we call machine application. Blasting Cabinets can be confusing because there are so many different types. Some common cabinet categories are Wet Cabinets, Light Duty, R&D, and Industrial. Beyond that, we offer Automotive, Micro, Sandcarving, and Tumblers. Many categories have different delivery models such as siphon, direct pressure and gravity feed. The Industrial category is about Daily Duty Cycle (DDC) of…
If you’re wondering how to fix sandblaster flow problems you’ve come to the right place. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix for this problem, there are a few common issues that cause it. These 3 tips can help you determine if your dry abrasive sandblaster flow problems are easy fixes. Check these out first and see if they correct your problem. How to Fix Sandblaster Flow Problems: 3 Tips There are three factors that can cause easy-to-resolve…
Most Abrasive Blasting Cabinets are dry abrasive delivery models. This means first, compressed air delivers abrasive to a blast gun or nozzle. Next, the abrasive is accelerated to higher speeds as it exits the nozzle and then it impacts the part being blasted. A wet blasting cabinet, or Vapor Blaster, uses water to deliver the abrasive material to the gun where the gun airjet accelerates the mixture against the part. These are less common abrasive blast…
At Media Blast®, we manufacture a complete line of Soda Blasting Cabinets for all Daily Duty Cycles (DDC). We also offer different standard cabinet sizes to fit almost any application. Many Optional Features are available to help with Part Handling for our Soda Blast Cabinet Models. Soda is a Special Abrasive Soda is a unique abrasive: it is soluble in all fluids and it does not change the physical condition of the parts when used properly. It…
Light Duty Blast Cabinets have a lower Daily Duty Cycle (DDC). They are used to blast smaller parts for short durations. So these are great blast cabinets for the right part sizes and applications. What is a Light Duty Abrasive Blast Cabinet? These Light Duty Blast Cabinets normally have smaller gun sizes, clean much more slowly, are usually siphon delivery. They use air compressors operating on 208 or 230-volt single-phase electrical power panels, called the…
Industrial Sandblasting Equipment is a very specific category of abrasive blasting machines. It can appear like there are lots of options based on the results of a Google search. But many of the machines that are populating those search results aren’t truly capable of industrial operation. What Sets Industrial Sandblasting Equipment Apart? Media Blast created its machinery lineup using Military Specifications for how Industrial must operate. We have explored that in previous blog posts. Learn more…
A sandblaster cabinet is a modified, enclosed cabinet or chamber that contains any abrasive blasting gun operation. Ranging from low to high speeds, abrasive impacts a part’s surface creating a physical change. This process is used during part manufacturing, rebuilding, strengthening, deburring, cleaning, coating, and more. These sandblaster cabinets can be Wet or Dry abrasive delivery, Siphon, Gravity Feed, or Direct Pressure Abrasive Delivery. The cabinet itself is used for containing and recycling the abrasive used in…
Media Blast & Abrasives’ founder is a sandblasting cabinet engineer with a strong understanding of what works. He set out to make a standard line of abrasive blasting cabinets using automated technology. The result is our line of value-for-dollar standard blasting cabinets encompasses all abrasive delivery types and Daily Duty Cycles (DDCs). Three Things That Set Media Blast® Apart from Competitors Media Blast & Abrasives is an industry leader for wet and dry abrasive delivery…
Media Blast® manufactures many sand blasting cabinet types ranging from different Daily Duty Cycles (DDCs) to different abrasive delivery methods. We also manufacture our own line of dust collectors and blowers. This means we can offer the right sand blasting cabinets right for almost any dry blasting application. Our large equipment line has standard Models in eight different abrasive delivery machine categories which makes it easier to navigate to the machine specifically created for your…
Media blast cabinet equipment comes in various forms, each designed for specific applications and requirements. At Media Blast & Abrasives we’ve been manufacturing high-quality sandblasting cabinets for nearly half-a-century. So we know what we’re talking about! Media Blast Cabinet Types A variety of industries and applications use media blast cabinets today. Each type of cabinet has its advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on many factors. Examples of impacting factors include: Some Abrasive Blasting Cabinet Types Based…
Soda blasting, also known as soda abrasive blasting, is a process for surface cleaning and preparation. The process uses sodium bicarbonate, baking soda, to remove unwanted coatings, contaminants, or surface imperfections from a variety of materials. Soda blasting equipment propels the sodium bicarbonate through a nozzle using compressed air. How is Soda Blasting Different from Sandblasting? Soda blasting equipment is specifically designed for baking soda rather than glass beads or other hard abrasive materials. This…
If you can believe it, there was a time when Search Engines didn’t have any say in which abrasive blasting cabinets were Industrial Capacity Abrasive Blasting Cabinets. It used to be that the US Military set the bar for Industrial Specifications. Industrial Capacity Abrasive Blasting Cabinets for the 21st Century Today, searching the web for “Industrial Abrasive Blasting Cabinets” shows mostly paid ads for machines. Many of these machines are made of thin steel that a 90…
CrystalBlast® Sandcarvers sandcarve faster and use sharper Silicon Carbide Abrasive in abrasive sizes that create a better-looking part with finer part detail!
The Media Blast® Cobra Stage II Siphon Mediablaster is a complete machine that includes all the critical features necessary for superior abrasive blasting, without the mess, missing on the competition.
Media Blast & Abrasives has been making the original Mediablaster® cabinets for nearly half a century! We know the ins and outs of cabinet manufacturing and operation. Our machines are clean abrasive blasting cabinets and we match them to your Daily Duty Cycle (DDC). Unfortunately, that’s not always the case for other sandblasting cabinets. Why is my Sandblast Cabinet so dusty? This is a common question we get from people who purchase a sandblasting cabinet…
Did you know Media Blast® offers machine demos? We don’t mind prospective buyers testing sandblasting cabinets because we want to help people buy the right machine the first time. Which Machine is Right for Me? Each application is unique and thus requires a certain combination of machine features to perform at the highest level. Our Mission Statement has always been to help people buy the “Right Machine Model the First Time” based on the user’s described…
If you need a Sandblasting Cabinet for plastic abrasive media, look no further than the Media Blast® Hailstorm. This abrasive blasting cabinet is specifically made for use with plastic abrasives. It also offers some of the most advanced standard and optional features of any mediablaster® on the market today. What is the Hailstorm Model? The Hailstorm Sandblasting Cabinet for plastic abrasive is a Direct Pressure Media Blast® Model. This machine comes standard with many features required to use…
High-quality blasting cabinets can be an expensive piece of equipment, and sometimes that deters businesses from investing in them. We’re going to explore a few ways spending more money up front on blasting cabinets can save you BIG in the long run. Large Blasting Cabinets Can Eliminate Blast Rooms All companies using a Blast Room also have Blasting Cabinets. But not all companies using a Blasting Cabinet have a Blast Room. What this means is…
Surface treatment is an essential part of many industrial and manufacturing processes. In fact sandblasting blasting touches nearly everything you see and touch including bagged skinless carrots, golf clubs, rim-lock wheels and Sandcarving special awards. It requires a thorough and efficient technique to achieve the desired results. A blast cabinet is one of the most popular and effective methods for surface preparation, cleaning, and finishing, and they are a valuable asset for various applications. For example,…
Media Blast® has solved the challenges of abrasive blasting rooms for one aircraft engine manufacturer with a special cabinet design. This unique N-200 Siphon Blast Cabinet includes specialized part-handling equipment specifically for their parts. What Sets the N-200 Siphon Blast Cabinet Apart? Our standard N-200 Siphon Blast Cabinet has a small machine footprint to save valuable floor space. A proprietary movable work cart holds the part being processed. Unparalleled part manipulation inside the cabinet allows users to…
There are many cool Dry Sandblasting Cabinet features available on the market today. These vary from automatic cleaning cycles to ergonomic controls and more. After nearly a half-century manufacturing, our team at Media Blast & Abrasives has come up with two non-negotiable features for all dry cabinets: the Dust Collector and Blower followed by the Separator Reclaimer Efficiency. What Makes These Features Special? For decades our company’s founder has been making the following statement: “You can…
Media Blast® was the first sandblast cabinet manufacturer to group and list cabinets using Categories. These categories also followed our easy-to-use Abrasive Blasting Cabinet Buying Guide. This tool is available on our website to help you identify the type of Industrial Blasting Cabinet you really need. Today, we have eight different Abrasive Blasting Cabinet Categories, one of which is Industrial Abrasive Blast Cabinets. What are Industrial Abrasive Blast Cabinets? Industrial Abrasive Blasting Cabinets are specifically designed to…
Sandblasting cabinets shouldn’t leak abrasive into the surrounding workspace. It may sound like an impossible task, but only machines purchased beyond their Daily Duty Cycle (DDC) get messy. Most often, this is often caused by someone buying a sandblasting cabinet from a company that does not understand or care about DDC, only how much money they can make selling a blaster. ProTip: Instead of asking what does this mediablaster® cost, a better question is, “what is…
Abrasive Blasting touches everyone’s life in some way. Industrial Blasting Cabinets help manufacture many products around the world. And you may benefit from some of these things every day without knowing it. Industrial Blasting Cabinets This category embraces an extensive array of sandblaster cabinets, making it one of the most inclusive collections of machines. These machines can operate over long periods every day and process parts quickly. Media Blast’s Industrial Blasting Cabinets are fully customizable…
It may seem like Wet Industrial Blast Cabinets are new to the abrasive blasting industry, but this isn’t the case. Many new applications have appeared in recent years, which has increased the need for wet blasting cabinets. Yet these very specialized machines have been very important to the media blasting industry since they were invented. A Brief History of Wet Abrasive Cabinets At first, the easiest way to capture abrasive inside a blasting cabinet was…
If you’re looking for information about parts for your Media Blast® Abrasive Blasting Cabinet you’ve come to the right place. We made sure you purchased the right machine the first time we helped you through the purchasing process. Now we can explain in detail what you want to look for with in-house service parts for Mediablaster® cabinets. ProTip: The most important feature on any dry blasting cabinet is the dust collector. If you want your…
One of the best-kept secrets in the abrasive blasting industry is the vital role wet abrasive cabinets play in medical implant production. In fact, wet abrasive blasting cabinets almost became obsolete in favor of dry blasters. A Quick History of Wet Blasting Cabinets Wet abrasive delivery blasting cabinets were the first to be invented, but overtime dry cabinets developed. Wet abrasive sandblasting cabinets were considered too slow because they lacked the frictional heat added by…
The fastest cleaning abrasive blasting cabinets differ depending on your application. It’s not as simple as sizing up your gun size to clean faster. A bigger gun can have enough frictional heat to welt sheet steel. You can almost plasma cut thinner steel with a direct pressure if you turn up the pressure. So, if a bigger gun isn’t the answer, how can we know which are the fastest cleaning abrasive blasting cabinets? The answer…
Some of the safest and most efficient sandblasters can be blasting cabinets with automatic cleaning dust collectors. This is both with and without HEPA After Filters. This is because no blasting cabinet is dustless, not even a wet blasting cabinet. And machine operators should understand what safety features are required based on the blast cabinet manufacturer, Air Pollution Control Agencies, and OSHA. Do not believe all the lack of safety information you find online.
Are you wondering which is the best abrasive delivery method for Maximum Media Blast® Cabinet Production? This question is answered incorrectly more often than correctly mostly because people don’t understand the question or the equipment. Direct pressure abrasive delivery appears to clean faster than siphon abrasive delivery, but often the comparison doesn’t keep the abrasive speed, and the cfm being used the same.
Did you know that sandblasting cabinets can be called many things? Some examples are a blast cabinet, sandblaster, mediablaster®, dry blast cabinet, and even wet blast cabinet or vapor hone cabinet. Media Blast® blasters, cabinets manufactured by Media Blast and Abrasives, are among the best in the industry. Our blasters are 100% welded cold-rolled-steel cabinets designed for everything ranging from home hobbyists to the Aerospace industry. If you are in the market for a sandblasting…
Media Blast and Abrasives is introducing the N-200 Siphon Aerospace Blast Cabinet. The small machine footprint saves valuable floor space and features two 72″ high door openings. It’s the ideal mediablaster® for aerospace applications with a self-contained 440 square foot cartridge dust collector and unparalleled part handling inside the cabinet. The Challenges of Large-Part Processing Often an application for large parts, such as aerospace abrasive blasting, can require a large expensive blast room for part…
A blast cabinet with a low Daily Duty Cycle (DDC) can be useful for many mediablaster applications at home. This type of Blasting Cabinet has a total DDC of 30 minutes or less daily, and sometimes lower. And many can operate on a 120-volt air compressor using a 6-cfm gun size. When used properly there are many at-home mediablaster® applications for these abrasive blast cabinets.
Understanding the difference between a tumble barrels and a tumble baskets can be one of the more confusing choices in abrasive blasting. Baskets and barrels are among the hardest blasting cabinet models to purchase correctly. We’ve been making these mediablasters® since the 1970s and we understand them inside and out.
All Media Blast & Abrasive operator view windows are made of Safety Glass and our glass window protectors are included and standard on all operator view windows except on our wet mediablasters®. Why do we use glass instead of plastic? Glass gives users the best return on investment at the most reasonable cost. ProTip: To extend the life of your operator view windows, direct most of the abrasive away from the window. This is easier…
At Media Blast & Abrasives we make both kinds of vapor blast cabinets: Industrial and Light Duty. Industrial cabinets are designed to operate on a production capacity daily duty cycle (DDC). This means the machines are able to run longer intervals between maintenance and process more parts in a shorter time frame. Light Duty wet sandblast cabinets are built to operate in shorter durations and process smaller batches of parts. 3 Benefits of Industrial Vapor…
Media Blast® offers multiple window slopes on Wet and Dry Industrial Blasting Cabinets. This is because the wrong window slope can make it very hard to operate your mediablaster®. Which slope is right for you? It depends on the part you’re processing. Max Window Slope Mediablaster One of our window slope angles is the most angled. This makes it easier it is to see low height parts on the work grate surface just in front…
Media Blast & Abrasive created the Micro Industrial Line of industrial sandblast cabinets specifically for applications to replace the slow part processing pencil blaster that do not recycle abrasive, have a low slow production output, and requires the same single person labor to operate each pencil blaster you may have to keep up with daily production increases. If you have more than one pencil blaster you need to look at the PrecisionBlast Direct Pressure Abrasive Micro…
First there were tubular cloth dust bags, second there were enveloped cloth dust bags yielding about 10 times the filter area in the same footprint. Finally came cartridge filters which double the filter area of envelope dust bags. More dust filter area means fewer dust collector cleaning cycles per day. Which means less dust collector maintenance and higher machine output. Increased filter dust storage can improve dust collector efficiency by slowing down the speed of…
Blasting cabinet filters can be one of three types: Air Inlet Filters, Air Regulator Filter, and Dust Collector Filters. Dust Collector filters come in two main materials: cloth filters or cartridge filters. Dust Collector Filters are the most important. The 3 Types of Blasting Cabinet Filters Air Inlet Filters keep the dust and abrasive inside the cabinet. They also allow the dust collector blower to bring clean air into the cabinet creating visibility. Always remember to…
Media Blast & Abrasive’s sand blaster cabinet line has been manufactured in the USA since the company was started almost a half-century ago. We know the difference between a quality, light duty machine and a “sight seller” cabinet. Sight sellers are sand blaster cabinets marketed online that appear to meet all the requirements a user would want. Unfortunately, they often fall short after delivery with poor abrasive recycling and creating a mess around the cabinet.
Did you know some media blasters, also called blasting cabinets, can be used to blast large parts instead of blasting rooms?
A Sandcarving cabinet is a piece of machinery used for sandblasting and carving designs into glass, wood, and other materials. It consists of a dust collector, a sandblast gun, and a protective cabinet to contain the dust and debris created by the Sandcarving process. Most are Direct Pressure but we also manufacturer Siphon for Surface Etching.
At Media Blast & Abrasive we’re committed to offering you the very best products and service. To that end, we’re proud to announce that the new Media Blast® website is now live!
Meet the new HydroSlurry wet blasting cabinet by Media Blast. If you’re thinking about equipping your shop with an affordable wet slurry blaster cabinet then check out our new stainless steel HydroSlurry®. This vapor blasting model is available in three standard cabinet sizes plus the 2420 bench top model. Choose the cabinet size right for your application. An Affordable Wet Blaster If you’re looking for a wet (vapor) blast cabinet to produce great looking part finish,…
Meet the king of our new Pro Model lineup, the CrystalBlast Pro Stage III Elite mediablaster®. This model includes all the features necessary for advanced Sandcarving using ultra-fine abrasive and all the standard mesh sizes. ProTip: if you want great Sandcarving detail then you need these finer abrasive sizes. What Sets the CB Pro Stage III Apart? The three CrystalBlast Pro Models (Stage I, II and III) use the same cabinet size and the same dust collector…
Meet the new CrystalBlast Pro Stage II mediablaster®! The CB Pro Stage II features simple-to-use controls so it can operate in any language. And its side mounted dust collector fits through standard doorways. What Sets the CB Pro Stage II Apart? The three CrystalBlast Pro Models (Stage I, II and III) use the same cabinet size and the same dust collector cabinet with a semi-automatic cleaning cycle. The Pro Stage II includes a right-side access door…
We’re thrilled to announce the newly designed CrystalBlast Pro Stage I – a cost effective, Entry Level Sandcarver for almost all applications! What Sets the CrystalBlast Pro Stage I Apart? The three CB Pro Models (Stage I, II and III) use the same cabinet size and the same dust collector cabinet with a semi-automatic cleaning cycle. We’re making it hard for users to outgrow this Sandcarving cabinet! This machine can easily pass through doorways because of its single…
The HydroSlurry 2420 SS is a wet (vapor) blasting cabinet manufactured by Media Blast®. It’s a great, space saving, stainless steel, top loading mediablaster®.
Daily Duty Cycle (DDC) is the amount of time a blasting cabinet can operate before it needs to be serviced. We measure DDC using the gun cfm, the dust collector blower, and the filter storage area. Consider this, a 5% DDC typically translates to less than 30 minutes of total operation in a single 8-hour period. If your application requires more than 30 minutes of machine operation you may need to size-up your dust collector. And…
Are you familiar with the term Mediablaster®? You should be! Because mediablaster is a more correct term for what many people call a sandblaster. When Media Blast® & Abrasives started, the term to describe a blasting cabinet was: Sandblast Cabinet. Unfortunately, there are some significant problems with sand as a recycled abrasive. Three Issues with Sand as a Recycled Abrasive in Mediablasters Transitioning from Sandblaster to Mediablaster Q: So, what do we use in sandblasting…
Have you ever wondered why some Sandcarving machines have a compressed air drier? Moisture, dampness, and static are often created during the Sandcarving process. These byproducts can have a disastrous effect on abrasive flow, particularly when using the finer abrasives used for sandcarving details.
It might seem a little strange for an abrasive blast cabinet manufacturer to be writing about how to sandblast outside the box, so to speak. Some people call this “manual blasting” but it is also known as “hand-eye directional blasting” and there are some very real benefits to this technique.
Many people can benefit from a sand blasting cabinet, also known as a Mediablaster®, in a home-based shop. These machines are incredibly handy for all kinds of applications including restoring classic cars, etching glass, and rebuilding a motor. A blasting cabinet is truly an all-in-one tool when it comes to rebuilding because it removes all the years of surface coatings to preparing for new paint or powder coating, and it can also simply clean, polish, and…
All abrasives have blast cabinet recycle rates, so why is it so hard to find an accurate number of times your cabinet blaster can recycle abrasive? Why don’t abrasive manufactures make this information readily available?
Have you ever come across another website selling Media Blast Cabinets and wondered if those are some of our machines? It’s likely they aren’t. Media Blast® only has a select few authorized retailers and all other machines are sold directly to consumers. Many companies use our name to describe their abrasive blasting equipment as MediaBlasters® because our Patent Registered Brand Name has become a Trade Name.
Blast cabinet visibility is achieved by removing dust from the cabinet interior. Dust is created when the surface of the part is cleaned and mixes with the abrasive in micron-size dust particles to greatly reduce cabinet visibility. Poor visibility is most often the result of the lack of a critical machine feature.
If you’re in the market for a soda blaster, we’ve got three machines that you should check out: the Cobra Stage I, the N-200 Stage II and the Blizzard Stage III. Each of these soda blasters is built to fit specific soda blasting needs, so you have the right machine for your application.
The first consideration in choosing a shop blasting cabinet is compressed air volume. If you have an existing 5 hp compressor, it is most likely a single phase electrical motor, with a vertical tank. Buying a single stage compressor pump or a two stage pump can impact tank storage capacity in cfm even if you are limited to single phase electrical power. Two Stage Pumps have a higher stored tank pressure, equaling more air volume storage. You may…
How do you find a real, high-quality industrial capacity media blaster®? We’re talking about Blasting Cabinets that operate at the highest cfm air volumes, offer the fastest cleaning speeds, include self-cleaning dust collectors, and create the highest frictional heat for maximum daily production. If these features are important to you, then you may be in the market for an industrial capacity media blaster.
We are often asked whether it’s better to buy a blast cabinet with refrigerator doors or vertical sliding doors. There are benefits and drawbacks to both kinds of doors. Vertical sliding doors do typically require more safety features because of their more complicated design. Our vertical doors roll-up and require no increase in vertical height. If you’re not sure whether or not you should purchase a machine with vertical or refrigerator doors, we can help…
Many people wrongly assume that quality dust collectors are only critical for industrial sandblasting equipment. This is just plain incorrect. Regardless of how many parts you are processing, a high-quality dust collector makes a world of difference when operating a sandblasting cabinet.
Of all media blasting abrasives, glass bead blasting is arguably the most popular and the easiest on equipment. This is in part because glass beads are very versatile. They are a medium-hard abrasive and come in a range of sizes, shapes and hardness levels. It’s these characteristics of glass beads that make them desirable and impact their recycle rate.
Did you know it’s best to use a specially designed sandblasting cabinet for soda blasting? That’s right. Many sandblasting cabinets are built for cutting abrasives that rip and tear, remove coatings, polishing, and make parts ready for painting and plating. These are precisely what soda blasting, a do no harm abrasive media, aims to avoid.
Not all abrasive blasting cabinets have a Blast Media Reclaimer System, also known as an Abrasive Separator Reclaimer. They are not often used in light duty, low Daily Duty Cycle (DDC) machines, but are crucial to industrial scale production operations.
Blasting Cabinet, Sandblasting Cabinet, Media Blast Cabinet, Mediablaster® Cabinet and Abrasive Blasting Cabinet all basically mean the same thing. A machine you place parts inside to clean, texture the surface, shot peen, sandcarve, de-burr, polish, surface prepare for plating or even drill holes.
If you’re in the market for a home shop mediablaster there are two very important questions to ask yourself.
Sandcarver maintenance isn’t as straight forward as most people think. Everyone knows nozzles wear out and window protectors can become etched over time. This is why all of our CrystalBlast® models have nozzles, windows and hoses that are designed to be replaced without the need for special tools. The vast majority of sandcarver maintenance, roughly 80%, is related to the dust collector.
Do you follow our Media Blast blog and want to make it even easier to stay caught-up on our latest posts using any computer or smart phone using App desktop short cuts? Check out this easy hack to pin our blog feed to your desktop!
If you want to know how a sandblasting cabinet works, look no further! We’ve been manufacturing mediablaster® cabinets for more than 40 years and we know the ins and outs of abrasive blasters.
If you think you can Google “best sandblast cabinet” and magically be directed to the best mediablaster® then you’re dead wrong. Unfortunately, the best sandblasting cabinet is a relative thing. It depends on what you’re doing, how often and for what duration.
Ever since we debuted our new Hydroslurry™ Blasting Cabinet, we’ve been getting questions about how the Hydroslurry measures up against our existing Hurricane wet mediablaster® and the machines offered by our competitors. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we’re receiving and their answers.
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A Reverse Pulse Cartridge Dust Collector is a type of air filtration system that utilizes a series of cylindrical cartridges to capture and remove dust and other airborne particles from an industrial or commercial environment. This free-standing dust collector is used for extended blasting operations, multiple guns, or multiple machine operation and or multiple daily shifts. Under these conditions, the reduced maintenance and increased daily operation provided by these dust collectors result in a big…
Light duty blast cabinets have a large share of the sandblasting cabinet market today. Unfortunately, most buyers wrongly believe that “heavy duty and robust” are a terms to describe the quality of the machine. They don’t realize that “heavy duty” and “light duty” are actually terms used to describe the machine daily duty cycle.
The CrystalBlast® Pro is one of the leading sandcarving machines on the market. It comes standard with all of the features necessary for professional-level sandcarving, what is called “Value for Dollar Spent”. Among these standard features are 100% welded cabinet and 90 sq.ft. cartridge dust collector, ergonomically correct design, 50-pound pressure pot with access port, and more. Additionally, there are optional features such as an inline ambient air drier and blow-off gun, which allow users…
Now more than ever people are relying on the internet to purchase things sight unseen, which is why we’ve compiled a list of 9 online automotive media blaster myths. Before you buy a sandblasting cabinet, make sure you’re not getting sold on the wrong machine for your project.
Guest Blog post by IKONICS Imaging Choosing which sandcarving machine is best for your shop can feel overwhelming. To keep pace with the creativity and vision of the sandcarving industry, Media Blast® and IKONICS Imaging have developed a full line of CrystalBlast Sandcarving Machines, including low-cost entry-level Sandcarvers, fast-production equipment and highly sophisticated machines with special features and options. Media Blast® and IKONICS Imaging offer a wide range of machines shaped and modified to meet…
We often hear complaints about blast cabinets from people who are in the market for a replacement machine. These are usually people who bought the wrong machine for their application, and here are the most common things they complain about.
We try to give general guidelines about when to clean a blasting cabinet dust collector in each machine’s user manual. Our official recommendation for any Media Blast® Industrial model is two, (2), to three, (3), minute cleaning cycles every two, (2), hours of machine operation. But the reality is that the cleaning and maintenance frequency of blast cabinet dust collectors is based on several variables. It’s the responsibility of the user to adapt our recommendation…
Sandcarving is one of the abrasive blasting applications we have designed an entire line of machines for. Whether you’re sandcarving out of your home or in a mass-production facility, using high-quality machines makes a world of difference.
It’s a common misconception that it doesn’t take a lot to make an inexpensive blast cabinet – an enclosure with glove ports, a view window, abrasive storage hopper, lighting, and a vacuum dust collector. While this is technically true, most of the time low-cost cabinets contribute to the incorrect belief that all abrasive blasting cabinets create messy work environments. This assumption is completely incorrect.
At Media Blast & Abrasive, we have a long history of manufacturing high-quality automotive blast cabinets. The restoration automotive market includes boats, motorcycles, quads and anything else that moves. In addition to machines designed for professional auto shops, we offer a complete line of machines specifically designed to meet the unique needs of home hobbyists, weekend warriors and semi-professional extreme athletes. Our abrasive blasters cover everything from wet or dry to siphon or pressure abrasive…
Over the past several years we’ve seen more and more people requesting information about “dustless blast cabinets” or “wet abrasive blasters.” Often this is because the user is currently operating a poorly-made dry blast cabinet that often creates a large mess.
The selection of the best dry sandblasting cabinet is difficult to list directly, but it is possible in your project introduction, or application. Machines vary greatly, and the best sandblasting cabinets for blind-hole cleaning aren’t the same as the best cabinets for soda blasting. If you know which abrasive delivery is best for your application, and you know you’re in the market for a dry blast cabinet these tips may help you find the best…
There is no doubt that humanity faces unprecedented challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of a stalled global economy, many businesses are finding they must reinvent themselves, and we know that can be daunting. Media Blast & Abrasive was founded in 1977, but really the inception for the company started much earlier than that. We have seen our share of crippling economic uncertainty and lived to tell the tale. With that in…
Chances are if you have never before heard of N95 masks, you have probably become aware of these high-quality masks in the last few weeks. Reports have come in from around the country that our healthcare providers are in dire need of personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 masks which are also commonly used in construction and fabrication settings.
Media Blast & Abrasives’ Precision Etch Abrasive blast cabinet is one of very few one-size-fits all micro-abrasive blasting cabinets designed for industrial applications. This line of machines was designed specifically for proper control and flow of smaller amounts of abrasive (measured in pounds per minute) using all the right abrasive delivery controls. The Precision Etch also has the ability to operate every day for extended periods of time with its dust collector, large blower and…
Media Blast has been manufacturing blast cabinets for more than 40 years and we offer a machine for nearly every abrasive blasting application. In the case of tractor truck fabrication, there are a couple of things to consider.
Branch out from conversation hearts and flowers with our sandblasted Valentine gift guide. Each of these unique ideas incorporates sandcarving, an easy way to personalize nearly any penetrable surface. Sandcarving, also known as sandblasting, is the process used to produce that effect. It is one of the simplest and most accessible methods for personalizing or decorating glass, crystal, marble, stone and other surfaces.
Question from the MBA Contact Us page: “What is the best blasting cabinet for a Powder Coating Shop? As a shop owner, I need a blast cabinet capable of removing old coatings quickly.”
If you’re struggling to decide whether it’s time to upgrade a sandblasting cabinet we understand your dilemma. There are no-brainers like needing additional part processing capacity, meeting increased demand on existing machinery, and changes in applications. Unfortunately, there are less clear-cut situations where your current machine is falling short but you aren’t sure exactly what will alleviate your pain points.
When you see a media blasting cabinet, i.e. sandblasting cabinet, with enclosed containment and recycling abrasive, you will find different types of abrasive deliveries to the blast gun. We are going to talk about your specific application of blasting cabinets as well as a suitable abrasive delivery system. We are going to talk about your specific application of blasting cabinets as well as a suitable abrasive delivery system. This post will help to uncover which abrasive…
Today we divide wet sandblasting cabinets into two categories: very light duty and Industrial. Consider Industrial wet machines are designed for daily operation, are 100% welded to eliminate leaks, and while the duration of operation isn’t a key factor, the speed of processing is. Light Duty Machines are typically constructed with cheaper materials, use a form of agitation that results in a small percentage of abrasive held in suspension, operate limited gun size cfm usage, and…
We recently received an email from someone who wanted advice about sandblasting bicycle frames for profit. That might sound like an easy task, but deciding whether to process parts in-house or outsource sandblasting comes down to some very real factors. These five sandblasting considerations can help you to decide what’s the best choice for your business.
If you’re experiencing static shock from sandblast cabinets, you want to implement a quick and easy solution as soon as possible. This blog gives a simple explanation about how and why static electricity happens, and how to minimize it when you’re sandblasting.
The concept behind a clamshell sandblasting cabinet seems incredibly simple. The traditional design for these cabinets is a hinged top that swings back to allow parts to be loaded by forklift or hoist. Based on appearances, it should be the perfect solution for loading and blasting large or large heavy parts. Unfortunately, there are several concerns when it comes to clamshell sandblasting cabinets.
The Blizzard Stage III soda sandblasting cabinet by Media Blast is one of three machines designed specifically for soda blasting in all industries including aerospace and the automotive and recreational vehicle markets. All Blizzard models include “Ghost Flow™” soda flow, 1.0 C.F. soda delivery system using low compressed air usage and low soda usage. What sets the Stage III apart are features specially manufactured to meet production applications that require prolonged daily operation. The innovative…
The best sandblasting cabinets are hard to list until you know what project, or application, you’re working on. Machines vary greatly, and the best sandblasting cabinets for blind-hole cleaning aren’t the same as the best cabinets for soda blasting. To answer the question of which machine is best, you first have to ask, “What am I trying to accomplish?”
Media Blast’s Charger automotive sandblast cabinet uses direct pressure abrasive delivery and is capable of extended daily operation. This blast cabinet comes standard with a production-level nozzle that works with 25-90 cfm of compressed air per minute. It’s a great machine for anyone in the automotive industry looking to process several parts each day.
This past weekend Darin Jones and Andy Hromatka, Technical Sales Specialists with IKONICS Imaging, co-hosted a hands-on sandcarving seminar with the team at Media Blast & Abrasive, Inc. in Brea, California.
Automated sandblasting cabinets seem like they’d be the answer for companies looking to reduce labor and increase production volume. We’ve compiled the four most frequently asked questions about cabinet automation to help you to decide if it’s something you can benefit from.
The Precision Etch sandblasting cabinet is a clean, quiet, well-designed micro siphon unit ideal for applications requiring small parts and high production volumes. It is one of three abrasive blasting cabinets designed specifically for proper control and flow of smaller amounts of abrasive (measured in pounds per minute) using all the right abrasive delivery controls. What Are Micro Industrial Sandblasters? These sandblasting cabinets come with large negative pressure dust collectors for clean operation in small spaces and…
A dust collector filter is among the most important components for sandblasting cabinets. Machine footprint combined with Dust Storage Capacity is what created the need for dust collector advancements. Although we’ve made huge strides in innovation, dust collector filter maintenance is still an important factor. Types of Dust Collector Filters: 1st came the Positive Pressure Dust Bag attached to the blower exhaust outlet. These are still used today but only by companies that don’t understand dust…
Media Blast & Abrasive’s line of Tornado downdraft work tables is designed for pollution control from grinding, sanding, and deburring normally using a central dust collector. These machines protect the operator and surrounding equipment from free floating debris. Tornado workstation unlike the Tornado Work Bench do not include an internal dust collector, but they do include the collection hopper, hopper attachment outlet for connection to a central dust collector and other great features like lighting,…
Wet blast cabinets have been around for a very long time. Although dry blasting almost made wet cabinets obsolete, more and more applications today require wet blasting because it eliminates the frictional heat that can damage delicate parts and permits iron free blasting. A few wet blasting applications include critical plating and painting, chemically clean part surface, no abrasive impregnation into the part surface, and aircraft part cleaning with the least part surface removal.
The most important thing to remember about choosing the right blast cabinet is focusing on your application and not whether the part fits inside the cabinet. That’s why Media Blast & Abrasive manufactures more than 50 models and 170 different cabinets – so we can make the right machine for any application.
Blasting cabinet design are more than an enclosure to contain the blasting operation, a trigger operated paint gun for on and off abrasive delivery and a looped abrasive supply hose down into the abrasive with an entrance hole in the hose.
When you think about using a media blasting cabinet, i.e. sandblasting cabinet, with enclosed containment and recycling abrasive, one of the first things you will find are different types of abrasive deliveries to the blast gun. This post will help to uncover which delivery – wet or siphon or direct pressure – is best for your application.
Media Blast manufactures both Tumble Baskets and Tumble Barrels, but how do you know which is right for your needs? First let’s explore the difference in each product, and then we’ll boil down your decision to three main factors.
Dust collector maintenance variables play a large role in how often you need to service your machine. Unfortunately, ongoing and preventative maintenance for blasting cabinet dust collectors is not a black and white issue. A fixed maintenance schedule won’t work for every machine and every application, but knowing how these ten variables affect dust collector maintenance can help you establish a maintenance schedule that works for your needs.
We often get asked which small piston air compressor is needed for a particular abrasive blast cabinet. Typically this happens when a buyer finds the blasting cabinet first then goes to look for the required compressed air.
Updated January 2022: Do you often wonder why your blast cabinet has abrasive flow problems after roughly 30 minutes of operation? It’s a common issue that we field questions about, and we’ve compiled a list of the five most common culprits. Read below for our media blasting troubleshooting for our sand blasting tips.
Does your abrasive blast cabinet have a problem with excessive dust? Aside from lack of machine maintenance and regular service, there are many reasons cabinets can have excessive dust inside with poor visibility. These are some of the reasons that warrant a call to an abrasive blasting expert, like one of our team members.
In 2003 we introduced our CrystalBlast® line of sandcarving and film washout machinery. Our cabinets raised the bar on all sandblasters and included standard features such as our patented abrasive separator reclaimer, industrial pinch valve flow control, cartridge dust collector, reverse pulse cleaning, ergonomically correct design, window sweeps, cleanout pot ports and muchmore.
A lack of frictional heat is one of the main reasons a first time buyer is disappointed in their blast cabinet purchase. As a manufacturer of over 170 different models of Blasting Cabinets, Dust Collectors and Pollution Control Work Benches, we often have first time buyers call us to replace their poorly-constructed abrasive blast cabinet. We are not saying all cabinets sold by large tool suppliers are bad, but inexperienced buyers often misunderstand why the…
As 2018 draws to a close, we look back on the past twelve months with a sense of accomplishment. Media Blast & Abrasives has had yet another successful year with the continued growth of our brand, the evolution of our machines, and the ongoing amazement we feel from our customers.
When our company was formed more than 40 years ago, the industry terminology for enclosed abrasive blasting machines was “Sandblast cabinets.” We set out to change this lingo by calling the equipment by its correct name: a media blast cabinet!
Without further ado, IKONICS Imaging is excited to share a recap of the 2nd 2018 Sandcarving Seminar in Brea, California. As you all know, this bi-annual event has been going on for over 10 years! Each seminar continues to evolve and IKONICS adapts to the needs & demands for sandcarving education in the industry. This seminar always surprises IKONICS in the diversity of attendees and their businesses. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, drill into and…
Updated February 2022: When deciding which abrasive blast cabinet to buy and how much money you’ll spend, it’s likely you’re asking yourself if you can make do with an inexpensive blast cabinet.
Media Blast makes a number of automotive blast cabinets specifically designed to meet needs of the automotive and recreational vehicle industries. One of those machines is the all-new Shop Standard 2.0, which uses a dry, siphon abrasive delivery system. This cabinet is among the first models we designed back in 1977. It was completely overhauled last year and debuted all-new in 2018 with an advanced negative pressure cartridge filtration dust collector.
Updated January 2022: Almost all of our blast cabinets are able to use glass bead abrasive media. Most operators and manufacturers know when to use glass beads and why. We’re sharing some tips that we’ve picked up over the last 50+ years in this industry remember Media Blast manufactures more than 180 machine models.
The N-200 Stage II soda blast cabinet is manufactured specifically for operation with soda abrasive. Unlike most blasting cabinets, soda cabinets aren’t concerned about recycling abrasive because soda can only be used once.
So you’re looking to buy an abrasive blast cabinet, but you don’t know what machine is the right fit for your needs. Not to worry, we’re here to help you buy the right machine the first time and avoid having to make a second, costly purchase.
Media Blast & abrasive created the micro abrasive industrial line of blasting cabinets specifically for proper control and flow of smaller amounts of abrasive. These blasters come standard with all the right abrasive delivery controls to manage ultra fine abrasive material. They are built for applications that require more than one hour of daily machine operation, which we consider industrial, and include both siphon and direct pressure abrasive delivery. Because micro abrasive is very small, these machines come with…
Thanks to these vacuum blower tips, buying a vacuum blower operated dust collector doesn’t have to be another “you get what you pay for” life lesson. Instead of assuming more horsepower and cfm are always better, an educated buyer understands the engineering behind the four common classes of blowers. If you need a quick refresher on how blowers work, read this post before you go on.
A vacuum blower is critical, often undervalued and misunderstood components of abrasive blast cabinets. Vacuum Blowers are commonly used on small blasting cabinets for very limited use or very low cfm gun size. Vacuum blowers are only one type of blower class available but result in high static suction but very low cfm air movement.
The Hurricane Wet Blast Cabinet by Media Blast is a simple to use older technology now gaining applications in today’s marketplace. Many applications today require wet blasting, which uses ultra-fine abrasives and eliminates the frictional heat that can damage delicate composites.
Without further ado, IKONICS Imaging brings you a fun recap of the 2018 Sandcarving Seminar in Brea, California. This bi-annual event has been going on for 10 years! Each seminar has evolved and IKONICS will continue to ebb and flow with the needs and demands for sandcarving education. This seminar always surprises IKONICS in the diversity of both the attendees and their businesses. While local attendees were majority, students from all over the US attended including…
Media Blast & Abrasive’s line of Industrial blast cabinets is designed for production applications that require more than one hour of daily machine operation. We know time is money, and these are the fastest cleaning models, with the most available options and upgrades, using the correct gun size to meet production numbers.
Media Blast’s N-200 GF Siphon abrasive blasting cabinet is a side-loading blasting cabinet that uses siphon abrasive delivery and requires 25-90 cfm of compressed air at 80 psi. This machine is available in many special cabinet sizes but standard in two, the 3636 and 4848, because those sizes are commonly used with turntable assemblies. This sandblasting equipment can operate with almost any abrasive type, but it’s specially designed to use fine and ultra-fine abrasives.
We’re proud to announce that our website showcasing Media Blast & Abrasive, Inc. Automotive Blasting Cabinets is now live! The site features 10 machine models designed specifically for the automotive and recreational vehicle industry. Each sandblasting cabinet targets special needs like camouflaging and color matching repairs or low-flow abrasive controls for precision blasting. The machines are available in a variety of models and various cabinet sizes to accommodate commercial and residential use with all the…
Updated January 2022: Almost all problems with any abrasive blasting dust collector attached to an existing blasting cabinet are related to one of a few conditions being listed below. Most people buy these machines based on budget and not the machine’s application. This is a mistake. First, an abrasive blasting cabinet’s use can, and probably will, change over time due to an increase in production or simply finding more uses for the machine. Second, if…
Media Blast & Abrasive’s line of automotive blast cabinets includes the best machines for cleaning, stripping, and shot peening. We’ve grouped them for easy evaluation, and offer many different cabinet sizes to accommodate home shops, commercial repair, and industrial production facilities.
Media Blast’s Hobby Blast abrasive blaster is a top-loading blasting cabinet that uses siphon abrasive delivery and requires 12 cfm of compressed air. To accommodate close-fitting surroundings, this unit allows for bench top or wall mounting. This machine is designed for small cleaning applications such as hand-held tools, medical tool remanufacturing andauto parts. Benefits of the Hobby Blast Abrasive Blasting Cabinet The Hobby Blast allows users to add a separator reclaimer to remove dust, keep the abrasive clean,…
Media Blast & Abrasive’s line of micro industrial blast cabinets is comprised of siphon and direct pressure models specifically for proper control and flow of smaller amounts of abrasive (measured in pounds per minute). These machines come with large negative pressure dust collectors for clean operation in small spaces and are capable of recycling the abrasive.
Tungsten Disulfide is a very hard and really wear resistant chemical compound that occurs naturally and is synthesized in labs. For many years it was best known as the material wrapped around the filament in incandescent light bulbs that causes them to glow. Since the rise of LED lighting, new applications for tungsten disulfide have evolved including using it as non-friction coating that can be used in place of grease. A few industries that could possibly…
Since the 1970s, Media Blast and Abrasive, Inc. has manufactured 100% American-made abrasive blast cabinets. Over the years, we’ve put together one of the largest, most complete lines of wet and dry blast cabinets offered for the fully equipped home shop through Industrial Production. To this day, we remain dedicated to supplying customers with superior quality, workmanship and dependability with every piece of sandblasting equipment we build. At Media Blast and Abrasive, Inc., we believe…
Wes Barton of IKONICS Imaging and Robert Robinson of Media Blast & Abrasive recently teamed up to put together a blog post explaining HEPA Filtration in the Sandcarving industry. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used in medical facilities, automobiles, aircraft, homes and more. In order to quality, filters have to passstandards of efficiency set by the United States Department of Energy. Since it’s inception in the 1940s, HEPA filters have evolved to satisfy the…
Media Blast & Abrasive’s line of of micro industrial blast cabinets, including the MicroBlast model, are in a class by themselves. Each cabinet is specifically made for proper control and flow of smaller amounts of abrasive (measured in pounds delivered per minute). These machines require a unique set of features to optimize such low-flow of abrasive. They come with large negative pressure cartridge dust collectors for clean operation in small spaces, and are capable of recycling…
That’s a wrap! IKONICS Imaging ends a successful seminar season in sunny California! With over 30 attendees, this beginner-to-intermediate sandcarving seminar was by far the largest sandcarving seminar held at Media Blast & Abrasive. Attendees gathered from all over the US and Canada, from Tennessee and Texas to Indiana and Washington. Not only was this group geographically diverse, there was a wide variety of industries. From the Monument industry to Trophies and Awards, this mixture…
Updated February 2022: The less you pay for a sandblasting cabinet the more maintenance it will require, and the more blast cabinet parts you will buy. This is because higher priced machines usually come with a larger dust collector and cabinet parts permit higher daily usage.
Blog updated December 21, 2021: It’s hard to search “sandblasting” on YouTube without finding videos featuring a long list of DIY blast cabinets. They appear to work just as well as professional quality sandblasting cabinets produced by industrial equipment manufacturers, but do not be fooled.
Nestled in the heart of the Northland, IKONICS has been an international leader of imaging technologies for more than 65 years. Made in America and distributed globally, IKONICS Imaging supplies customers an unmatched line of sandcarvers, automated washout units, photoresist films, crystal products, and training.
The Dominator Siphon Abrasive Blast Cabinet is designed for Production operation, meaning applications that require one (1) or more hours of daily machine operation using a production gun size consuming about 45 cfm of compressed air.
Most abrasive cabinet upkeep is related to the dust collector maintenance. The dust collector, a critical component of the machine, stores the dust and spent abrasive as well as the material being removed from the part. Purchasing a dust collector that cannot scale with the production model is one of the biggest pain points customers express.
The Charger Direct Pressure Abrasive Blast Cabinet is designed for Production operation, which we consider one (1) hour or more of daily machine operation using a production gun size consuming about 45 cfm of compressed air. The capacity to store dust with ease of service is what makes this machine the right choice for Production operation. Additionally, a larger dual filter option is available for higher daily operation or larger abrasive gun size.
Updated January 2022: Recycling abrasive to be used again and again is unique to abrasive blast cabinets. Recycling isn’t possible if you’re performing portable blasting without a containment cabinet. So, how many times can abrasive be recycled? This is a very hard question to answer as an absolute because the number of recycles depends on many variables which can extend or shorten any abrasive recycle rate we’ve published at the end of this article. The…
The 3030 Savage Direct Pressure blasting cabinet was created to run on smaller air compressors using the standard electrical power found in home garages and commercial facilities. It’s designed with the correct abrasive flow controls for smaller air volumes avoiding problems created when you try to simply install a smaller pressure nozzle size to match your smaller air compressor supply volume. The 3030 Savage Direct Pressure Blasting Cabinet is an excellent choice for professionals and…
We’ve written a number of blog posts discussing compressed air, but now we’re going to address some of the most frequently asked questions we get about the subject. For more information about buying an air compressor check out Air Compressor 101: Everything You Need to Know.
The Cobra Stage I and Cobra Stage II cabinets were created for general repair shops, facility in-house maintenance and automotive repair. A small, compact machine, the Cobra is ideal for applications that require less than one hour of daily operation. If your project demands more continuous operation, what we call production quality, consider the N-200 Siphon cabinets available in thirteen cabinet sizes with a smaller gun size offered if you have limited air.
IKONICS Imaging had a blast during the Sandcarving Seminar in sunny California at Media Blast & Abrasive! Wes Barton and Darin Jones with IKONICS Imaging taught a one-and-a-half day, professional-level sandcarving seminar. Wes and Darin covered topics from basic artwork tips and demoing different types of photoresist films to sandcarving techniques and CrystalBlast machine basics. Another popular subject was common troubleshooting tips along with sharing information on high wear parts. It was a full class…
Customers ask us far too often why they should buy a vacuum dust collector from us rather than a shop vacuum from their local hardware store. Even though they aren’t drastically different in price, Media Blast’s vacuum dust collectors make a huge difference in machine function and how clean your workspace is when operating a smaller machine for smaller hand held parts.
When you boil media blaster cabinet costs down to the basics, it’s all about cleaning speed, frictional heat created, the dust collector size and maintenance costs. If you’re comparing two machine models, and one is much less expensive than the other, here are three things you should consider. Doing your due diligence before you buy could save you time and money in the long run.
The Power Peen abrasive blast cabinet is a Direct Pressure machine designed for Production applications, which classify as planned machine operation of one or more hours daily. It is designed to use heavy blasting media to achieve the high frictional heat required in through-hole part blasting and blind-hole cleaning. The Power Peen model requires 25 to 80cfm of compressed air and includes a 1.0 cubic foot ASME coded Pressure Pot complete with pressure pot access port for…
Siphon abrasive blasting cabinets and direct pressure abrasive blasting cabinets allow operators to recycle abrasive media for reuse. There are many types of abrasive media, each with its own lifespan. Some abrasive media, like soda, cannot be recycled without a low blasting pressure and GhostFlow™ technology which results in clean parts, cabinet visibility and a functional dust collector. In addition to understanding the nuances of direct pressure and siphon feed blasting, knowing how to properly use your equipment…
Efficiently Manage Dust and Boost Your Blasting Speed with a Freestanding Reverse Pulse Dust Collector – The Ultimate Solution for Large-Scale Applications! In today’s industrial landscape, managing dust effectively is crucial to ensure smooth operations and worker safety. The need for advanced design dust collectors that can efficiently move collected dust off filters and store it for disposal is more pressing than ever, especially for applications involving large-size guns. This is where a freestanding reverse…
Buying an air compressor for a blasting cabinet can seem like a daunting task, we know. Media Blast manufactures the largest line of Wet Blasters, Dry Siphon, Gravity Feed and Direct Pressure models with categories for Light Duty, Automotive, Sandcarving and Industrial abrasive blasting. Depending on what model you purchase and where you’ll be operating it, there are a few components that will affect your air compressor needs.
Blog updated December 21, 2021: Soda Blasting involves one of the softer abrasive blasting materials, rating an average 2.4 on the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness (1-10). Most abrasive blasting cabinets use harder abrasives like plastic and glass beads to maximize abrasive recycles and minimize dust collector service. Soda blasting is the exception, a one-time-use abrasive, used for special applications when recycling abrasive is not important.
So you’re going to buy an air compressor for abrasive blasting – great! Before you start shopping around and doing competitive research, there are five things you need to know.
The CrystalBlast® Elite abrastive blasting cabinet is an innovative, ergonomically correct sandcarving solution. This unique machine comes standard with a 700 cfm exhaust blower and patented separator reclaimer which prevents the loss of even the smallest abrasive, including the 240 mesh commonly used for half-tone sandcarving.
The Space Saver HD abrasive blast cabinet by Media Blast in considered a light duty blast cabinet. It was designed with a small machine footprint to meet small equipment repair needs and allow for residential use in a home garage. This blast cabinet model requires less floorspace because the access door is vertically opened and operates using 120-volt, single-phase power you find on any service outlet.
Smart abrasive cabinet maintenance requires knowing when to replace or upgrade your machine. Most people assume this means planned decommissioning due to wear and tear, but it also includes abrasive cabinet upgrade due to increased production needs or new applications. If the right machine was purchased the first time, increased output can mean changing the gun size inside the machine and not buying a replacement of second machine!
The Blizzard abrasive cabinet is specifically designed to operate with single-use soda abrasive, also known as bicarbonate, and single-use wheat start abrasives. Media Blast makes all its machines with 100% welded 12- and 14-gauge cold rolled steel to minimize spent abrasive in the workspace. The patented used soda pre-separator system design collects the used soda before it enters the dust collector, significantly reducing dust collector maintenance.
Updated January 2022: Piston air compressors are often used with abrasive blast cabinets because they are efficient and cost effective. Available for purchase at many “Big Box” stores, there are a few tips and tricks that you should know before purchasing any piston air compressor.
People do all kinds of cool things with abrasive blasting cabinets; take Rufus Seder, creator of the Life Tile. Seder and his company, Eye Think, Inc., were featured on The Steve Katsos Show the Media Blast machine that brings his creative products to life. Media Blast in Action
An important component of the abrasive blasting industry is micro flow controls incorporated into cabinets. Micro flow controls allow ultra-precise abrasive flow delivery, not about the size of the cabinet itself. Some manufactures think that just placing a small nozzle on any blasting cabinet will accomplish micro flow delivery, but that’s the quickest way create a nonfunctioning sandblasting cabinet. (Think of 500 people in a building all trying to exit out of a single doorway.)
Blast Cabinet Separator Reclaimers may not seem sexy but they’re an integral part of abrasive blasting. All blast cabinets, whether siphon or direct pressure, include two different approaches to separator reclaimers.
Blast cabinet noise is one of the most common topics that prospective buyers ask bring up when considering one of our larger, industrial abrasive blast cabinets. The time to address a potential noise issue is undoubtedly before you buy a machine and not after. The issue of noise is fairly straightforward when you know where the excessive sound is coming from.
The Precision Blast Micro abrasive blast cabinet increases production and reduces abrasive usage using patented abrasive recycle that allows only dust to enter the dust collector. The cost saved in recycling abrasive alone is a significant benefit of this machine. Another factor that drives people to purchase this model is the small machine footprint, which accommodates both smaller laboratories and larger production facilities.
What do we mean by maximum abrasive velocity? Simply put, it’s the fastest you can propel abrasive against a part without the abrasive exploding into smaller, useless pieces.
Regular nozzle maintenance on your siphon blast cabinet is a quick and easy way to save money by reducing production time and maintaining optimal productivity. How can something so simple make such a difference to your bottom line? Siphon machines are nozzle critical, meaning that the condition of the nozzle greatly impacts the productivity of the machine. This is because the abrasive’s velocity and direction are hugely dependent on a specific design formula for the…
The CrystalBlast Elite by Media Blast is an ergonomically designed sandcarving machine capable of exceeding the needs of almost any sandcarving facility. This model comes standard with a 3/32” ID tungsten carbide nozzle that is typical for the most detailed sandcarving today. Standard features include seated or standing machine operation, adjustable foot treadle, eye level machine controls, micro sized “ERGO” abrasive hose, fully padded armrest, patented separator reclaimer that is matched to the 110 square feet…
Blog updated November 22, 2021: Before you buy an air compressor for your home garage blast cabinet, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, it’s the compressed air that powers the blasting for any directional abrasive blasting cabinet or hand-held gun. Whether you’re using a siphon or direct pressure abrasive delivery method, you’re going to need the right air compressor for your application.
The Hailstorm by Media Blast is a direct-pressure sandblast cabinet designed for use with plastic abrasive and includes many features specific to working with this abrasive medium. This means you don’t need to rely on information about upgrades or adding additional options to a direct pressure machine to make it work correctly using plastic abrasive. The Hailstorm will also work with many other abrasive types but is specifically designed for plastic media. This media blaster…
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves it’s crucial that you understand many abrasives used in sandblasting are the same as the abrasives used in sandpaper, abrasive belts, sanding pads as well as all types of grinding wheels. These abrasives are not to be confused with actual sand and softer slags such as Black Beauty that are used only once. If this comes as a surprise, remember that sandblasting is like hamburger – there’s…
Updated January 2022: Not all blast cabinets are created equally and abrasive media selection is very much dependent on the application and machine at hand. Whether you’re doing aerospace engineering or cleaning a car part, using the right abrasive in the right machine is key to the success of your project. If you aren’t sure you have the right machine, check out our buying guide to confirm you have the right cabinet.
The PowerStrip by Media Blast is a direct pressure blast cabinet that uses a pressure pot assembly to create direct pressure abrasive delivery. It also includes a pneumatic conveyor that removes the abrasive from the cabinet each time it exits the blasting nozzle. This design allows any pressure pot size to be used to extend pot run time before the pot needs to be re-filled.
Direct Pressure abrasive delivery is a process that uses a pressure pot to pneumatically push abrasive to the blasting nozzle inside a blast cabinet.
External abrasive storage in abrasive blast cabinets refers to situations where abrasive is stored outside of the blast cabinet. In a direct pressure abrasive delivery system where a pressure pot and the external abrasive storage are used, all the abrasive is removed from inside the cabinet each time it exits the nozzle which allows the use of many different pressure pot sizes. Because the pot is sealed when blasting, it must stop blasting to refill the pot….
The N-200 by Media Blast is an Industrial Siphon Blast Cabinet which means it utilizes siphon abrasive delivery. True Industrial Siphon Blast Cabinets must have a blower and dust collector capable of handling a large abrasive gun size delivering up to 10 pounds of abrasive per minute. Most of the applications today can use the Industrial Siphon blasting cabinet, which is open to atmosphere. This enables continuous operation without the need to stop and re-pressurize like the pressure pot…
Updated January 2022: The first dry blasting machines relied on siphon abrasive delivery method which uses an abrasive media gun to siphon, or pull, the abrasive to the blasting nozzle where it is then boosted in particle velocity and injected into the cabinet. Think of this like using a cue ball to hit the eight ball into the side pocket. While it gets the job done, some energy is lost when the two balls come in…
Updated February 2022: An abrasive separator reclaimer is a pneumatic centrifuge capable of separating usable abrasive from dust and unwanted worn abrasive while creating the negative cabinet air pressure required for all blasting cabinets. This not only helps reduce the cost of abrasives, it vastly improves visibility inside the cabinet as smaller dust and spent abrasive – carbon, paint and rust – are removed while the unit is being used.
It is highly likely the first abrasive blasting “machines” were fast-moving rivers or dry desert windstorms. (If you have ever driven in a sandstorm, you understand first hand the power of a particle to remove paint and or etch glass.) Somewhere in history, someone noticed the results and an idea was born.
At the start of the sandblasting industry, almost all the blasting was wet abrasive blasting. Wet delivery is great for containing the blasting abrasive for recycling and controlling the dust created during blast operation.