What Is A Shot Blasting Concrete? How Does Shot Blasting Concrete Work?
What Is A Shot Blasting Concrete?
Shot blasting concrete is a resurfacing process that uses metal beads, also known as shot, to clean and remove debris and contaminants from surfaces. It is similar to sand blasting, but is more powerful due to the size and speed of the metal pellets.
The process is done using a machine that propels the steel shot at high velocity using centrifugal force, which fractures the surface layer of the concrete along with any dirt, coatings, paint, or other contaminants.
The process is confined within an enclosed blast chamber that separates the dust from the spent steel shot, and the debris is sent to a separate dust collector while the reusable abrasive is recirculated.
The depth of surface removal is controlled by a combination of factors, including the size of the shot, the concentration used, the rate of machine travel, shot impact force, and the need to strip away an existing coating.
Shot blasting systems are typically walk-behind or ride-on units, with blasting paths ranging from 4 to 32 inches and removal rates from about 200 to over 3,000 square feet per hour.
They are available in various power options such as electric, diesel, and gasoline, and can be used for various applications, including preparing residential garage floors or balconies for decorative coatings or working in tight areas around equipment and obstructions.
How Does Shot Blasting Concrete Work?
Shot blasting machines use a spinning wheel to propel metal beads at high velocity towards concrete surfaces, removing the top layer and revealing a cleaner surface. The debris is contained within the machine and collected by a dust collector, while the beads are recycled for reuse.
Cost To Shot Blast Concrete
Shot blasting is an effective method of creating non-slip surfaces on concrete through the use of metal beads, similar to treads on a tire. Factors that contribute to the cost of shot blasting include the square footage of the workspace, the model of machinery used, and the duration of operation.
The process does not involve any toxic chemicals and the metal beads can be reused to reduce waste. Additionally, shot blasting is useful in preparing floors for paint or epoxy coatings as it creates a cleaner space with increased surface area for the new materials to adhere to.
It also has the added benefit of minimal cleanup as the broken up material is collected within the machine.
When Is Shot Blasting Concrete use?
Shot blasting is a method used to clean, restore and repair concrete surfaces, preparing them for coatings and creating non-slip surfaces.
It is commonly used in bridge and parking garage construction, warehouse and factory flooring, and other concrete spaces where grip and cleanliness are important.
