Which is Best as Abrasive Delivery for Dry Sandblasting Cabinets?

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 fit for your needs.

Pro Tip: For more information about what makes the best sandblasting cabinets great, check out this blog post.

How does Abrasive Size Affect Delivery Methods?

When it comes to dry sandblasting cabinets, the size of the media determines how you feed the abrasive:

• When the abrasive is 150 mesh and larger, the internal abrasive storage model is used. The angle of repose, hopper slope allowing feed to the bottom of the cabinet’s hopper, will easily feed abrasive to the abrasive delivery valve.
• When the abrasive used is finer, 150 or 180 mesh and smaller, you must remove the abrasive from the cabinet each time it exits the nozzle to dry, aerate and make it flow correctly. The daily usage can help decide the model but it can use either model determined by only a few hours per week to many hours per week.

Pro Tip: Here’s an easy analogy to explain dry sandblasting cabinet abrasive delivery. Think of siphon delivery like a paint gun The compressed air rushes by the paint supply orifice pulling paint to the nozzle, “siphoning.” This is in contrast to pressure delivery which is more like a revolver that expands gas behind the bullet and pushes it to the end of the barrel, “under pressure.”

When and Which Abrasive Delivery Uses for Dry Sandblasting Cabinets?

You must use a pressure pot delivery when the application can’t be done using an Industrial siphon model. But, why? Pressure pot delivery can process into and through blind holes, remove thick coatings, and pneumatically push large heavy abrasives to the blast gun. Pressure pot machines are more expensive than siphon, and more difficult to operate.

Pro Tip: If you’re using fine abrasive, both siphon and pressure methods must include a pneumatic conveyor, which will drive the price up further. But if you need this additional feature and you don’t purchase it, the yearly cost of abrasive lost during recycling will easily cost more than buying the right machine from the start.

Many times, users start with an inexpensive siphon cabinet because they don’t want to commit to the cost of a pressure machine or one using a pneumatic conveyor. They often incorrectly assume pressure pot machines are faster. In reality, the delivery method has nothing to do with cleaning speed. The speed of the abrasive and the CFM used determine cleaning speed. In fact, if all variables are identical, a siphon machine will outperform a pressure machine almost every time.

To Sum It Up

Media Blast® & Abrasive has been manufacturing sandblasting cabinets since the 1970s. We make more than 50 models totaling 180 individual cabinets with some models available in as many as 13 different sizes. In addition to a comprehensive list of included features, we offer more than 80 optional features for increased productivity, durability, and operator safety. If you’re not sure what cabinet is the right fit for your needs, give us a call or visit our Buying Guide.