Nozzle for sandblasting: buy or do it yourself

Sandblasting is an indispensable technique for surface preparation, be it concrete, wood, or metal. To prepare a surface for a fresh coat, it entails launching an abrasive substance against it to remove rust, old paint, and other impurities. The result is a clean, smooth surface. The nozzle is one of the most important parts of a sandblasting setup. This tiny but crucial component regulates the abrasive material’s flow and direction, which has a direct effect on the effectiveness and caliber of your work.

There are two primary options available to you when selecting a nozzle for sandblasting: purchasing an already-made one or creating your own. Every strategy has a unique set of benefits and difficulties. Commercially available nozzles are typically constructed of sturdy materials to withstand the severe wear and tear of sandblasting and are designed to meet specific standards. You can choose the ideal one for your particular requirements because they are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

However, if you have the necessary equipment and know-how, making your own nozzle can be a fulfilling do-it-yourself project. It gives you the option to precisely tailor the nozzle to your needs, which could result in financial savings and improve your comprehension of your machinery. However, to guarantee that your homemade nozzle operates dependably and safely, you also need to have a solid understanding of the components and mechanics involved.

Making an informed choice will be aided by knowing the important aspects like material, size, and design, regardless of whether you choose to purchase or build your own nozzle. The advantages and disadvantages of both strategies will be discussed in this article, along with some helpful hints and insights to help you select the ideal nozzle for your sandblasting requirements.

Design features of the nozzle for the sandblasting apparatus

Any nozzle used for sandblasting has an appearance similar to a pipe joined at one end. The abrasive mixture’s consumption, potential losses, and input and output movement speeds are all determined by the profile of the part’s inner hole. The nozzle profile determines the overall hydraulic resistance and, consequently, the service life of this crucial component of the sandblasting installation.

Products with a cylindrical inner hole are the most common and are thought to have the simplest designs. The tubes with two conical sites that are recognized are the most efficient in the work:

• input embarrassment, increasing the energy of the air-sand mixture;
• output diffuser, increasing the surface area underlying at the same time.

The best internal profile venturi nozzles offer the least amount of air-sand mixture loss. Within the hole are three related areas: two conical parts and a cylindrical part that serves to lower the working mixture’s hydrodynamic resistance. These tubes enable you to develop an abrasive stream speed of up to 720 km/h, whereas standard devices cannot produce a flow rate greater than 320 km/h with an internal opening diameter equal to their length.

The standard diameters of ready serial nozzles are 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm. The power of the jet generated by the sandblasting installation increases with the size of this indicator. The device’s approximate power, when using a nozzle with the minimum size of 6 mm, is 30 cubic meters per hour.

In the standard configuration, the incoming diameter at the hose connection point is 2.5 or 3.2 cm. Through an annexing thread or a uniform nut and sealing washer, the nozzle is attached to the nozzle. If the component is manufactured separately, clamps are used to fasten it to the sleeves (hoses).

To be content ↑

How to choose a nozzle for a sandblasting apparatus

Apart from the hole type and diameter, the most crucial technical parameters of the nozzle that directly impact its functionality are:

• length;
• Production material.

The length ought to be chosen in accordance with the level of surface contamination, which is processing-dependent. If there isn’t much rust, dirt, or plaque, you can pick a short section (7-8 cm). More long tubes (up to 23 cm) are purchased for surfaces with complex, thick layers of dirt that are difficult to display.

Nozzles are made with your hands using a variety of materials and homemade tools. Purchased items may also differ substantially from the base, and their service lives will also differ significantly:

• ceramic – 2 hours;
• cast iron – up to 8 hours;
• tungsten – up to 300 hours;
• from carbide boron – up to 1000 hours.

The kind of abrasive material used also has a significant impact on the nozzle’s durability; for instance, substituting steel shot for sand doubles the nozzle’s service life. Cheaper products typically break down the quickest, making them totally inappropriate for heavy lifting. You can purchase a ceramic or cast-iron nozzle, or their kit, for one-time home use and replace it as needed. Experts use parts made of tungsten or boron carbide, which are more costly initially but much more cost-effective over time.

Avoid buying steel nozzles because regular carbon steel is too sensitive to shock loads to be used for sandblasting equipment nozzles. Another disadvantage of tungsten products is that they break easily at temperatures between +80 and +100 degrees. Bor carbide details outperform others in this regard because they are unlikely to spoil at temperatures above +600 to +750 degrees when sandblasted. However, their cost ranges from 1600 to 7000 rubles, making them too costly for non-experts.

Type of sandblasting channels

The performance of the entire installation as well as the rate at which the abrasive and air flow accelerate are directly impacted by the nozzle channel. Products with a simple (direct-flow) channel are typically utilized for processing parts that are narrow or have small surfaces. The most efficient nozzles are taken into consideration; their diameter varies based on the location.

Venturi"s nozzles are a prime example of a high-quality product. They assist businesses in lowering labor and temporary expenses, as well as cleaning expenses, while also enhancing the caliber and productivity of their work. You do not need to increase the compressor power or change the abrasive (if any) in order to use them.

Nozzle of carbide boron gn ubc

These are the most widely available sandblasters on the market. They give off a broad abrasive particle imprint and enable you to accelerate and exert more kinetic energy. usually employed to carry out a substantial amount of work.

Nozzle of boron carbide gn ubc xl

These products have a 3.5 cm channel length and perform 30–50% better than their predecessors. The cost of the batches is relatively high, and their strong abrasive particle acceleration makes them unusable for light work.

Nozzle carbide boron gn dvbc

The ejection effect, which occurs when air from the atmosphere is injected into the abrasive stream, is used by double ventruri technology. The tube’s output diameter has increased compared to the classic version, and the sand stream receives maximum kinetic energy. Such a nozzle requires a powerful compressor installation and long sleeves to operate, and it is best used on large processed surfaces only.

Material and design of the internal wear -resistant insert

As for the material for the manufacture of the inside of the nozzle, it can be inexpensive, but short -lived, or better, but expensive. The most popular for this purpose are the carbides of boron, tungsten and silicon. Due to the difference in the processing technologies of these materials, sopel design can be very different from each other (for example, it is impossible to make a cylinder more than 7 cm long from the carbide boron, which determines the design features of the nozzles-they have to be made composite from several elements). The thickness of the walls of the internal bushings also varies from 3 to 6 mm, which affects resistance to the action of an abrasive.

The design of the protective membrane and the quality of the assembly of the nozzle

In order to secure the wear-resistant sleeve and shield it from rapid damage, the product’s shell is required. Since the shell bears the majority of the shock loads, wear is more likely to occur. Protection needs to be made of abrasion-resistant material, fitted tightly to the sleeve, and have a dependable thread in order to ensure that the nozzle service life is adequate.

These kinds of shells exist:

1. Polyurethane. Light, resistant to damage by abrasive, but due to slight rigidity, its threads wear out pretty soon. Due to the poor adhesion of polyurethane with the main materials for the manufacture of bushings, the latter begin to move, the air penetrates between them, and the protective shell spoils.
2. Metal (steel, aluminum). Reliably attachs wear -resistant bushings, but the resistance to the action of the abrasive is low. The shell suffers from corrosion, too heavy in weight. The design with such a part will be stiff, but can be quickly damaged.
3. Combined (aluminum plus polyurethane). It is considered the most popular option, hard, but light, has a thread with a large step. Polyurethane in the front protects the product from abrasive wear. It is only important to firmly fix the shell inside the sleeve, otherwise the nozzle will begin to collapse.

The service life of the entire structure is also significantly influenced by the quality of assembly. There are inexpensive nozzles available that have a pressed-in body and a threaded portion. Usually, they break down fast, especially when the pressure is higher than 8 to 10 bar, and they can seriously injure someone or damage the entire sandblasting equipment. If the nozzle’s most loaded section is not removed from a solid workpiece, the threaded area will burst while the machine is operating.

The choice of whether to purchase or build your own sandblasting nozzle depends on a number of variables, such as your project’s particular requirements, technical proficiency, and budget. Buying a pre-made nozzle comes with ease, dependability, and frequently a warranty. The precision with which these nozzles are usually designed ensures maximum performance and durability, which can be important for large-scale or professional tasks.

On the other hand, if you enjoy do-it-yourself projects and have the required supplies and tools, making your own nozzle can be a fulfilling experience. Additionally, it might be less expensive, particularly if you already have some of the necessary parts. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that homemade nozzles might not be as strong or effective as commercial ones, which could result in inconsistent performance and more frequent replacements.

In the end, the decision you make should represent your unique requirements and skills. Investing in a nozzle could be the best choice if you’re looking for dependability and simplicity of use. It could be a fun and satisfying project to make your own nozzle if you have a knack for do-it-yourself projects and want to save money. Both strategies have advantages and disadvantages, so consider your options and pick the one that best fits your objectives and available resources.

It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both options when choosing whether to manufacture or purchase a nozzle for sandblasting. Investing in a nozzle guarantees your sandblasting jobs are completed effectively and provides convenience, expert quality, and dependable performance. However, making your own nozzle can be an enjoyable do-it-yourself project that saves money and enables customization to meet particular needs. To guarantee safety and efficacy, though, the appropriate supplies, equipment, and expertise are needed. By assisting you in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy, this article will help you make the best choice for your sandblasting requirements.

Video on the topic

Sandblast without the consumption of sand and dust for 700 rubles.

Compare the processing of nozzles of different diameters

Small but powerful sandblast

Lengthened the barrel with sandblasting and it turned out …

Great sandblast from the tube and bolt with your own hands in 5 minutes! Sandblasting apparatus for garage!

Nozzle for sandblasting 3.5mm test against candle 4.5mm

How to make powerful sandblast with your own hands. How to Make Sand Blasting, Sand Blasting Home Made!!