Differences between media blasting and sand blasting?

[Surfsup]

what are the major differences?

thanks.

Andy:cross-eye

[DeesZ]

In really general terms, sand blasting is just that, blasting with sand..... often in the 'open' with no enclosure to recapture & recycle the sand (which some people claim is only good for one or two passes through, anyway). Note: blasting with sand is dangerous without the proper protection to prevent inhalation as silica inhalation can bring on a very deadly disease. Media blasting is more often done with an enclosure to recapture and recycle the blasting "media", some of which can be recycled effectively many times through a blasting unit (example: glass beads, plastic particles, steel shot, aluminum oxide, coal slag, etc.) Different media produces quite different results, and some are better on different surfaces and for different purposes. Of course, sand can be used as a media, so in some cases we'd be talking about sand and media blasting being the same thing.

[beandip]

Much depends on what your removing or the reason for blasting in the first place. There is blasting using baking soda for paint removal, much cleaner but one BIG problem with it I have been told and have read. Be careful to neutralize the metal afterward or the primer and paint will peal off like plastic wrap. Otherwise it is a great way to prep if you must strip the metal. Walnut shells is also a media.

[TomoHawk]

Don't forget that sand-blasting can pit the metal or even weaken it by deforming the sirface ( when blasting a spot for too long.) Using a softer media like baking soda, glass/plastic beads, or even walnut shells is supposed to avoid the pitting & weakening.

[jmortensen]

One difference is that sand can get into the frame rails and turn your car into a giant maraca. Baking soda won't turn your car into a percussion instrument if it gets into a frame rail or other enclosed space...