Straalinstallaties

Straalinstallaties, often translated as blasting systems or shot blasting machines, are industrial equipment used to clean, strengthen, or prepare surfaces. These systems employ a high-velocity stream of abrasive media to impact the workpiece. The abrasive media can consist of various materials, including steel shot, grit, sand, or even organic compounds, depending on the application.

The primary function of straalinstallaties is surface treatment. They are highly effective at removing rust, scale, old paint, and other contaminants from metal surfaces. This cleaning process is crucial before painting, coating, or welding, as it ensures proper adhesion and a durable finish. Beyond cleaning, straalinstallaties are also used for surface hardening, a process known as shot peening. By introducing compressive residual stresses into the surface layer, shot peening significantly improves the fatigue life and resistance to stress corrosion cracking of metal components, making them ideal for applications in aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery industries.

Different types of straalinstallaties exist, catering to various shapes, sizes, and production volumes. Common configurations include tumble blast machines, which are suitable for small to medium-sized parts that can be tumbled, and spinner hanger machines, designed for larger or irregularly shaped items. Table blast machines are used for flat or relatively simple parts, while continuous belt machines offer high throughput for mass production. The selection of a specific straalinstallatie depends on factors such as the size and geometry of the workpieces, the required surface finish, and the production capacity.