Question 1

Q1. What is a CNC automated blasting machine?

Accepted Answer

It is a sealed blast cabinet in which a rotary indexing table carries the workpiece past an overhead nozzle manifold. Nozzle movement, table indexing, pressure and abrasive feed follow a stored recipe selected on the HMI touch screen. It works on the same principle as an automated blast cabinet or blast cell.

Question 2

Q2. Which parameters can be stored in a recipe?

Accepted Answer

The recipe holds nozzle traverse speed and stroke, table rotation speed and indexing positions, nozzle standoff distance, swing and attack angle, blast pressure, abrasive feed rate, number of passes and dwell time per zone. Selecting the part number on the HMI recalls the complete set, so the operator does not adjust individual values.

Question 3

Q3. Can it blast only selected areas of a part?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Masking fixtures protect machined datum faces, and zones can be excluded from blasting in the programme. The recipe can define separate passes and dwell times for different areas, so a part can be blasted selectively without re-fixturing. The fixture design and masking plan are agreed during specification.

Question 4

Q4. What abrasive media can the machine use?

Accepted Answer

It can run angular aluminium oxide for cutting, spherical glass beads for satin finishing and light peening, ceramic beads for higher compressive stress and long life, and plastic media or sodium bicarbonate for coating removal on thin-wall and soft alloys. The recipe and recovery settings are matched to the chosen media.

Question 5

Q5. How is repeatability achieved?

Accepted Answer

Repeatability comes from fixture location, indexing positions and stored recipe values for every motion and process parameter. Masking and excluded zones are fixed in the programme, while closed-loop abrasive recovery and cyclone separation keep the media condition controlled. Cartridge dust collection maintains negative pressure and clear windows. For qualified work, results can be checked against the stated standards.

Question 6

Q6. What are the table load, nozzle count and cycle time?

Accepted Answer

These values are determined by the workpiece and quoted per application. Table load depends on part mass and fixture mass; table diameter on the part envelope; nozzle count on the area and geometry to be covered; cycle time on the required surface, pressure, feed rate, pass count and masking. No fixed figures apply across all parts.

Question 7

Q7. When is this machine the wrong choice?

Accepted Answer

It is a poor fit for one-off or very low-volume work, parts that cannot be fixtured or indexed, and large structures that cannot be enclosed. If the operator must judge the blast visually and change direction continuously, a manual cabinet is more suitable. Simple occasional cleaning is usually more economical with manual equipment.

Question 8

Q8. What information is needed for a quotation?

Accepted Answer

Send part drawings or 3D models, material, mass, overall envelope, surfaces to be blasted, datum faces to be masked and zones to be excluded. Include the required cleanliness and profile standards, finish or peening requirement, target throughput, available power and compressed air, and site constraints. Table load, nozzle count and cycle time are then quoted per application.

CNC Automated Blasting Machines

CNC Automated Blasting Machines

Automatic Abrasive Blasting Room for Large Workpieces