Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Alternative Sandblasting Processes on the Surface Roughness Data of Smooth Rolls

Abstract

The process of sandblasting is a method applied to remove oil, dirt, rust, and corrosion from metal surfaces, aiming to extend the metal's service life due to the gradual development of rust and corrosion over time. This procedure involves using various abrasive substances, specially manufactured under the name "grit." Sandblasting, similar to sandpaper, not only eliminates visible or micron-sized rust and corrosion on the metal surface but also aims to achieve a specific level of surface roughness. An essential criterion in this process is to texture the surface with appropriate abrasives.
 The sandblasting machine used in this study is designed to achieve the desired average surface roughness level, denoted by the R a value, on the smooth rolls in flour mill rolls and flaking rolls. The machine features a sand recycling system, a filtered vacuum suction line, and employs a blower system to provide a dust-free environment. The majority of the abrasive material sprayed by the nozzle is conveyed to the rear sand tank through vacuuming, allowing dust and abrasive material to accumulate in a closed tank without extensively mixing with the air. 
 
 Consequently, the operator can achieve abrasive material recovery through the blower method without being adversely affected by the sandblasting process. 
 The abrasive particles with a brown aluminium oxide property and a size of 24 mesh aim to create a homogeneous roughness on the surface of smooth rolls using a PLC system. In this study, the rotation of the roll bearings at a constant speed around their axis and the comparison of different surface roughness values with the variable linear velocity h of the nozzle positioned at different angles to this movement are investigated.