Dry Media Blasting Test and Development Facility

The increased demand for alternative, chemical-free coating removal processes has been driven by government mandates to reduce emissions from hazardous chemicals. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has extensive experience in the use of dry media blast (DMB) technology that can provide consistent, high-quality coating removal along with reductions in hazardous chemical emissions. 

Exterior view of blast booth showing media recovery system

SwRI has installed a DMB booth for conducting coating removal studies for metallic and composite substrates and for aircraft flight control surfaces. The booth offers controlled, automated blasting of test specimens to evaluate and develop new blast equipment, processes, and media. It incorporates a programmable x-y positioner for remote operation and a media recovery and cleaning system for near-continuous operation. A state-of-the-art, auger type, media feed system has been installed to ensure precise delivery of media during testing. 

SwRI has a broad background in the following areas of coating removal technology:

• Process simulation and optimization
• Hazardous waste reduction
• Material compatibility testing for solid blast media
• Substrate and airframe material failure analysis
• DMB facility layout, design, and implementation
• Automated blast system control
• Robotic paint/coating removal technology

Interior view of blast booth showing x-y positioner and blast process analysis equipment

SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization, and does not represent or market any product line. SwRI provides adaptive engineering solutions that match the characteristics of individual manufacturing or maintenance processes. Clients own the design documentation, patent rights, and replication rights for equipment developed in support of their programs.