Re: Soda blasting
Soda blasting is making marks in the auto world. Apparently cleanup is a bit better but from my understanding Soda blasting is about the particles and the reaction. I could be very wrong on that as I am not a scientist of any sorts but its worth some research as if it doesn't actually impact the surface it might not hold spray ons as well as a media blasted part would.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The sodium bicarbonate used in the blasting process is a larger particle than the baking soda used in the food industry, although it is the same purity. The particles (baking soda) are propelled by compressed air through specialized blasting pots. The blasting pots use air pressure that can be varied from 20psi on soft surfaces to 120psi on harder surfaces. The now pressurized sodium bicarbonate particles remove coatings by the energy released when the particles explode as they contact the surface being cleaned.
Sand blasting, on the other hand, removes the coatings by wearing it away (abrasively). This is also the result when the sand hits the base surface being cleaned; the base surface is worn away and damaged. Sodium bicarbonate has a non-abrasive action that allows it to be used on surfaces that the currently popular abrasive media (sand blasting) would damage i.e.: aluminum, stainless steel, brick, stone, glass, fiberglass, wood, plastic, seals, bearings, splines, radiator cores, and hydraulic cylinders. Since there is no heat build up warped metal is eliminated. The non-flammable properties allow sodium bicarbonate to be used in the petroleum industry where other methods posed a higher risk. Sodium bicarbonate breaks down hydrocarbons, which makes soda blasting an excellent method of cleaning engines, engine parts, and other areas where oil and grease are present.
Another major advantage of soda blasting is that it does not break down the surface tension of metals, thus the problem of flash rusting is eliminated. Sodium bicarbonate can act as a rust inhibitor, which will leave a protective coating on the surface being cleaned. This allows for time to pass before the surface has to be painted. This is unlike a sand blasted surface that must be painted immediately. When the time arrives to paint the surface, the protective coating (soda) can be removed by an application of a vinegar/water mixture.
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