Maintaining your Blast Machine

How to Maintain Your Shot Blast Machine for Peak Efficiency

Introduction

A blast machine is a crucial piece of equipment in any metal fabrication or finishing shop. It is used to remove rust, paint, and other contaminants from metal surfaces. A blast machine can also be used to prepare metal surfaces for welding or painting.

Blast machines come in a variety of sizes and configurations, and can be powered by either air or electricity, manual or automated.

No matter what type of blast machine you have, it is important to keep it properly maintained. A well-maintained blast machine will last longer and perform better than one that is not properly maintained. In this article, we will show you how to maintain your automated shot blast machine for peak efficiency.

1. Inspect the machine regularly - Regular inspection is essential to keep your blast machine in good condition.

• Check your levels on the media and amps of the motors when running daily, and hourly. We provide color-coded visual aids to help monitor
• After every shift, thoroughly check the machine to ensure one area is not seeing higher wear than others, which can indicate any number of issues, as well as all wear plates and impeller blades.
• Check for debris daily in your elevator screen, always keeping it clear from excessive build-up.
• Don't forget to inspect shot deflectors daily
• The elevator belt is tracking properly - monitor at the end of the day before going home.

2. Check the hoses - Inspect the hoses for any signs of wear, including cracks, leaks, or abrasions. Replace any hoses that show signs of wear to prevent air or abrasive leaks, which can cause poor performance or breakdowns.

• Monthly monitor Dust Collection hose clamps and tighten if loose.
• Weekly ensure there is no blockage in the dust collection hose, as well as the air intake baffle.

3. Lubricate regularly - Keep the moving parts of the machine lubricated to prevent corrosion and extend the life of the equipment. Use the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer to keep the machine functioning smoothly.

• Monthly you should check your gearbox lubrication levels.
• Quarterly lubricate slow-moving bearings.
• Every 60 hours of operation you will want to check the wheel well for quick-moving bearings.

4. Replace parts - Replace worn-out or damaged parts promptly to prevent malfunctions or breakdowns. Keep spare parts on hand for high-wear items (blades and dust collection filters, as well as spare motors and wheel well) or longer lead time items so that you can quickly replace any parts that need to be replaced. Nothing worse and more costly than a week-long down in production waiting on a part. Ignoring parts replacement will lead to additional wear and more costly repairs down the road.

5. Store the machine properly - Proper storage is essential to protect the blast machine from damage and to prevent rust or corrosion. Store the machine in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area. Make sure the dust collection air is dry and able to avoid taking in moisture.

And don't ignore electrical contactors that should be cleaned out about every 3 months with air to avoid dust collection. DISCONNECT power first.

For anyone familiar with shot blasting you understand from the moment of startup how important preventative care can be. These machines do not like to be ignored and scream louder and louder the longer you do with costly repairs. Although adding an automated shot blaster can increase your production by 10 folds and pay for itself within a year of its investment, it is not a buy it and forgot about it purchase.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your blast machine in top condition, ensuring that it provides reliable service for years to come. Prefer to have a service team come in quarterly to help keep your machine running at its best. LS Industries would be happy to help with onsite regular inspections and maintenance packages. Our team can make sure your operators are well-trained to keep an eye on daily checks. Want to take advantage of the newest technology in blasters, we can help you upgrade to a new machine designed for you and your application.

Let's chat about your next rust removal, cleaning and surface prep project.