Enterprises commonly use cleaning equipment to remove oxides and bonded contaminants from the surfaces of castings or parts, thereby enhancing surface quality. Shot blasting cleaning technology utilizes high-speed rotating blades to propel projectiles at surfaces, effectively eliminating adhered sand, oxide scales, and burrs . Cleaning equipment can be categorized into wet and dry types based on the working environment, and further divided into non-abrasive and abrasive cleaning methods based on material usage. Non-abrasive cleaning relies on mutual collision and friction among workpieces, primarily suitable for small, collision-resistant castings. In contrast, abrasive cleaning employs high-velocity projectiles to strip surface impurities while refining surface texture. Due to its lower investment requirements, reduced pollution, and adaptability to diverse materials, weights, and dimensions, abrasive cleaning has become the predominant method in industrial part cleaning .
Abrasive cleaning technologies are classified by projectile acceleration mechanisms:
Shot peening‌: Compressed air propels fine steel shots at surfaces for cleaning .
Shot blasting‌: Rotating blades accelerate projectiles to high speeds (typically 50–100 m/s) to impact workpiece surfaces. This method effectively removes oxides, scales, and residual sand from castings, forgings, or heat-treated components .
Advantages of Shot Blasting Technology‌:
(1) ‌Surface strengthening‌: Projectile impact induces work hardening, enhancing surface hardness, corrosion resistance, and fatigue strength while optimizing surface conditions .
(2) ‌Defect detection and stress relief‌: Reveals hidden material cracks and eliminates surface residual stresses, extending component lifespan .
(3) ‌Efficiency and eco-friendliness‌: Automated operation enables high-volume processing with reduced labor intensity. Low operating costs and integrated dust removal systems minimize environmental pollution .
Additionally, shot blasting increases surface roughness, improving adhesion for subsequent coatings like paint . These benefits make the technology indispensable in automotive, military, construction, locomotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries .
