If you are like most folks, then you probably don’t know the difference between shot blasting and sandblasting. Even though these are two similar terms, they are different process whose goal is the same – to treat metal surfaces.

What separates the two processes is the treatment media. Sandblasting relies on compressed air to shoot sand against the surface, whereas shot blasting uses centrifugal force to shoot some other type of abrasive media over the surface.

Nowadays, sandblasting is declining as a surface treatment process because sand has certain properties that complicate the process. On the other hand, shot blasting uses abrasive media that is easier to handle. That includes various metals, plastics, glass, and various minerals. Sometimes, shot blasting uses organic materials such as walnut shells and cobs. 

To have a better overview of the two processes we need to analyze them separately. 

Sandblasting

Generally speaking, sandblasting is a somewhat less invasive and smoother abrasion process. But then again, that is determined by the intensity of the compressed air pressure, as well as the characteristics of the abrasive media. 

Because the process of sandblasting is smoother, and if softer media are used, it is possible to treat very sensitive surfaces. That way, the risk of accidental damage is significantly lower. 

That makes sandblasting ideal for treating connectors and various electronic fixtures. In terms of media options aluminum oxide is a popular option as it can cut through almost any surface contamination while at the same time preserving the integrity of the undersurface. On the other hand, silicon carbide media is a popular option when more abrasion is needed.

Sandblasting uses the following equipment: air blast rooms, air blast tumble equipment, wet blast equipment, blast and recovery systems, bulk blasting systems, blast pressure & suction cabinets, and portable blasting stations.

Shot Blasting

Shotblasting is best suitable when it is needed to treat heavy and thick surfaces such as truck hubs and metal hulls. Sometimes sandblasting takes too much time and is too gentle. That’s when shot blasting comes to save the day and treat whatever surface stands on its way, regardless of how dense or contaminated it is. 

Shot blast machinery includes the following components: Tumble blast equipment, swing table blast wheels, spinner hangers, cylinder blasters, hanger blast equipment, and table blasters. 

Choosing Shot Blasting Vs Sand Blasting

There is no wrong or right choice as it is the character of the job that determines which method will be best suitable. The best answer is to leave it to the finishing experts.

But, generally speaking, sandblasting is ideal for smaller, more delicate surfaces in which speed is a major requirement. Then there is the economical angle in which for smaller projects, sandblasting tends to be the more affordable option.

In any other regard, shot blasting is the superior option. Many surfaces can be treated only with shot blasting. Because of that, shot blasting is the preferred method in many industries. Then there is the fact that shot blasting is way more environment friendly and unlike sandblasting, it doesn’t present any significant danger to its operators.

CNC aluminum machining is the use of aluminum to make various parts and tools required in various machines and equipment. Aluminum is one of the most commonly used materials in aluminum machining and CNC aluminum.

It has excellent machinability, thus making it’s a popular choice in the manufacturing sector. It also shows superb mechanical and thermal properties. Most manufacturers prefer aluminum alloy to other lightweight metals such as titanium or magnesium alloys.

Aluminum is easy to machine; actually, it can get machined three or more times faster than steel to iron. In simple terms, aluminum is the staple in any leading machine shop. Let’s explore the application of CNC aluminum machining in various sectors. 

Automotive sector

The use of CNC aluminum continues to rise in the automotive industry. Aluminum is used in making various parts used in automobiles. Many machining techniques are used by automotive companies to manufacture different parts like door panels, body sheets, windscreens, and other external and internal components.

CNC machines have become popular with automotive companies due to the quick production of highly efficient parts. Aluminum CNC machining is suitable for making various components of a vehicle’s combustion engine. For example, huge aluminum blocks are machined into the engine block. It’s also applied in making lighting components in automobiles.

CNC aluminum is used for engine parts, boat components, and even bike & motorcycle parts. This ensures the parts are accurate, have the desired shape, finish, and standard tolerance.

Electrical industry

Due to its valuable properties, including electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, strength& durability, extreme flexibility, and lightweight, aluminum is used in the manufacture of many electronic components.

Aluminum does not magnetize and forms alloys with nearly alloy metals it an excellent choice for the production of many electrical parts such as switches, power lines, cables, etc.  

Food/Pharmaceutical

Aluminum doesn’t react with most organic substances; this makes CNC aluminum the most preferred technology in making parts used in various equipment and machines in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Machine parts used in these sectors must meet precise specifications needed in these sectors. This has increased the popularity of CNC aluminum machining all over the globe. Machine parts required in the food and pharmaceutical industry vary in shape, size, and density. CNC machining allows the production of parts that meet the set requirements.

The USDA and FDA are among the regulatory bodies that set conditions for components used in machines in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. CNC aluminum machining is used in making components such as centrifugal pumps. Actuators, metering extruders, depositing rolls, pump boxes, knife shafts, etc.

Cryogenics Machining

Aluminum maintains its mechanical properties at sub-zero temperatures. This makes it the choice metal for cryogenic applications; cryogenic machining involves the use of liquid nitrogen as a machining coolant instead of the typical mist or flood coolants. This technology has gained considerable popularity in high-performance machining.

Aluminum-lithium alloy is the best material for aircraft fuselages because of its corrosion resistance and strength-to-weight ratio. It’s also suitable for aircraft parts, spline shafts, wings, dowel pins, gears, and electronic hardware.

Final Thoughts

As one of the easily machinable metal, aluminum is processed quickly and efficiently via CNC machining. Aluminum CNC machining applies to many sectors, including automotive, aerospace, automation, medical and food industries, to produce different parts required for machines and equipment used in these sectors. Aluminum is used in making sports equipment like sports whistles and baseball bats.

The CR-6 SE is the first 3D printer by Creality to go through a Kickstarter campaign. It comes after the development of some notable 3D printers in the past. The company decided to launch the crowdsourcing campaign to beat some of the most significant crowdfunding records, such as the Snapmaker 2.0. Let us briefly delve into the DIY 3d printer kit and the reasons why you should invest in them.

The Kickstarter campaign was launched on 6th May and will take place until 5th June. An initial funding goal of $100,000 was set as the target, but funders around the world were able to raise more than ten times the amount in two days.

Creality intends to sell the 3D Printing technology at a starting price of $430. The early bird supporters on Kickstarter will, however, get the technology at $265. Even though there is no date of delivery yet, it may begin in the mid of June.

But what is it about the DIY 3D Printer kit that makes is unique and noteworthy?

Creality CR-6 SE has close ties to the new model of Ender 3 V2, but it also has its own set of unique features. Some of these include:

• Design and Setup 

The 3D printer has a simple but elegant design. At the bottom, there is a hidden compartment where you can store any needed repair tools such as pliers, nozzles, and needles. It also has handles that you can use to carry around safely. 

Do not worry about having to assemble the printer from parts. It comes pre-assembled when you unbox it. You only need to connect the gantry and the base, and then use it to print whatever you want.

• Automatic Platform Leveling

The DIY 3D printer toolkit has a hassle-free automatic platform leveling feature, an upgrade from the manual leveling using a sheet of paper. The printer uses a photoelectric sensor that helps with automatically leveling the platform, which is unlike any other 3D printer.

Moreover, the print quality of the 3D printer is top-notch and greatly improved thanks to the well-leveled print surface.

• The Printer is Rigid and Strong

One of the biggest problems of fused deposition modeling 3D printers is the unsteadiness that occurs from the vibrations of printing surfaces when the printer is operational. The CR-6 SE is made with a sturdy aluminum frame, with dual lead screws, to reduce the vibrations. 

• Build Up Time

One significant aspect that sets apart 3D printers is the time it takes to set up one together. Some printers take several hours to set up together as you try to discern which parts fit where. However, the CR-6 SE takes only 5 minutes to build up the printer and be ready for use.

• Extra-long Life Filament

You no longer have to worry about when to replace the printing filament. The CR-6 SE uses a photoelectric filament sensor that keeps track of your filament and helps to detect any breakage or if it is close to run out, giving you enough time to plan for your next prints.

Final Thoughts

The CR-6 SE not only makes to be the most innovative 3D printers, but it is also the ultimate DIY 3D printer toolkit for anyone regardless of their level of understanding of 3D printing.

Industries are looking to diversify from manual machines to the more efficient automated tools. Automated machines are quite advantageous for use in big enterprises due to the many processes being carried out simultaneously. One way in which some of these machines are made more efficient is via the use of planetary gearbox for load distribution.

Most gear box manufacturers design these gear systems with the requirements of heavy-duty industries in mind. The traditional gear systems are known to run into issues when subjected to heavy loading. Problems like broken gear teeth are not uncommon in such settings; this is why the use of planetary gear makes absolute sense. This article x-rays some of the vital industries where the use of planetary gearbox continues to prove handy.

Curved stairlifts

Curved stairs are simply stairs that have elongated bends and corners. Modern homes and office complexes usually use this stair type to save space and improve aesthetics. However, maneuvering such stairs could prove tedious for most people due to the need to go around corners. An innovative approach to moving around curved stairs involves the use of automated lifts. These stairlifts are attached to custom rails that run along the length of the stairs, and a button push sets you on your way. One of the main components of the stairlift is the custom planetary gear that’s designed to be compact and efficient. The planetary gear works in a way that noise is minimized while optimal efficiency is retained.

Automated Guided Vehicles

There’s a gradual shift from crewed vehicles to automated vehicles that deliver the same level of performance. Apart from being more economical, the fact that these automated vehicles can work within enclosed spaces also makes them advantageous. Industries that make use of AGVs include; logistics and distribution companies, agricultural technology as well as medical supplies. Custom Planetary gears are used in generating much-needed torque in these crewless vehicles for top performance.

Conveyor systems

Large warehouses and other facilities make use of conveyor systems in their production lines. Some conveyor systems have an endless loop of carrying materials, and this goes a long way in the improvement of productivity. These conveyor systems are powered via the torque generated by custom planetary gears. Even though the gears produce vast amounts of torque, the noise produced is quite minimal. 

Construction of machines

In the production of heavy machinery, there’s always a need to bend and roll metal sheets. To generate the massive amount of torque needed for this operation, the use of a custom planetary gearbox is often applied. The planetary gears are usually connected directly to hydraulic motors that turn the rollers seamlessly; this helps to improve productivity on the long haul.

Final thoughts

It’s no gainsaying that you’re always looking to increase the output of your machinery. There’s no better way to go about this than via the installation of custom planetary gears.

When your business needs to produce a large number of components in minimal time, plastic injection molding is a viable option. This procedure is utilized in mass production processes, which involves creating the same component, thousands, or millions of times in rapid succession. Through this technique, your business can scale production in masses. The initial costs are paid fast, and you recoup the amount through price per unit being extremely low during injection molded production. The more the components are produced through injection molding, the lower the overall cost of production. Injection molding basics include the proper selection of materials since they affect both the performance of the part and the injection molding operation itself.  

Advantages of plastic injection molding

• The rate of scrap production is minimized through injection molding

Compared to traditional procedures such as CNC machining, which involve cutting away huge sections of plastic block and sheets, injection molding produces little scrap. The only sources of waste in injection molding are runners, the sprue, gate locations, and flash (overflow material leaking out of the component’s cavities).

• Injection molding is a consistent and repeatable process

Once your business decides to source components designed and produced through injection molding, you can be assured that each part will be identical to the element that was produced before it. There is little to no variation in the parts. This is a distinct advantage to your business when trying to maintain the consistency and reliability of your brand during high-volume part production.

Materials used in injection molding

Selecting the right material for the injection molding process is crucial for the success of your long term mass production efforts. The number of plastics that are viable for use in injection molding is large. Picking the right plastic involves considering the intended function and final environment. You also need to consider the plastic’s flexibility, color, cost, strength, and durability.

• Acrylic

This material can be used to create transparent components such as windows, walls, and lighting equipment. It is an excellent alternative to glass because of its scratch and weather resistant qualities. It also possesses high tensile strength. Acrylic is odorless and tasteless and can be used to store food in fridges.

• Polyamide (Nylon)

This material is a favorite one for the production of strong mechanical parts, including bearings, gears, and bushings. Nylon is preferable due to its high melting temperature, chemical resistance, and durability.

• Polyoxymethylene (POM)

This is an acetal resin that is used in the production of automotive and mechanical components that would usually be made from metal. As a thermoplastic material, it is incredibly strong, durable, and stiff. It can be used to mold knife handles, ball bearings, fasteners, and gears. POM is not easily affected by solvents like motor oils, gasoline, and alcohol.

Conclusion

When venturing into the craft of plastic injection molding, it is important to select the right material for the right job. Some of the best materials include Polyoxymethylene, acrylic, and nylon, each with its advantages and disadvantages that you should know.