The application of dust-free sand (usually refers to sandblasting abrasives with low dust generation) in glass sandblasting is mainly achieved through the following steps and technologies, which can not only ensure the processing effect but also reduce dust pollution:
1. Select the appropriate dust-free sand material
Ceramic sand : high hardness, low dust, suitable for fine patterns.
Grit size selection: 80-120 mesh (medium roughness), 200 mesh or more (fine pattern).
2. Equipment and process optimization
Wet sandblasting technology:
Mix the abrasive with water and spray it to significantly reduce dust (water mist suppresses dust).
Note: water may affect some glass adhesives and requires subsequent drying.
Vacuum sandblasting system:
The equipment has a built-in dust suction device to instantly recover abrasives and dust (such as a closed sandblasting cabinet).
Low-pressure sandblasting:
Reduce the air pressure (such as 30-50 PSI) to reduce dust dispersion, suitable for fine work.
3. Operation process
Surface preparation:
Clean the glass surface and apply a protective film (such as a rubber template or photoresist) to cover the area that does not need to be sandblasted.
Parameter setting:
Gun distance: 15-30 cm (adjusted according to the hardness of the particles).
Spray angle: 45°-90° (vertical angle has deeper texture).
Post-blasting treatment:
Clean residual abrasive with an air gun or a wet cloth.
Wastewater needs to be filtered and treated (when wet blasting).
4. Safety and environmental protection measures
Protective equipment: Wear N95 masks and goggles to ensure ventilation.
Abrasive recovery: Separate dust and reusable abrasives through a circulation system.
Waste treatment: Collect dust and dispose of it in compliance with regulations (such as silica dust, which needs to be prevented from being inhaled).
5. Application scenarios
Decorative glass: Engraving patterns and corporate logos.
Functional treatment: Removing the coating on the glass surface (such as car glass repair).
Industrial glass: Enhance surface adhesion (such as photovoltaic glass pretreatment).
Notes
Test samples: Parameters need to be adjusted for different glass hardnesses (such as soda-lime glass vs. tempered glass).
Avoid excessive sandblasting: It may cause the glass edge to crack.
Through the reasonable selection of abrasives and processes, dust-free sand can achieve efficient and environmentally friendly glass sandblasting effects, which is suitable for artistic creation and industrial processing.