What Size Compressor Will you Need for Sandblasting?

Before beginning with any form of sandblasting or dust free blasting one should ensure the air compressor, the essential component is sized correctly with the correct specifications.

 

Compressor

Properly sizing a compressor for a sandblasting job means considering both the pressure, measured in either Bar or Kpa and CFM of the compressor. The two factors together determine the total supply the compressor is capable of providing. The CFM on the compressor needs to be higher than that of the blaster. Choose a two-stage compressor with five horsepower or more and at least 250 litres to ensure that the compressor runs in intervals instead of continually. Unfortunately, this is not a simple matter that more pressure the faster you can blast. Pressure is vital, yes, but this is a more complex matter when you must ensure that there is pressure at the open end where the blasting occurs. When it comes to sandblasting the correct pressure can only be achieved if the combination of pressure and volume necessary are matched. Selecting a compressor will depend on whether or not it will be able to produce the air volume required.

Sandblaster

Sandblasters come in many sizes, in ranges of pressure and CFM and degrees of portability. The biggest consideration of proper blaster size is its compatibility with your compressor and nozzle. A 14 CFM at 6 Bar is compatible with a compressor at 35 CFM and 6 Bar, as long as the nozzle is rated at under 20 CFM. If the total CFM of the air tools used (blaster and nozzle) is more than the compressor can put out, the compressor will have to run constantly to keep up.

Nozzles

Sandblasting nozzles vary greatly in materials, sizes and types for different abrasives used. A ceramic nozzle is ideal for jobs with lower pressure such as five CFM. A nozzle made from tungsten carbide is ideal for jobs up to 25 CFM. Add the CFM rating of the nozzle to the CFM rating of the blaster and make sure it falls below the CFM of the compressor for ideal efficiency.   CFM (cubic feet per minute) refers to the volume of air that can be moved in one minute. Sandblasting requires air compression, the more CFM the better. There are several considerations when determining the necessary CFM for an application, including the compressor CFM, the sandblaster CFM and the size of the nozzle. Consider, too, the type of sand grit you will be using.

About Field Air Compressors

Field Air compressors (Pty) Ltd. Was officially established in 1992. We are a company based on family values with over 20-years’ experience in the compressed air industry. We offer many products, specializing in air compressors of most brands. We offer servicing, maintenance, and spares for all types of compressors, as well as hire out units as required. We distribute Chicago Pneumatic Air compressors and air tools. Our sales team offer friendly service and we have an experienced technical team to offer you any technical advice when required. Have a look at our Field Air Compressors Products Range for more information Please note the content of this article has been adapted from an external source.