MICRO-ABRASIVE BLASTING

Micro-abrasive blasting is used in a variety of applications in medical manufacturing, the aerospace industry, micro-electronics, precision machining, dental labs and fossil cleaning.

Micro-abrasive blasting works by uniformly mixing air with an abrasive media, then propelling the mixture out of a small nozzle tip at high velocity. The process is sometimes referred to as precision sandblasting or pencil blasting because the handpiece is held like a pencil and the end of the nozzle resembles the tip. The consistent flow provided by a MicroBlaster® model, the micron sized abrasive particles, and the small opening of the nozzle deliver a stream of abrasive that is very focused, making it an ideal process for a variety of precision applications.

Micro-abrasive blasting is cost effective and environmentally friendly.

Micro-Abrasive Blasters

DirectFlo™: The increased power and powder capacity this blaster offers enables the use of larger nozzles or multiple nozzles. It is ideally suited for both manual and semi-automated applications.

PowerFlo®: Combining the superior power and performance of the DirectFlo with an internal microprocessor for integration into automatic systems, this blaster elevates microblasting to a higher level. It is ideally suited for semi-automated applications.

Lathes

Comco has integrated the precision of micro-abrasive blasting with an advanced machining platform for superior control quality and repeatability.

Standard Lathe: ideally suited for abrading parts that require precision material removal, cleaning or texturing. A self-contained workstation the Standard Lathe delivers a powerful stream of abrasive in a programmable pattern ensuring a high degree of repeatability and control.           

Custom Abrasive Blast Systems

Over the last couple of years, Epak Electronics Ltd have supplied numerous custom automated systems based around specific applications customer have had for micro abrasive blasting. In conjunction with customer needs, we have developed a sophisticated multi-nozzle surface abrader in 150 and 170mm belt widths, a motorized rotary blast nozzle and several other customer specific applications. If you have an automation requirement, please contact us to discuss your needs. 

Epak SA150 & SA3000 Surface Abraders 

Comco Systems Approach

The micro-abrasive blasting system includes the following components: micro-abrasive blaster, workstation, air dryer and dust collector. Find out more about Comco's System's Approach.

Applications

Find out how best to process your parts in our Applications Lab. Whether your application is among the many tried and tested or something new, we offer parts testing to find the best method in micro-abrasive blasting. We would request you send us sample parts that are indicative of those used in production rather than parts that are un-useable or scrap as it gives you a better idea of how the process could work as one of your process improvement steps.   

Most applications are performed manually, but advancements have led to a rise in automated operations.

Micro-abrasive blasting has applications in a diverse group of industries:

• Medical applications include deburring of needles, bone screws, stents and medical implants; cleaning medical molding; surface preparation on medical electronics 
• Aerospace applications include cleaning orifices in turbine blades; removing magnesium oxide insulator from thermocouple harnesses; engraving optical lenses and instrumentation; selective corrosion removal on airframe and engine components
• Electronics applications include conformal coating removal; shockless wafer cutting; adhesion enhancement on flex circuitry; stripping insulation from fine wire
• Precision Machining applications include removing EDM recast and discoloration; finishing and texturing injection mold cavities; cleaning runner nozzles
• Dental Labs use micro-abrasive blasting for devesting pressable ceramics; removing oxides from the surface of porcelain crowns; shaping tooth anatomy
• Fossils removing fossil matrix
• Other Applications cleaning and preparation of semi-precious stones and jewelry

In addition to the micro-abrasive blasting unit, the following components are required for efficient blasting:

Workstations: When the abrasive stream is propelled from the nozzle, there must be a means of containing the spent abrasive. The workstation not only captures the abrasive particles but also provides the operator with a high visibility work area.

Air Dryers: A desiccant bead or membrane style air dryer must be used to remove moisture, the number one enemy of micro-abrasive blasting.

Dust Collectors: The dust collector is specifically designed to handle micron-sized particles, maintaining good operator visibility and a clean workstation.

Powders: A range of micron-sized media or powder is used as the abrasive element in the system. The distinctive characteristics of each type of powder influence the action of the abrading process.

Spares And Repairs : Because of the abrasive nature of microblasting, regular maintenance and repairs are necessary on the most common wear items. We offer a full backup and support service and hold stock of most common parts and can offer repair and refurbishment for old or non-functioning blasters.

Company Info

Comco is the industry leader in micro-abrasive blasting technology and creator of the award-winning MicroBlaster®.  Established in 1968, Comco’s innovative thinking and high quality standards have been key to Comco’s success.

Micro-abrasive blasters are used for deburring, surface preparation, selective cleaning, material removal and focused cutting in a variety of industries including medical manufacturing, microelectronics, precision machining and the aerospace industry. 

Comco prides itself on its high quality products and excellent customer service and tech support.

The Original MB100 Microblaster