Surface Treatment Process: The Difference between Polishing, Shot Blasting, Sandblasting, Shot Blasting And Plastic Spraying

In materials science and engineering, surface treatment is a crucial technology that can not only improve the appearance of a material, but also enhance its physical and chemical properties. Polishing, shot blasting, sandblasting, shot blasting and plastic spraying are five common surface treatment techniques, and although they are designed to improve the surface of the material, but their principles, applications and effects are very different. This paper will deeply compare and discuss these five techniques from the aspects of definition, principle, application and advantages and disadvantages.

1. Definition and principle of polishing: Polishing is a kind of through mechanical, chemical or electrochemical action, make the workpiece surface roughness reduce, in order to obtain bright, smooth surface processing method. It mainly uses the polishing wheel and abrasive particles to roll and microchip the workpiece surface, so as to achieve the purpose of smooth surface. During polishing, the rotation speed of the polishing wheel is usually high to produce sufficient cutting force to remove the surface bumps, while keeping the surface flat and bright.

Application: Polishing is widely used in the surface treatment of various metal and nonmetallic materials, especially for high precision and high finish. For example, precision instruments, optics, jewelry and auto parts all require polishing technology. Advantages and disadvantages: Polishing technology can significantly improve the surface finish and reflective performance of the material, but the operation process is more complex, requiring professional equipment and operation skills. In addition, some dust and waste may be generated during polishing, which need to be properly handled to avoid environmental contamination.

2. Definition and principle of shot blasting: shot blasting is a mechanical surface treatment process, which uses the high-speed rotating impeller to throw the projectile to the surface of the workpiece, in order to remove the surface oxide skin, rust, oil pollution and other impurities, and improve the appearance quality of the workpiece. In the process of shot blasting, the striking force can effectively clean up the stains and defects on the surface of the workpiece.

Application: shot blasting technology is widely used in the surface treatment of shipbuilding repair, automotive parts, aircraft parts, Bridges, steel structure and other fields. It can efficiently remove the stains and defects on the surface of the workpiece, and provide a good foundation for the subsequent coating, coating and other processes. Advantages and disadvantages: shot blasting technology cleaning efficiency, low cost, suitable for mass production. However, due to the large strike force of the projectile, it may cause deformation or damage to the thin sheet workpiece. In addition, the dust and waste materials produced during the shot blasting process also need to be properly handled.

3. Definition and principle of sandblasting: sandblasting is a process that uses compressed air as power to spray abrasive (such as quartz sand, copper sand, diamond sand, etc.) to the surface of the workpiece at high speed to remove surface stains, increase roughness or improve surface performance. During the sandblasting process, the impact and cutting effect of the abrasives on the workpiece surface can effectively clean up the stains and increase the roughness.

Application: Sandblasting technology is widely used in the surface treatment of metal, non-metallic and other materials, especially in the need to remove surface stains, increase roughness or improve surface performance occasions. For example, sandblasting technology is used in the surface cleaning and beautification of ships, Bridges and exterior walls. Advantages and disadvantages: sandblasting technology has high cleaning efficiency and flexibility, and can deal with the internal and external surfaces of complex workpieces and the inner wall of pipe fittings. However, more dust and waste materials are produced in the process of sandblasting, which need to be equipped with corresponding recovery and treatment equipment. In addition, the impact of sandblasting on the surface of the workpiece is greater, which may cause some damage to it.

4. Definition and principle: Spray peening is a surface treatment technology similar to sandblasting, but it usually uses steel pellets as a medium. In the process of shot peening, the steel ball hits the surface of the workpiece at high speed under the action of high pressure wind or compressed air, so as to achieve the purpose of surface reinforcement, eliminating stress or removing surface stains. Peening treatment can significantly improve the fatigue strength, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the workpiece.

Application: Spray peening technology is widely used in the surface treatment of various metal parts, especially in the cases of improving the mechanical strength, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the parts. For example, shot peening technology is needed in areas such as automotive engine parts and aerospace parts. Advantages and disadvantages: the peening treatment equipment is simple, low cost, not limited by the shape and position of the workpiece, easy to operate. However, the treatment of the sheet work piece is easy to cause deformation or damage, and the working environment is poor. Moreover, the shot peening treatment is relatively inefficient and less productive per unit.

5. Definition and principle of plastic spraying: Plastic spraying is a surface treatment technology that the plastic powder is evenly sprayed on the surface of metal or other base materials through the spray gun, and then baked at high temperature to make the plastic powder melt, flow flat and solidify to form a dense coating. Plastic spraying technology can not only protect and decorate the substrate surface, but also enhance its anti-corrosion, anti-wear, waterproof, dustproof and other functions.

Application: Plastic spraying technology is widely used in home appliances, automobiles, building materials, electronics, medical devices and other industries, especially in the outdoor or humid environment requiring protection and decoration. For example, highway guardrail, car shell, building exterior walls and other fields need to use plastic spraying technology.

Advantages and disadvantages: the plastic spraying technology of dense coating, strong adhesion, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, waterproof, dust prevention and other advantages are significant. However, powder waste and environmental pollution may occur in the process of plastic spraying, and corresponding measures need to be taken to control and treat them. In addition, the cost of plastic spraying technology is relatively high, and the requirements for equipment and operation skills are also relatively high.

Polishing, shot blasting, sandblasting, shot peening and plastic spraying are five common surface treatment technologies, each of which has unique principles, applications and advantages and disadvantages. In practical application, it is necessary to select appropriate treatment techniques according to specific requirements and conditions to achieve the optimal surface treatment effect. At the same time, with the continuous progress and innovation of science and technology, these surface treatment technologies will continue to develop and improve, bringing more convenience and possibilities to the field of materials science and engineering.