Soluble Media Blasting

I now have added an excellent new technique, SOLUBLE MEDIA BLASTING.  This uses a media that in itself is not only non-abrasive but readily dissolves in warm water.  There is therefore no risk of retained media in complex components such as more modern cylinderheads and blocks. 

With this sort of item, it can sometimes be too difficult to close-off oil galleries and other intricate areas to prevent possible retention of conventional cleaning media.  My alternative methods have till now included hot pressure washing with special liquid cleaners which will clean but not always fully brighten surfaces.

The finish achieved with Soluble Media varies dependant upon the component and is the best possible without moving-up to the benchmark processes, Dry Bead Blasting and Vapour Bead Blasting. Oxidised alloy parts will not be cleaned to white metal standards.

Soluble Media is also excellent when engine cases are to be repainted (as is often needed for modern motorcycles), providing a superb surface for paint application.  Painting can be offered if required.

Soluble Media is also excellent at paint stripping car body panels or even body shells, without the risk of distortion.  The surface left is rust inhibited for several weeks.

Dry Ice (Cryogenic) Blasting

This process uses frozen carbon dioxide pellets as the blast medium.  On impact the pellets at minus 76deg C instantly sublimate to gaseous carbon dioxide.  The chill effect plus the kinetic energy of the pellets plus the mini ‘explosions’ are very effective at removing certain types of debris.  However, corrosion is untouched and there is no burnishing of the metal.

Other processes can achieve better results more economically so Dry Ice Blasting has limited specialist applications where its feature of leaving no blast media or water to clean-up, only the removed debris, is of great value.

However, should you need it, “I Cleenz Macheenz!” can offer it.

The pictures below give a visual comparison on engine parts of Soluble Media Blasting and Vapour Bead Blasting.

Aston Martin DB6 with close-up

Now soluble media blasted, with close-up for before and after comparison

As above but bead blasted

Cadillac die-cast block - now blasted with soluble media

Cadillac die-cast block - another view, post soluble media blasting and VW Magnesium cases - improved but not perfect

Jaguar head before and after - soluable media is not as effective as vapour bead blasting

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