COMPRESSORS FOR SANDBLASTING
Choosing the right compressor for sandblasting is essential, it is in fact the power and the flow of compressed air generated by the compressor that will make the efficiency of the compressor-sandblaster couple, if the compressor is too low, the efficiency of the sandblasting, shot blasting or bead blasting application will be accordingly, likewise, it is the technology of the compressor that will give it its reliability.
As a distributor of the MAUGUIERE brand, one of the world leaders in the manufacture of compressed air and gas generation units, ARENA is able to offer you the best blasting compressor for your application, whether for use on site, in the workshop or in the laboratory, our range of sandblasting compressors will meet your needs.
The ARENA range of blast compressors is made up of equipment using different technologies. The choice of compressor will be made according to the necessary compressed air flow, the need for possible mobility, and finally the foreseeable rate of use of the equipment.
RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
A classic and proven technology compatible with most uses, standard or soundproofed models.
SCREW COMPRESSORS
For all demanding industrial applications.
MOBILE COMPRESSORS WITH COMBUSTION ENGINE
For on-site sandblasting.
The compressor for sandblasters
What is a compressor?
A compressor is a machine that increases the pressure of a gas or fluid by reducing its volume. Compressors are widely used in many fields, including civil engineering, air conditioning, refrigeration, mechanical engineering, oil and gas.
The compressor draws in the gas at low pressure - in the case of the sandblasting compressor, the gas drawn in is air - and returns it at higher pressure.
There are 2 main types of compressor:
- Volumetric: reducing the volume of gas by compressing it using piston, screw or vane compressors.
- Centrifugal: reduction of gas volume using centrifugal force, used in turbines and jet engines.
Sanding with a compressor: how does it work?
The use of a pneumatic compressor for sandblasting is essential. In fact, abrasive is only projected pneumatically using compressed air, either with vacuum or overpressure systems. Surface treatment by impact, sandblasting, microblasting, airbrushing or shot blasting is carried out by projecting the abrasive for the sandblasting machine from a tank.
There are differences in the process between vacuum blasting and overpressure blasting:
- Vacuum: the abrasive contained in the tank is sucked up by the compressed air - this is the Venturi effect. The compressor of the sandblaster is used less because the air flow is less than with the overpressure system.
- Overpressure: the tank containing the abrasive is pressurised and the abrasive is sprayed directly from the tank onto the surface to be treated. There is therefore a single hose at the nozzle containing both the compressed air and the abrasive.
The diameter of the nozzle will also determine the power of the sandblasting compressor. The larger the diameter of the nozzle, the greater the flow of air and abrasive, so a more powerful compressor is required.
What type of compressor should I use for a sandblaster?
Let's take a look at the compressors mainly used in the sandblasting industry
- Piston compressors: these work 50% of the time, and the rest of the time this type of compressor for sandblasters has to be idle. It is therefore well suited to low-intensity applications or applications with longer rest periods.
- Screw compressors: these are ideal for intensive work over long periods. These pneumatic compressors are frequently used in industry when requirements are high and the air network is large. This type of compressor is ideal for sandblasting work in overpressure sandblasting cabinets.
- Mobile compressors with internal combustion engines: these are used both by private individuals and on building sites. They have the advantage of being small, but on the other hand they generate more noise, require more maintenance and need to be fitted with an air dryer, as the abrasive must always be very dry otherwise it could clog up.
How do I choose the right compressor for a sandblaster?
Choosing the right compressor for sandblasting is vital, as it's the power and flow rate of the compressed air generated by the compressor that will determine the efficiency of the compressor-sandblaster combination. If the compressor's power is too low, the performance of the sandblasting, shot blasting or microblasting application will be reduced accordingly, and it's the compressor's technology that will give it its reliability.
As a distributor of the NUAIR brand, one of the world leaders in the manufacture of compressed air and gas generation units, ARENA BLAST is able to offer you the blasting compressor best suited to your application, whether for use on site, in the workshop or in the laboratory, the range of blasting compressors we distribute will be able to meet your needs.
The sandblasting compressors offered by ARENA BLAST use different technologies. The choice of compressor depends on the compressed air flow required, any need for mobility and the foreseeable rate of use of the equipment.
As mentioned above, the power in KW or HP of the compressor required for sandblasting is not the same depending on the sandblasting technology and nozzle size. Below is an indicative table to help you identify the power and type of compressor according to nozzle size and technology.
These figures are given for information only and do not take into account any cumulative consumption by other machines connected to the compressed air network.
To guarantee optimum performance from the blasting machines, the operator must ensure that the correct pipe diameters are used throughout the installation.
When you choose ARENA BLAST to equip your workshop and your sandblasting, shotblasting and impact surface treatment operations with a compressor, you can be sure that your sandblasting machine and its compressor will go hand in hand. What's more, the partnership between ARENA BLAST and compressor manufacturer NUAIR ensures the quality of the equipment, precise advice at the time of purchase and rapid after-sales service with all spare parts available.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.