During sandblasting, metal fabricators can choose from a wide range of cabinets. The most common type is the dry or siphon blast cabinet. A dry sandblasting cabinet consists of a compressed air line and a siphon line, which suck abrasive media to the blast nozzle. The setup ensures that compressed air and abrasive media pass through the blast nozzle at the same time. However, it is normal for users to experience problems with a dry sandblasting cabinet from time to time. This article highlights essential tips for troubleshooting abrasive media flow issues in siphon sandblasting cabinets. Keep reading for more insight on sandblasting.

Air Pressure -- Dry sandblasting cabinet systems rely heavily on air pressure to shoot an abrasive media at the desired force. If you suspect that abrasive media flow is unusual, the problem might be caused by air pressure. Notably, abnormal air pressure creates an undesired anchor system on a work surface, affecting an entire project. Therefore, inspect the air gun to ensure that the gauge is set at the correct pressure and make the necessary adjustments. If the settings are normal but you still experience abrasive medium flow problems, then the chances are high that you have a faulty line or insufficient compressed air. A sandblasting equipment supplier can help you address air pressure issues and have your system working optimally.

Inadequate Abrasive Media -- Another often overlooked problem is a nozzle that passes more compressed air and less abrasive medium. Typically, a clog in an abrasive media line causes the issue by preventing a sandblasting material from reaching the nozzle. However, if there is no clog in the line, then the most logical explanation is that you are running low on abrasive medium. Open the media tank and check the quantity of sandblasting material left. You risk damaging your cabinet if you keep running sandblasting equipment without an abrasive medium. Therefore, always ensure that you have enough abrasive medium in the tank to prevent flow issues.

Worn Blast Nozzle -- With accelerated abrasive particles whizzing past a sandblasting gun nozzle, the component is expected to wear out with time. If you are keen, you will notice a nozzle's opening gradually widening, consequently reducing the abrasive particles' acceleration. Therefore, you have to increase compressed air pressure to restore the acceleration, which translates to more energy. Replace a blast nozzle anytime you notice a reduction in abrasive media force.