What is an abrasive blaster set up?

Sandblasting is a term used to define the extensive act of forcing, the abrasive material at a high-speed to wipe off a surface. Silica sand was the most commonly used abrasive material, but since the lung disease silicosis is caused by extended inhalation of the dust created by sand, other materials are now used as an alternative. Other substitute available are  steel grit, copper slag, walnut shells, powdered abrasives, even bits of coconut shell.

The process of sandblasting is carefully monitored since there are threats of inhaling dust amidst the sand blasting process so it is carefully checked by using substitute air supply, protective wear for entire body including gloves and foot wear, and proper ventilation.

A sandblaster setup normally comprised of three integral parts.

1. The abrasive material,
2. An air compressor and
3. A blaster nozzle

For etching and cleaning especially the smaller items on a workstation, apiece of glass is also needed so as to grab these items.

Applications of sandblaster set up

Sandblaster has two applications.

• To clean a surface of any targeted material that is clinging to it. 
• Etching or carving patterns into a targeted material.

As a cleaning method, it is often used for cleansing a surface before the application of paint or a sealant. During a painting session, sand blasting avoids dust, dirt, or bubbles in a paint coat. This can be done by introducing tiny particles of abrasive at the surface at a high speed.
Sandblasting is also a wonderful experience in glass etching.It offers both hand -etching and laser etching .The former is time consuming and expensive, while the latter comes with few flaws.

Decoration of glass can be done by two methods.

• Etching
• carving

The glass etching method involves blasting of abrasive on it which is done to have a semi-opaque look. This is called 'whiting' or 'snowing' of the glass. It can be utilized to create effect to produce words or images.

The velocity of sandblaster and the angle from which the abrasive is being launched need to be adjusted accordingly. Several glass art works can be produced in this manner. Glass is carved by the process of sandblasting on the surface using a protective. This protective stencil prevents the carving going out of the stencil.

Using Sandblasting as a technique for carving has made different patterns of beautiful glass work in the market place.

The cost of sandblaster equipment depends a lot on the projects intended. Sandblaster set up differs in cost, depending on the scope of the projects needed to be completed. The larger the project, the higher is the cost. At a smaller scale, a small glass carving setup can be implemented at a much cheaper rate than the cabinet system. A system with a cabinet has the tendency to work upon large pieces of glass and if you want to add more peripherals to it then obviously, it will be much expensive just like a professional-level artistic sandblaster setup.