Before any surface treatment can be applied to your parts, those components must be both cleaned and abraded in order to prepare the surface for the optimum mechanical bond. Various methods of mechanical surface preparation are available through ATF; the use of each is dependent on the kind of metal being coated, the type of finish being applied, as well as the intended use of the component. Abrasive cleaning can be used in almost any industrial segment, including aerospace, medical, military & defense and transportation.
ATF utilizes the following methods of mechanical preparation in order to achieve the highest quality bonds.
Grit Abrasive Cleaning
Grit abrasive blasting (otherwise known as blast finishing, grit blasting or sand blasting) is a procedure during which a fine, non-metallic material is forcefully sprayed onto a metal surface to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface or remove surface contaminants. ATF offers a variety of blast finishing media depending on the surface material and desired result.
Glass Bead Abrasive Cleaning
Glass bead abrasive cleaning is a procedure during which deposits are removed from a surface by intensely firing fine glass or ceramic beads at it. Blasting with glass beads creates a uniform, smooth finish on metal parts without damaging the original surface material.
Aluminum Oxide Abrasive Cleaning
Aluminum oxide abrasive cleaning is used for both cleaning and resurfacing metal. Aluminum oxide is known to be an exceptional method for creating a pure, etched surface. It is also tough enough to be widely used for quick removal of paint, rust and scale.
- Creates receptive surface for additional treatment
- Faster than hand cleaning
- Clean and smooth results
- Masking
- Normal turn time is three to five working days (without masking)
- Masking may increase turn time
- Expediting available when possible for an additional fee