What are the main international standards for sandblasting technology?

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In the field of mechanical manufacturing, the presence of burrs is an inevitable outcome during the transformation of materials into components through various processing methods. Regardless of the chosen manufacturing technique, burrs come in different sizes, making it challenging to eliminate them entirely. As a result, post-processing is necessary, and sandblasting technology has emerged as a popular method for deburring and cleaning surfaces. This article delves into the main international standards used for sandblasting technology, exploring the different cleaning levels and their impact on the cleanliness of processed parts.

Two Main International Standards for Sandblasting Technology:

In sandblasting technology, two widely adopted international standards are commonly used: SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings) standards established in the United States in 1985 and the Sa standards formulated in Sweden in 1976. The Sa standards are divided into four different levels: Sa1, Sa2, Sa2.5, and Sa3, each specifying the degree of cleanliness required. Let's take a closer look at each level:

1. Sa1 Level:

Equivalent to the SSPC-SP7 standard in the United States, the Sa1 level involves the use of simple hand brushing and sand cloth polishing methods. Among the four cleaning levels, Sa1 is the lowest and offers minimal protection to coatings, only slightly better than untreated workpieces. The technical standard for the Sa1 level includes the following requirements: the workpiece surface should be free of visible oil stains, grease, residual oxide skin, rust spots, and paint residue. Sa1 level is also known as the hand brushing cleaning level or sweeping level.

2. Sa2 Level:

Comparable to the SSPC-SP6 standard in the United States, the Sa2 level employs sandblasting technology for cleaning. This level is considered the general requirement and offers significantly better coating protection than hand brushing. The technical standard for the Sa2 level includes the following requirements: the workpiece surface should be free of visible oil, dirt, oxide skin, rust, paint, oxide, corrosion, and other foreign substances (except defects). Defects are limited to no more than 33% of the surface area per square meter, and this may include slight shadows, minor discoloration caused by defects or rust, as well as paint defects. If the original surface of the workpiece has dents, minor rust, and paint may remain at the bottom of the patterns. Sa2 level is also known as the commercial cleaning level or industrial level.

3. Sa2.5 Level:

Sa2.5 level is widely used in the industry and serves as an acceptable level for inspection and standard requirements. Also known as the near-white cleaning level, the Sa2.5 level has the exact requirements as the Sa2 level, but defects are limited to no more than 5% of the surface area per square meter. It may include slight shadows, minor discoloration caused by defects or rust, as well as paint defects.

4. Sa3 Level:

Equivalent to the SSPC-SP5 standard in the United States, the Sa3 level represents the highest level of treatment in the industry and is also known as the white cleaning level. The technical standard for the Sa3 level is the same as the Sa2.5 level, but no shadows, defects, or rust are allowed.

Sandblasting technology has become an indispensable method for deburring and cleaning surfaces in the field of mechanical manufacturing. Understanding the international standards for sandblasting, such as the Sa levels, enables manufacturers to ensure the appropriate level of cleanliness for their processed parts. Implementing these standards allows for effective deburring, surface cleaning, and the removal of various imperfections, ultimately enhancing the quality and aesthetics of the final products. By adhering to internationally recognized sandblasting standards, manufacturers can achieve precise and efficient manufacturing processes, leading to increased customer satisfaction and greater competitiveness in the industry.