Micro Blasting

In precision machining, surface preparation for bonding is a key application for Airbrasive®. The photo shows an acoustic sensor being cleaned prior to bonding the ceramic insert to its metal outer layer. Any contaminants, corrosion, or oxidation must be removed before the bonding process. In micro abrasive blasting the surface is roughened, making it easier to bond to.

The photos below show two examples where metal was machined to form cross drilled holes as well as slots, feather like burrs, or rough edges have developed and need to be eliminated. This process, done by hand, is not only time consuming, but tiresome. On the other hand, a quick blast with the micro abrasive machine takes the rough edges and burrs right out.

Burrs also develop when parts need to be threaded, as shown in this illustration. One quick blast by our micro abrasive machine will remove the burrs without degrading the surface. Metal surfaces must be prepared prior to bonding or plating. The inside of this piece must be cleaned of any contaminants that would prevent adhesion.

Uses for Abrasives

Airbrasive is effective with the following types of materials:

Uses for Micro Abrasive Jet Machining

The following are typical processes where Micro Abrasive Jet Machining has proven effective:

Abrading:
Surfaces are often abraded in order to create unique finishes for later processes. Airbrasive® micro blasting machines will allow you to polish a surface smooth or make it rough like sandpaper.

Cleaning and De-marking:
By varying the type of powder used along with pressure and flow rates, precision cleaning of the most
delicate items becomes an effortless task. You can accurately remove the smallest layers of material
and get into otherwise impossible to reach places.

Deburring:
Airbrasive® micro blasting machines allow you to remove unwanted sharp edges, burrs and fins from metal, plastic, and machined objects with precision.

Deflashing:
Removing of flash or rind left on plastic moldings and crevices between mating molds. Micro Airbrasive® Jet Machining will remove undesirable flash and aid you in finishing your product.

Drilling:
Airbrasive® micro blasting machines can drill holes at odd angles and in hard to reach spaces where a normal drill could never go.

Etching:
Etching or marking intricate patterns into materials such as glass, ceramics and metals is as easy
as writing with a pencil when using an Airbrasive® Jet Machine. Many artisans use our equipment
when working with glass and metal.

Texturing / Finishing and Restoring:
Airbrasive® micro blasting machines will aid you in finishing your work surface or restoring your material
to its original state.

Conformal Coating Removal:
Selectively remove protective coatings on circuit boards and electronic assemblies quickly and easily using Airbrasive® micro blasting technology.

Airbrasive Powder List

Nozzles

CARBIDE ROUND ORIFICE

O.D.

I.D.

.034"

0.005"/ .13mm (Taper .020)

AN104

.035"

0.007"/ .18mm

AN139

AN140

.052"

0.011" .28mm (Taper .040)

AN126

AN134

.035"

0.018"/ .46mm

AN132

AN131

.053"

0.018"/ .46mm

AN119

AN118

AN120

.074"

0.026"/ .65mm (Taper .050)

AN122

AN121

.070"

0.032"/ .80mm

AN106

AN109

0.050"/ 1.3mm

AN145

.052"

0.018"/ .46mm (male THD.)

AN117

.076"

0.026"/ .65 (male THD.)

AN115

Industrial Nozels

.70"

0.032"/ .80mm (male THD.)

AN116

CARBIDE RECTANGLE ORIFICE

.003" x .020"/.08 x .50mm

AN141

AN142

.003" x .060"/.08 x 1.5mm

AN125

AN133

.006 x .020"/.15 x 0.5mm

AN110

AN113

.006 x .040"/.15 x 1.0mm

AN130

AN129

AN128

.006 x .060"/.15 x 1.5mm

AN124

AN135

AN123

AN127

AN137

AN136

.006" x .075"/.15 x 1.88mm

AN105

.006" x .100"/.15 x 2.5mm

AN101

.007" x .125"/.18 x 3.13mm

AN103

.007" x .150"/.18 x 3.75mm

AN102

.010" x .030"/.25 x .75mm

AN11

SAPPHIRE ROUND ORIFICE

.089"

0.008" / .2mm

AN138

.052"

0.018" / .46mm (Taper .040)

AN143

AN144

.050"

0.026" / .65mm

AN107

AN108

Model HME Adapter for Industrial Nozzels / Part No. AN147

Air / Oil Filter

Airbrasive® Air/Oil Filters will filter the air in your work environment removing oil, water, and harmful contaminants. Our Air/Oil Filters are 99.9% efficient against sub-micron particles that will be in the air while you work.

FEATURES

• Combination filter specifically designed to remove moisture and oil
• Compact Design

SPECIFICATION

Micro Abrasive Blasting Units

Dust Collectors

Features

• High collection efficiency of 99.9%
• Manually-operated filter shaker makes filter cleaning easy
• Includes chamber silencer
• Easy change filter bag

An airbrasive Dust Collector is recommended for use within clean-room micro-blasting environments. A self-contained fabric filter ensures a highly efficient, sealed system capable of removing powder, cuttings and debris from work chambers.

Specifications

Model H - Micro Abrasive Jet Machine

Features

• Patented vibratory feed system for uniform media flow and precise control
• Intermittent or continuous duty capability
• Heavy duty construction
• Pinch valve shutoff with wear detector
• Long life fittings at critical wear points

The AIRBRASIVE® Model H gives high volume producers the ability to micro blast parts on production lines or in labs. This sturdy machine has been designed to accommodate both intermittent (foot switch activated) or continuous operations. Powder flow lines are reinforced with tungsten carbide fittings for the utmost reliability in a continuous operation. It utilizes our patented vibratory feed for uniform powder flow. Powder flow is adjusted via our powder flow and pressure controls on the front panel. Added to this machine is an auxiliary powder chamber monitored for powder level. Once it falls below a certain level, an indicator light tells the operator to fill the auxiliary chamber with powder. This guarantees consistent powder flow for continuous operation.

Standard Accessories

Foot switch and 6 ft of hose
Handpiece and 6 ft of hose
Air Supply Hose (5 ft)
Nozzle (0.18" ID, straight)
Nozzle (0.18" ID, right angle)
AccuBRADE 27 Aluminum Oxide Powder (27 micron, 4 LBS)

Recommended Accessories

Work Chamber, 110V or 220V
Dust Collector, bag type or cartridge type, 3/4 HP, 110V or 220V
Air / Oil Filter

Model K Micro Abrasive Jet Machine

Features

• Patented vibratory feed system for uniform media flow
• Low Cost, high reliability
• Instant accessibility to internal components
• Pinch valve shutoff
• Long life fittings at critical wear points

The AIRBRASIVE® Model K gives high volume producers the ability to Micro-Blast parts on production lines or in labs. This sturdy machine has been designed to accommodate both intermittent or continuous operations. Powder flow lines are reinforced with tungsten carbide fittings for the utmost reliability in a continuous operation. It utilizes our patented vibratory feed for uniform powder flow. Powder flow is adjusted via our powder flow and pressure controls on the front panel. Added to this machine is an auxiliary powder chamber monitored for powder level. Once it falls below a certain level, an indicator light tells the operator to fill the auxiliary chamber with powder. This guarantees consistent powder flow for continuous operation.

Specifications

Standard Accessories

Power Cord
Air Supply Hose (5 ft)
Nozzle (0.18" ID, straight)
Nozzle (0.18" ID, right angle)
AccuBRADE 27 Aluminum Oxide Powder (27 micron, 4 LBS)
AccuBRADE 50 Aluminum Oxide Powder (50 micron, 4 LBS)
Powder Chamber Bolt Hex Wrench and Powder Funnel

Recommended Accessories

Work Chamber, 110V or 220V
Dust Collector, bag type or cartridge type, 3/4 HP, 110V or 220V
Air / Oil Filter

Work Chambers

Features

• Standard or microscope-mounting arrangements
• Screened bottom to contain spent particles
• Drop-down front panel for larger parts
• Internal illumination (standard unit

These chambers are designed for hand held work. Using a tempered safety glass top, fluorescent internal illumination, screened bottom, and conveniently sized port holes allow for easy access. The enameled steel can be used with either laboratory or production models and should be connected to a recommended dust collector. Microscope-mounting work chamber is for use with 10X to 40X scopes.

Specifications

Model 6500 Micro Abrasive Jet Machine

Features

• All pneumatic operation
• Quick change powder chamber
• Most economical arrangement
• Pinch valve shutoff
• Independent air and powder flow control

The Model 6500 is an innovative, pneumatic micro blasting machine. This unit was designed with portability in mind and for ease in field use. For powder flow control in the 6500, the vibration required to feed powder is generated by a novel "rotating ball" design with compressed air as its source of energy. With an all pneumatic vibrator mechanism, a quick powder change feature is viable. The powder compartment is comprised of a two piece powder chamber that can be flipped and taken apart for easy filling within 30 seconds. The powder chamber capacity is roughly 2 pounds. If you are looking for a compact, versatile, low cost unit with a "quick powder change feature", this is the way to go.

Specifications

Standard Accessories

Pneumatic foot switch and 6 ft of hose
Hand piece and 6 ft of hose
Air Supply Hose (5 ft)
Nozzle (0.18� ID, straight)
Nozzle (0.18� ID, right angle)
AccuBRADE 27 Aluminum Oxide Powder (27 micron, 4 LBS)
AccuBRADE 50 Aluminum Oxide Powder (50 micron, 4 LBS)

Recomended Accessories

Work Chamber, 110V or 220V
Dust Collector, compact type, 110V or 220V
Air / Oil Filter