Abrasive Cycle Chart
Midvale Industries Offers Local Delivery
Midvale Industries offers cost effective fast local delivery in St. Louis and Tulsa area. We have our own delivery trucks that to help save you time and money on local deliveries.
We also work with local carriers that throughout the country to help with time sensitive shipments out of many warehouses spreadout throughout the country.
Midvale also contracts with national carriers for large shipments and long distance routes. Learn more Midvale and our services here and the industries we serve here.
Feel free to fill out the contact form below or connect with us via chat or call 1-800-341-0043.
Breakthroughs in Soda Blasting Formulations and Equipment
New Cabinet Technology
One of the disadvantages with soda blasting in a cabinet has always been visibility. Soda is dusty and without a cabinet that can move air through it quickly (especially near the viewing window), visibility can be challenging. Clemco Industries has released their High Performance Bicarbonator System (the video above was shot in this cabinet). In the video above even at 80 PSI visibility is not a problem like it has been in the past particularly at higher pressures. The cabinet has unique features including its Clearview high ventilation technology that evacuates the media out of the cabinet before dust clouds can build up in it. There are modifications to the blast pot to keep media agitated to prevent it from clumping up if moisture gets in the system from compressed air.
Soda Blasting Formulations
Not all baking soda is equal! Midvale offers Armex made by Church and Dwight the premier sodium bicarbonate for blasting. We have partnered with Armex, to offer our customers high quality soda that is sized for consistency and because multiple formulations are available for specific applications and industrial conditions. Formulations include those with flow agents where humidity is a concern, larger crystal formulations for more aggressive products, and blends with aluminum oxide for particular automotive remanufacturing applications.
Advantages of Soda Blasting
- Soda blasting has always been a good option for the automotive parts remanufacturing industry. Some of the advantages of using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) for blasting are as follows.
- Soda is non-destructive to most surfaces because it is softer than the surface substrate but harder than the coating or containment (grease, carbon, etc) it is removing
- Crack detention is made easier because it does not fold metal edges over cracks when blasting
- Unlike other abrasive that can get trapped in small passages in a part and later cause part failure, baking soda dissolves in liquids and can be circulated through the part without damage
- It preserves the surface integrity and dimensional integrity of the part
- Works well in wet blasting system, enabling it to wash the part without the use of potential harsh solvents and chemicals
Green Diamond Sand Benefits
Distinct Advantages of Green Diamond Shell Sand
Recyclability/Reclamation – Green Diamond Shell Sand can be utilized as a molding sand, without the need to discard to a landfill.
Better finish, virtually no thermal expansion (decrease machining time, increase tooling life)
Eliminate silica contamination/no free silica
Faster cure times/lower box temperatures
Reduction of overall shell sand used/Easier shake-out
Learn more on Green Diamond Page and on our Resin Coated Sands Page
THE FIRST SMART BLASTING ROBOT
The First Blasting Robot That Does Not Need To Be Programmed
The Future of Blasting
The Alpha 1 autonomous blasting robot by SABRE offers a new groundbreaking way to abrasive blast. It incorporates a six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) robotic arm equipped with a 3D sensor that can scan, map, and blast complex environments, removing the human operator from the work space.
The ALPHA1 by SABRE was created for use in the field on industrial sites by blasters and painters who have NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE with robotics.
See specs and more info here
Learn more about robotic blasting
Parts of a Blast Helmet
Whether you are new to blasting or have been around for a little while, it’s helpful to the names of the parts of your blast helmet. This will help you when ordering new parts for your helmet and also to understand better what the various components do. To the left is a sample breakdown of an Apollo 600 Blast Helmet (a best seller in the blasting industry). See pdf links below to see labeled parts breakdown of the Apollo 600 blast hood HP and LP models.
Below is also a video animation of the major components of the Apollo 600 helmet, these components are very similar to what are found in other major blast hood manufacturers including Bullard hoods and Nova hoods. Please also see the video overviews for the Bullard GenVX helmet and the Nova 3 Helmet. Each helmet has its pros and cons, factors to consider are helmet weight, comfort, price, cost of lenses and parts, and NIOSH approval.
Apollo 600 HP Helmet (Designed for use with compressed air)
Apollo 600 LP Helmet (Designed for use an ambient air pump)
Bullard GenVX Video
Nova 3 Blast Helmet Video
Clemco Apollo 600 Video
Need Blast Helmet Replacement Parts?
If you’re in need of blast helmet replacement parts, or a whole new blast helmet, reach out today and talk to a live representative. Our team is available to provide you with hands on service.
8 Quick Tips for Extending the Life of Your Gibson Wheel Blast System
8 Quick Tips for Extending the Life of Your Gibson Wheel Blast System
8 Quick Tips for Extending the Life of Your Gibson Wheel Blast System
Purchasing a Gibson wheel blast cleaning system can be significant investment, which is why regularly maintaining your system is a good idea. Regular maintenance will not only help the daily performance of the system but it will also prolong the life giving you many years of blast cleaning. To acheive optimal lifespan and productivity on Gibson Wheel Blast Systems, follow the instructions below, provided by our partner, Gibson Abrasive Equipment:
Break the system down into (8) main components for maintenance purposes and follow the action steps to ensure your wheel blast equipment functions at high productivity levels.
1) Blast Wheels
The wheels propels or throws the chosen abrasive media.
Action Steps:
- Check major components for wear. (Blades, Impeller, Control Cage, & Liners)
- Check and adjust the blast pattern.
Pro Tip: When doing a blast wheel tune-up mark the control cage location on the housing. This will make checking and adjusting the blast pattern much easier.
2) Work Handling system
Depending on the design type of machine this might be rubber belt, fixture(s), rotary table(s), rollers, or a manganese belt conveyor.
Action Steps:
- Check for wear and replace as necessary.
3) Blast Chamber
This is the main cabinet or chamber that contains the blast operation.
Action Steps:
- Check cabinet and liners for wear.
- Check and replace door seals and cabinet slots as necessary.
Pro Tip: Many liners used in Gibson blast systems are universal. Some areas might show more wear than others. This can depend on the blast pattern and parts being blasted. Swap worn liners with liners that are showing little to no wear. This will save you time and money!
4) Electrical System
The wiring, controls, and motors to power and safely operate the system.
Action Steps:
- Verify all safety switches and light curtains are working properly.
- Verify the control cabinet is dust tight and clean as necessary.
- Check all motor amps during operation.
5) Reclaim System
Used to transfer the abrasive mix back to the storage hopper.
Action Steps:
- Check augers and bearings for wear.
- Check elevator belt and buckets for wear.
- Check elevator belt tension.
Pro Tip: When replacing the elevator belt, it is good to consider replacing the bearings, pulleys, and shafts.
6) Separation System
The method that the machine has to remove contaminate waste, broken down abrasive, or dust from the reusable abrasive.
7) Abrasive Storage System
The storage hopper effectively provides consistent media to the blast wheel(s).
Action Steps:
- Check the hopper for leaks and wear spots.
- Check for obstructions to the abrasive flow.
Pro Tip: In humid climates abrasive can begin to oxidize causing issues with abrasive flow.
8) Ventilation System
The dust collection system provides negative pressure to the blast system to ensure dust free operation as well as performs the pneumatic separation of the abrasive mix.
Action Steps:
- Manually pulse each solenoid valve, ensuring proper function.
- Verify the system is getting the proper air pressure in the reservoir tube.
- Check the differential pressure on the provided gauge.
- Routinely inspect dust pipes to prevent clogs.
- Verify proper function of the timer board.
Order Wheel Blast Replacement Parts Today
Contact our team today for your wheel blast parts needs. We can get your parts needed shipped out quickly!
Dry Blasting vs Wet Blasting
Wet Blasting vs Dry Blasting
When it comes to the best blasting system for the job there are several variables to consider, including suction vs pressure blast systems, media type, budget, desired surface finish, etc.
So let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of Dry Blasting vs Wet Blasting in a blast cabinet for an industrial environment. This will be a good place to start the discussion, knowing that detailed testing is available to fully determine specifics for an application.
Dry Blasting Cabinet Advantages
- Equipment is more economical
- Dry blasting is more aggressive, typically faster than wet blasting
- No drying is required
- Less corrosion issues
- More aftermarket parts available
- Can use steel shot and grit
- Easier to clean out vs some wet blast systems that do not have a drain plug system
Wet Blasting Cabinet Advantages
- The slurry cushions the process and can eliminate embedded abrasive.
- Finer finishes can be achieved with the wet blast process.
- The wet blasting process is Dust Free—equipment can be installed in clean work cells to closely control Q/A. Risk of dust fires and explosions eliminated!
- Parts can be loaded wet, or even with oil or grease.
- Water helps remove greases and oils from surfaces.
- Oil can be eliminated from the system with an optional oil separator.
- Heat can be added to a system to speed up cleaning.
- Capabilities to wet blast, rinse, and even dry parts in one system.
- Wet blast cabinets provide closed loop processing and filtered water for rinsing.
- Media life is increased, wet blasting reduces the media breakdown rate by as much as two thirds compared to traditional dry blasting.
- No Dust Collector—Smaller Footprint.
- Static Free
Should You Choose Wet Blasting or Dry Blasting?
A lot depends on the application and your budget.
Dry blasting has been used for decades and for as many different industrial applications as you can think of. When it comes to wet blasting, below are some of the applications where this process excels.
- Medical Parts – especially when ferrous contamination and media embedment are concerns
- Aerospace – composite etching (provides a gentle even finish) and bonding (can increase bond strength up to 200x when compared to traditional methods)
- Automotive – ideal when oily, greasy, or carbon stained parts need to be cleaned and finished
- Firearms – Provides an even finish and can be used to get into hard to reach places
Still need help deciding between wet blasting vs dry blasting?
Reach out and talk to our team of trained technical reps. We will find the best solution for your application based on cost, process and facility requirements.
Lab Testing
Midvale offers full lab testing services to prove an application process. We can test the type of machine, various pressures, and media to determine the best process solution. Ask us about these services today!
How To Maintain An Efficient Blast Media Work Mix
How To Maintain an Efficient Blast Media Work Mix
Do you get inconsistent surface finishes when sandblasting? You may be forgetting to check your work mix.
If you are reclaiming and reusing your sandblast media, then you need to be aware of what a good sandblast media work mix is and how to maintain it. Having too coarse or too fine of a work mix can cause inconsistent or damaged surface finishes. The best way to ensure a consistent and quality surface finish is through maintaining a healthy blast media work mix.
Signs of A Bad Work Mix
Process is moving slowly
A proper work mix contains a mixture of various sized abrasives. This distribution of sizes provides for maximum cleaning in the shortest amount of time.
There is a lot of dust in your process
The fine dust particles are not being pulled out by the reclaimer/dust collector properly.
Inconsistent Surface Finish
Benefits Of Using An Efficient Healthy Work Mix
- Increase the value of your sandblasting media by making it work as efficiently as possible.
- Consistent and quality surface finish.
- Increase productivity through a quicker surface finishing process.
How To Achieve & Maintain An Efficient Work Mix
Monitor your work mix through regular screening
There are a lot of factors that cause a media to break down quickly or slowly such as the type of abrasive used, the starting particle size and PSI used while blasting. Since there can be many factors that affect the rate of media breakdown, it is a good idea to regularly screen your media so you can tell where your system stands. This is turn will help you make adjustments that will provide a consistent quality finish.
If you don’t have screening capabilities, we can help at our lab at Midvale Industries.
Regularly add new media to the mix
Frequently adding small media additions will keep larger particles fed into the system to replace the spent media that is being removed. The amount of blasting you do per day will help determine how frequently you should add new media.
Adding a large amount of new media at the end of the current media cycle will throw off your work mix. This creates an inconsistent mix and results.
Check your dust collector
If you find usable media in the dust collector, make adjustments to the reclaimer and/or dust collector that will dampen the system and stop pulling good media through.
Is there dust in your work mix?
Then it’s time to adjust the reclaim/dust collector system the opposite way and pull spent media and other dusts out of the system.
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