SODABLAST FOR THE AVIATION INDUSTRY
SodaBlast is an alternative to traditional chemical stripping processes.
When determining which method is best suited for stripping, many variables are taken into consideration: air pressure, volume, the distance the media has to travel to the surface after injection, the density, hardness, weight, size and other characteristics of the media used.
The ability to adjust these many variables individually makes blasting an extremely versatile system of cleaning. Sodium bicarbonate is a soft blast medium with a heavier specific gravity and less hardness than most plastic abrasives.
The use of sodium bicarbonate significantly reduces the amount of hazardous waste generated compared to chemical stripping. It also reduces the number of hours required for paint stripping as compared to chemical stripping.
Most applications do not require prewashing and masking and there are no size limits for parts being stripped. Also, blast media is usually less expensive than plastic media, wheat starch or CO2.
Soda blasting has been utilized for over 15 years as a cleaning and coating removal media. The process was originally introduced to remove surface corrosion from soft metallic surfaces without damage or distortion.
While this technology employs the extraordinary physical characteristics of the sodium bicarbonate crystal, other chemical benefits and properties such as its benign nature, low pH and water solubility have contributed to its successful application and preferred use on high-value parts and critical components.
Soda blasting has filled a very important niche within the aerospace industry.
Baking soda is water soluble making cleanup and surface preparation faster and easier than with errant media that may form a light dusting or collect in blind holes of recessed areas.
Baking soda is the only soft-abrasive material that allows for complete removal by simply rinsing with water.
Contamination is not a concern as the blasting system is one pass only and is not re-circulated.
The use of this system allows parts to be blasted without having to pre-clean them. The soda literally sweeps away grease and oil and does not impact into the grease and become lodged.
Baking soda fractures upon impact and does not cause crack closure, in fact it aids in revealing cracks. And because baking soda is water soluble it ensures passages can be thoroughly cleaned after blasting.
