Blast cabinets, pressure blasters, and of course sand are all sandblasting equipment used in various ways. Both blast cabinets and pressure blasters are types of sandblasters. Air compressors, yet another type of sandblasting equipment, are pieces of machinery that feed compressed air into the sandblasters to enable them to operate. While sand is not usually referred to as equipment, it is an essential part of sandblasting. In addition, it is often the most inexpensive part of sandblasting due to the insignificant price of sand in most places.
The actual sand is arguably the most important piece of sandblasting equipment. In sandblasting, sand is used as the abrasive material that is forced against other surfaces in order to affect them in different ways. Sand is essentially very small particulars of stone, though it may be composed of other mineral materials as well. This versatile material is also used in many other construction applications, such as adding texture to paint, making up a large percentage of the ingredients in concrete, as well as being the main ingredient of glass. Silcia sand, sand containing a lot of the chemical compound called silicon dioxide, is the type of sand most commonly used in sandblasting around the world.
Another piece of sandblasting equipment is called the blast cabinet, and it is essentially a medium-sized box that sandblasts items placed in it. A sandblasting cabinet normally has armholes in it so that the worker can put his gloved hands inside. This type of sandblasting equipment is frequently used to remove rust or other debris from automotive equipment. A dust collector either comes with this piece of equipment, or it can be purchased separately and placed on top.
A pressure sandblaster, more simply known as a pressure blaster, is typically a type of portable sandblasting equipment. It primarily consists of a tank on wheels with a hose and nozzle and is used to remove paint, rust, or graffiti from walls and other surfaces. The size, portability, and power of a pressure sandblaster can vary significantly, often with more expensive products being more effective at their job.
Air compressors, often diesel ones, are typically used to provide air to other pieces of sandblasting equipment that use it to push the abrasive material. The general purpose of an air compressor is to compress air and then express it energetically in bursts. There are many different methods that air compressors use to achieve this task, and they can use various types of fuel.