Reduce reject rate from blast media contamination

Business Challenge

Customers were blasting aluminum parts and needed a more gentle media to match the hardness of the substrate. One customer wanted to achieve a specific surface profile on castings without contamination. Another wanted to clean without damage to critical surfaces because of a defect rate above 30%.

Transmet Approach

Transmet first looked at the alloy requirements of General Engineering Company. Transmet determined the best non-contaminating alloy would be the same as the substrate material. This alloy was also similar in hardness, providing the ability to achieve the desired surface profile.

General Engineering Company required a media that would not over-blast (damage) critical airflow passages in turbo housings.

The company utilized Transmet’s in-house testing capabilities to confirm the challenge and identify potential solutions.

Project Outcome

General Engineering Company set out with the goal of reducing the number of rejected parts due to blast media contamination at their customer’s plant. Using the same alloy as the substrate, Transmet matched the chemical composition and hardness of the material being blasted. The results were a reduction in the number of rejected parts, along with increased durability of the blast media.

Additionally, General Engineering Company was able to significantly lower the defect rate caused by over-blasting and part damage. As an added benefit, Transmet Cast Aluminum Shot eliminated machine wear and significantly reduced dust.