First of all, from the implementation process, sandblasting is a method of spraying abrasive particles on the surface of the treated object. Abrasive is sent into the sandblasting chamber through a sandblasting gun to form a high-speed airflow to impact the surface of the object, thereby removing dirt and improving the surface quality. In shot peening, cast particles (such as iron ore and steel shot) are projected onto the surface of the object to be processed, and the surface of the object is impacted by the relatively high-speed cast particles to remove dirt and improve the surface quality.
Secondly, from the perspective of material selection, abrasive particles, such as quartz sand and glass particles, are usually used for sand blasting, while hard casting particles, such as steel shot and steel grit, are used for shot blasting. As the as-cast particles are harder and more durable, shot blasting is more suitable for processing workpieces that require greater impact force and higher surface hardness.
Finally, from the application point of view, sandblasting is more suitable for surface treatment of larger plates, pipes and containers, while shot peening is more suitable for processing smaller parts and molds with complex shapes. Because shot blasting can operate parts with various angles and shapes, it is widely used in various industrial fields, such as automobile manufacturing, aerospace, steel manufacturing and so on.
To sum up, sandblasting and shot blasting have certain differences and advantages in the implementation process, material selection and application scope. When choosing a suitable machining method, we should comprehensively consider the specific workpiece shape, surface requirements and machining purpose, and then determine the best machining scheme before operating, in order to achieve better treatment effect.