How to Sandblast Titanium | 4 Key Tips

Sand blasting is an effective technique to modify the surface of the specimen. Materials which can be sandblast are woods, metals, steels, stones, brass, titanium, aluminums, and silver. Along with the modification of surface roughness, removal of corrosion, rust, paint, cleaning tools and improving the aesthetic appearance of the subject materials are included in the applications of sand blasting. Steels and titanium are considered as medical material and sand blasting provides better fit and bonding of implants in human body with improved biocompatibility. Sand blasting is a simple technique but used in many applications due to its versatility. This article will offer you deep knowledge and develop a better understanding of titanium sandblasting in you along with expert’s tips and tricks.

Is Titanium Sandblasting Easy

Sand blasting is an easy technique and involves sand as a blasting media which is easily available around the globe. As far as sandblasting of titanium concerned, titanium is a reactive metal and required few considerations while performing it. Sandblasting metal finish and sandblasting surface preparation of titanium is broadly used. Proper sandblasting equipment is required. Appropriate size of nozzle, correct sand blasting media and distance between titanium and nozzle are crucial, which needs special care in selection to obtain desired results.

Can you Sandblast Titanium?

Yes, it can be sandblasted and widely used in many applications. Different sand blasting mediums used for titanium are aluminum oxide, glass beads, walnut shells and plastics. Sandblasted titanium parts are used in dental implants and Al₂O₃ is used for creating roughness on the surface as sandblasting media. Sandblasting induces compressive stress on the titanium parts which positively effect on osteointegration.

Do You Think those Titanium Products need Sandblasting

You will get to know about the sand blasting of titanium bolt, exhaust tubing, chain, mufflers, valves and fittings, one by one down below;

Titanium bolts

Titanium bolts provide exceptional properties such as high corrosion resistance, light weight, high strength and high temperature resistance due to its high melting point [6]. Flowability of molten titanium during casting is low which could cause porosity on the surface along with other surface defects. To reduce the surface reacted layer, sand blasting is carried out for 15-30 seconds by using sand grains. Oxide layer, surface sintering layer and reaction layer is removed by sand blasting. Later on, acid cleaning is performed for further cleaning.

Titanium chain

Primary purpose of titanium chains will be bearing loads which use mechanical property of titanium. The purpose of sand blasting will create the texture which might affect its ultimate tensile strength so it is not recommended without optimized considerations in this regard. Titanium chains are famous in jewelry which doesn’t require high strength but good aesthetics which can be achieved by sandblasting.

Titanium exhaust tubing

Sandblasting of the tubes made up of titanium might be for aesthetic purposes or to improve the adhesion of coating or protective surface. As the roughness of the surface will increase which result in mechanical interlocking of protective coating or paint. Also, if corrosive gases will pass through that sandblasted exhaust tubing, it will reduce the longevity of the component due to reduction of corrosion resistance in sandblasted exhaust tubing.

Titanium muffler

Titanium muffler is also used in exhaust systems to reduce the sound of exhaust gasses. Sand blasting cause the roughness which took part in muffling the noise. Titanium exhaust produce more exotic sound than stainless steel exhaust.

Titanium connecting rods

Connecting rods of titanium are famous for light weight and low fuel consumption when used in automotives and aerospace applications. As these connection rods are used in high strength applications so if sandblasting is necessary, parameters need to be optimized critically.

Titanium valves

Titanium valves can be sand blasted if cleaning of the surface from contaminations are required. Also, for better sealing, this technique can be implied. End application is very important for you to decide whether valves need to be sand blasted or not.

Titanium fitting

For fittings, titanium is considered one of the best choices. To achieve good sealing, it can be sand blasted. Also, if protective layer or any paint is needed than sand blasting could be performed for better interlocking with the surface.

Titanium Sandblasting Tools and Equipment

Following tools are necessary for sandblasting;

For better understanding, click on the following link;

How to Sandblast Titanium

Sandblasting involves following step;

1. Preparations prior to sandblasting

• Place the sandblasting equipment in well-ventilated area.
• Sandblasting safety tips are must. Wear your safety gear which must include; googles, masks, respirator, gloves and safety suit.
• Clean the surface of titanium and get rid of any oil, grease and contamination.

2. Selection of abrasive: Choose the appropriate media for blasting on surface of titanium. Aluminum oxide is extensively used abrasive material for titanium and glass beads can also be used.
3. Air pressure generated by compressor must meet the requirement and must be check prior to sandblasting.  
4. Nozzle is adjusted at desired angle as per requirement. Abrasive media will strike the titanium surface with high pressure generated by compressed air.
5. Turn on the equipment, abrasive material will be injected on titanium through the nozzle with high velocity.
6. Uniform sandblasting is necessary to achieve uniform preparties of the sample.
7. Performance evaluation will be carried out after short intervals to ensure the required roughness or surface modification.
8. Cleaning is an important step to remove remaining abrasive material from the titanium surface.

Pros and Cons Sandblast Titanium Chart

3 Key Tips for Sandblast Brass

Following tips will help you achieve desired results from sand blasting;

1. Titanium is expensive and reactive material. So, it is recommended to practice on other material before sand blasting titanium for the optimization of parameters. Steady movement of component must be ensured to get uniform roughness on the surface of the sample.
2. Before switching on the equipment, check all seals and damages to safe yourself from accident and follow sandblasting safety tips.
3. Selection of correct abrasive is very important in sandblasting. In this regard, proper literature review and expert advise is needed.

How to Clean Sandblast Titanium

High pressure air could remove the residues of sandblasting abrasive and sometimes acids are also be implied for this purpose.

Why Choose Tuofa to Custom Titanium Parts

Titanium is an important and expensive metal. If proper care is not taken, it might take up impurities and defects along with surface imperfections. So, it is important to order titanium parts from trustworthy companies. Tuofa provides high quality titanium components and customized parts. Choosing the right sand blasting abrasive for different materials is made easy for you by Tuofa and its experts are available to facilitate you by making right choices and saving money as well as time. For your convenience link is given below, have a look; More machined metal parts

Or contact the support team to provide you with more assistance: info@tuofa-cncmachining.com