Maya Ellison
Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating that can be applied to a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, polymers, and wood. To ensure proper adhesion of the coating, it is essential to prepare the surface correctly, which may involve sandblasting. The recommended PSI for sandblasting plastic Cerakote is 30-40 PSI, aiming for a lightly etched profile with a matte appearance. It is important to start at a lower pressure and gradually increase it until the desired pressure is achieved. Additionally, it is recommended to use #100 grit aluminum oxide or garnet sand as the blasting media to achieve the correct etch pattern.
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What You'll Learn
- The PSI for sandblasting plastic Cerakote is 30-40 PSI
- The sandblasting media is important for achieving the correct mechanical profile for Cerakote to bond
- The recommended media are #100 grit aluminium oxide or garnet sand
- The blast profile should resemble a matte appearance
- The nozzle diameter is key when sandblasting
The PSI for sandblasting plastic Cerakote is 30-40 PSI
Sandblasting is a crucial step in preparing a surface for Cerakote application. Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating that can be applied to a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, polymers, and wood. It is important to achieve the correct mechanical profile for the Cerakote to adhere properly.
When sandblasting plastic Cerakote, the recommended PSI setting is 30-40 PSI. This lower pressure range is suitable for achieving a lightly etched profile on the plastic surface. It is important to strive for a consistent matte appearance on the blasted parts.
Starting at the lower end of the pressure range and gradually increasing it is a good practice. This allows for a controlled process and helps achieve the desired pressure for a consistent finish. The blasting profile should be inspected for any inconsistencies, and additional blasting may be required if the part's surface varies in sheen.
Using the correct sandblasting media is also crucial. It is recommended to use #100 grit Aluminum Oxide or Garnet Sand to achieve the required etch pattern. Regular media swaps should be scheduled to maintain a proper mechanical profile and prevent adhesion issues caused by contaminated or broken-down media.
By following these guidelines, a consistent and correctly etched profile can be achieved when sandblasting plastic Cerakote at 30-40 PSI, ensuring optimal adhesion and performance of the Cerakote coating.
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The sandblasting media is important for achieving the correct mechanical profile for Cerakote to bond
Sandblasting is an important step in preparing a surface for Cerakote application. Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating that can be applied to a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, polymers, and wood. To ensure proper adhesion of the Cerakote, it is crucial to achieve the correct mechanical profile through sandblasting.
The choice of sandblasting media plays a significant role in achieving the desired mechanical profile. Cerakote recommends using #100 grit aluminum oxide or garnet sand as the proper media options. These media types provide the ideal texture and roughness for the Cerakote to adhere effectively. It is important to note that metal media is not recommended by Cerakote for blasting.
The sandblasting media breaks down over time due to prolonged usage, which can affect the adhesion of Cerakote. Regularly swapping out the media helps maintain a consistent mechanical profile and ensures optimal adhesion. Additionally, the breakdown of media can result in the collection of contaminants, further compromising the adhesion of the Cerakote coating.
For composite materials such as plastic, polymer, or carbon fiber, it is recommended to sandblast at approximately 30-40 PSI. The desired profile is a lightly etched, matte appearance. On the other hand, for metals, a higher PSI setting of 80-100 PSI is suggested, resulting in a sandpaper-like finish. It is important to inspect the surface after sandblasting to ensure a consistent profile, as variations in sheen indicate incomplete blasting.
While Cerakote specifies the use of #100 grit aluminum oxide or garnet sand, some companies have experimented with alternative media types. For example, the Guyson Corporation created "The Guyson Blend" by testing different metal medias, including stainless media, steel media, and peening media. They claim that their blend provides superior depth and roughness, resulting in a stronger bond than the Cerakote-specified media. However, it is important to follow Cerakote's recommendations for the best results.
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The recommended media are #100 grit aluminium oxide or garnet sand
When sandblasting plastic Cerakote, it is recommended to use #100 grit aluminium oxide or garnet sand as media. This is because good mechanical adhesion is key to Cerakote's performance attributes. Using the right sandblasting media is essential to achieving the correct mechanical profile for Cerakote to bond properly.
#100 grit aluminium oxide can be purchased as a blasting media from online retailers such as Amazon. It is also available from specialist suppliers like Stanios Industrial Supply Inc. and Pinnacle Supply.
Garnet sand is also available in #100 grit and can be purchased from Amazon. Garnet is a popular choice for sandblasting media as it is not overly hard on equipment and nozzles and lasts a long time. It is also available from Zoro.com, which offers a range of sandpaper sheets in various grit sizes.
When sandblasting plastic Cerakote, it is recommended to set the PSI to approximately 30-40. This will result in a lightly etched profile, and the blasting profile should resemble a matte appearance. It is important to inspect the parts for inconsistencies after sandblasting. If the part's surface is varying in sheen, it requires additional blasting until a consistent etched profile is achieved.
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The blast profile should resemble a matte appearance
When sandblasting plastic Cerakote, it is recommended to use a pressure of 30-40 PSI. This is because, unlike metals, which require a higher pressure for a sandpaper-like finish, plastics and other composites require a lower pressure to achieve a lightly etched profile.
To measure the blast profile accurately, it is crucial to follow the ASTM standards, specifically D 4417 and D 7127. These standards govern the measurement of blast profiles on cleaned steel and metal surfaces, respectively. There are several methods to measure the blast profile, including visual/tactile comparisons, depth micrometers, probe measurements, and replica tape. These methods ensure that the substrate is correctly prepared for coating and help prevent premature coating failure.
It is worth noting that sandblasting at high PSI settings on plastics can create more friction and cause issues. Additionally, the choice of sandblasting media is essential for achieving the correct mechanical profile and adhesion of Cerakote. Recommended media include #100 grit Aluminum Oxide or Garnet Sand. Regular media swaps should be scheduled to maintain consistency and prevent the media from breaking down and collecting contaminants.
While sandblasting is an effective method for achieving a matte finish, there are alternative techniques worth considering. For example, dipping the part in muriatic acid can give steel a matte finish, but it requires neutralization with a baking soda and water solution afterward. Additionally, polishing with emery paper and hand-rubbing with pumice powder can create a homogeneous surface without directional lines. Glass bead blasting at reduced air pressure can also impart a satin finish, but it may require a mirror polish first.
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The nozzle diameter is key when sandblasting
When sandblasting plastic Cerakote, it is important to use the correct nozzle diameter to ensure effective blasting and to avoid wasting abrasive media. The nozzle diameter will impact the pressure and volume of air and abrasive that can pass through the nozzle.
A nozzle with a larger diameter will allow more air and abrasive to pass through, resulting in a wider blast pattern. This is ideal for large-scale applications such as bridges, railways, and pipelines, as it will increase efficiency and reduce the time and cost required to complete the job. However, using a larger nozzle diameter may not be suitable for smaller or more detailed work, as it may result in a blast pattern that is too wide and imprecise.
For smaller workpieces or more localized tasks, a smaller nozzle diameter is recommended. A #2 nozzle with a 3.2-millimeter orifice will produce the narrowest blast pattern, making it ideal for spot blasting and other detailed work. A slightly larger option is a 1/4-inch (6.4-millimeter) nozzle, which still provides a narrow blast pattern suitable for automotive detail work or molding weld seams.
It is also important to consider the pressure and volume of air that your compressor can supply when selecting a nozzle diameter. The nozzle should be able to achieve a pressure of at least 100 psi, and the volume of air supplied by the compressor should be sufficient to maintain productive blasting. For example, a 3/8-inch nozzle can produce effective blast pressure with a 5.32 m3/min (185 CFM) compressor, while a 1/2-inch nozzle requires a larger compressor of 10.62 m3/min (375 CFM).
Additionally, the durability and composition of the nozzle material are important factors. Tungsten carbide nozzles are popular due to their high durability and impact resistance, making them suitable for aggressive grit and harsh environments. Silicon carbide nozzles are lighter and more suitable for extended blasting sessions but have lower impact resistance and are prone to cracking if dropped. Boron carbide nozzles offer high wear resistance and can withstand extended use, making them a good choice for longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic Cerakote should be sandblasted at 30-40 PSI.
Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating that can be applied to metals, plastics, polymers, and wood.
The correct operating pressure for H-Series Cerakote is 20 PSI, and for all other Cerakote products, it is 30 PSI.
It is recommended to use either 100-grit garnet or 100-grit aluminum oxide to achieve the etch pattern required for Cerakote.
First, the original coating must be removed and the surface scuffed. Then, the surface should be inspected for inconsistencies. If the sheen is varying, the surface has not been blasted enough.
