Is media blasting the way to go? | FerrariChat
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Is media blasting the way to go?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by Timo04, Mar 22, 2008.

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  1. Timo04

    Timo04 Karting

    Jul 2, 2007
    198
    S.F. Bay Area
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    Tim
    #1 Timo04, Mar 22, 2008
    I am having a couple of engine heads being completely rebuilt for my V6 Alfa and was wondering if I should have them media (or glass bead) blasted or not? It seems that many machine shops will media blast engine components these days as part of their routine. I am not completely sold that this is a good idea. As far as cosmetics are concerned I don't really like the look of blasted aluminum vs the original factory look. This is just my opinion.

    At any rate other than cleaning are there any good reason why bead blasting should be done during a rebuild? Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
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    East Central, FL
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    #2 Wade, Mar 22, 2008
    It depends on the media as some are a lot more aggresive than others. Plastic media works well for aluminum and is used on aircraft all the time.

    "Plastic Media Blasting (PMB) is a dry abrasive blasting process, designed to replace chemical paint stripping operations and conventional sand blasting. This process uses soft, angular plastic particles as the blasting medium, and has proven more efficient than chemical paint removal."

    http://p2library.nfesc.navy.mil/P2_Opportunity_Handbook/5_5.html
     
  3. JCR

    JCR F1 World Champ
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    Mar 14, 2005
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    H-Town, Tejas
    #3 JCR, Mar 22, 2008
    Do not let any glass bead blasting get anywhere near engine castings (case, block, heads). There are other acceptable methods to clean these castings such as ultrasonic for aluminum or hot water pressure washer.
     
  4. Timo04

    Timo04 Karting

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    Tim
    #4 Timo04, Mar 22, 2008
    Thanks Wade and JCR for the information/feedback.This board is an excellent resource as it seems I always get a reply. I spoke with the mechanic that is doing the job on my Alfa engine and he said that he never has any engine components/castings glass bead or sand blasted period for the same reasons named above. I was pleased to learn that the Alfa engine heads had been cleaned but not media blasted. Sometimes I feel that I am "micro-managing" these jobs as every detail has to be accounted for Have a great rest of the weekend and a Happy Easter!
     
  5. Horsefly

    Horsefly F1 Veteran

    May 14, 2002
    6,929
    #5 Horsefly, Mar 22, 2008
    I think that the 3 major news networks do a pretty good job of supplying information to the general public at no cost, so why blast the media??? What have they done to you?
     
  6. Timo04

    Timo04 Karting

    Jul 2, 2007
    198
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    Tim
    #6 Timo04, Mar 23, 2008
    I agree and stand corrected. There is no reason to blast the media when after all we do get free information on a daily basis and in many cases some interesting entertainment a long the way as well. ;)
     

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