Advice Needed

[mike28]

Hey

I have just set up an alloy wheel refurbising company, so still sort of learning the trade.

Can someone please advise me on the best media to use for blasting alloy wheels? Some people say aluminium oxide, others say glass beed.

Also once i have powder coated the wheels whats the alternative to using an oven, as these ovens are a quite expensive.

Thanks

Mike

 

[shenion]

Glass bead does not remove the metal. The oxide later is brittle, the beads shatter it. Then they just bounce off the aluminum. Leaves a matt finish that polished up well.

Most other media will remove material. Glass beat is slow for removing paint (clear coat).

I did a wheel on my GPz and it came out great with glass beads.

 

[rtbcomp]

Some alloys have a primer that is as strong as armour plate - beads won't stand a chance, it took me more than half a day to do one such wheel using grit.

For less resillient paint I would use aluminium oxide to leave a surface suitable for painting, this surface can be bead blasted if you want to polish the wheel.

Beads leave a satin finish, becomes duller the more times you recyle the beads.

I would consider using a chemical stripper to remove powder coating and tough paint, but do make sure it will be safe to use on aluminium.

 

[mike28]

Thanks for the advice.

I will probably give aluminium oxide a go and see how it goes. Is there any particular aluminium oxide u would recommend as it comes in different types.

Mike