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From shipbuilding and automotive restoration to manufacturing and finishing, abrasive blasting (also known as sandblasting) is a process used across a wide range of industries.

The technique involves using compressed air to launch a stream of abrasive media to clean an object or surface, remove burrs, add texture, or prepare a surface for the application of paint or another type of coating.

Although the process itself is relatively straightforward, it can be incredibly dangerous if not done correctly.

Below, we outline some of the potential hazards associated with abrasive blasting and offer safety tips to ensure workers perform tasks safely and efficiently.

·         Hearing loss

To propel particles at high speeds, powerful motors are often required for abrasive blasting – and these can be extremely noisy.

Prolonged exposure to such noise levels without adequate hearing protection can

Abrasive blasting (otherwise known as sandblasting) is a process used widely across various industries for surface cleaning and finishing.

But what makes abrasive blasting so special, and why should you consider using it?

Here, the team at Surface Finishing Equipment Group (SFEG) explain more about this treatment process and discuss the benefits it can bring to your business.

What is abrasive blasting?

Abrasive blasting involves the use of specialist tools to propel a controlled stream of abrasive media against a surface at high pressure – stripping it clean of dirt, debris, rust and other surface coatings.

Though commonly referred to as ‘sandblasting’, a wide array of media can be used, including glass beads, walnut shells and steel grit, to name just a few.

Abrasives, as such, are fairly inexpensive and many of them are reusable – making this technique a cost-effective approach to surface preparation

Welding is a fabrication process that joins two or more materials using heat, pressure, or a combination of the two, to form a strong, permanent bond.

When workpieces are joined together at high temperatures, the heat causes a weld pool of molten material. After cooling and solidifying, this forms an incredibly strong weld.

Although welding is relied on by countless industries that need to join metal, plastic or wood parts, it brings a higher degree of risk than other processes.

In this blog, Surface Finishing Equipment outlines some of the most common dangers associated with welding operations and what you can do to mitigate these risks – including acquiring the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Paint spraying is one of the most prevalent application techniques among industrial manufacturers – and it’s not surprising given its versatility.

As a leading supplier of spray painting equipment, perhaps you could call us biased. But here at SFEG, we believe that spraying is the best way to achieve paint perfection – unlike roller brushes which don’t always leave that smooth, even finish you want.

Although the process of spray painting is relatively straightforward, there are various methods currently in use, ranging from air-atomised spray and airless spray to high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP).

Let’s take a look at these different methods and how they work.

Air-atomised spray painting

When it comes to spray painting, this is one of the more conventional approaches, involving the use of a traditional

Looking for top-quality abrasive blasting equipment? Need a few replacement parts and spares for your paint sprayer? Perhaps you could do with some extra PPE for your workers?

Whatever it may be, the team at Surface Finishing Equipment Group (SFEG) can help. But don’t just take our word for it…

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should make us your no.1 choice for surface finishing equipment.

1. Locality

SFEG is made up of two companies in the UK: Hogg Blasting & Finishing Equipment Ltd in Tyne and Wear and Abraclean Ltd (including Jedtec and Complete Finishing Systems) in Manchester and the West Midlands.

However, we’re part of SurfacePrep Group, the largest national network of regional distributors of abrasive products and surface finishing equipment. This means that our extensive range of products and services are quickly and

Abrasive blasting (sometimes known as sandblasting) is a process used by various industries, including automotive, construction, shipbuilding and welding, to name just a few.

It involves propelling abrasive media against a surface – either to add texture to a smooth surface, make a rough surface smooth, remove surface contaminants, such as paint or rust, or to clean and prepare a surface for a fresh new coating.

However, much like anything else, abrasive blasting equipment needs to be properly maintained if it’s to perform well. Otherwise, operations will be put on hold until replacement parts arrive or an engineer can come and fix it.

Below, the experts at SFEG outline exactly which components need to be maintained regularly to ensure optimal efficiency and performance.

· Blast cabinet

It’s good to get into the habit of inspecting your

Abrasive blasting is a technique frequently employed by industries to remove surface contaminants or to roughen or smooth surfaces, ready for a new coating.

The process itself involves propelling abrasive media at a surface at high speed, which is why it’s important to take safety precautions.

In addition to supplying the correct safety gear, employers need to make sure abrasive blasting equipment is safe to use – which includes having it regularly inspected and assessing parameters during the process.

Here at SFEG, we supply Elcometer blasting inspection equipment to test the surface profile and surface contamination of blasted profiles.

Allow us to explain more about Elcometer equipment, the different options available, and their uses and advantages.

Who is Elcometer?

Elcometer is a world leader in the design, manufacture,