Effect of Sandblasting Process on Mechanical Properties of ASTM A516 Grade 70 Steel

Abstract

Sandbalsting is a method used for surface treatment and at the same time this process also improves the mechanical properties of the material. ASTM A516 Grade 70 is widely used in industrial sector as it provides very good mechanical properties in tough conditions. The main usage of this material is in moderate and low operating services. This paper focus on the effect of sandblasting process on ASTM A516 Grade 70 on improving the mechanical properties and fatigue life of this material. Samples have been blasted with sand grade SAE G-80. The focus of this paper is the result of the microhardness, tensile and fatigue test before and after the sandblasting process to study the improvement in mechanical properties as well as the fatigue life. The research was extent to the microstructure analysis using SEM to study the change in microstructure after sandblasting process and fatigue test. Result shows that the hardness increases with respect to blasting time. Result also shows 2.3% increment in tensile strength after sandblasting and there is significant increment in fatigue life. Result also shows that the sandblasting process decreases the grain size of the material. It was proven that the sandblasting process will increase the hardness and decrease the grain size of the material with respect to sandblasting time. At the same time, there is a significant improvement in mechanical properties and fatigue life by applying sandblasting process on the tested material.