Removing paint, powder coatings, sealants, and other types of coating and surface irregularities off of aluminum and various metals can be challenging. This is particularly true with aircraft parts as their surface is frequently designed with very thin aluminum plate.
OEMs often stipulate the type of media blasting abrasives recommended for use with specific equipment. Military specifications or MIL-specs are also developed to ensure standards are met for the removal of paint and other coatings off of military equipment and aircraft parts in particular. Any contractor or company providing painting or maintenance services for these types of agencies or OEMs must use the blasting media stipulated to be in compliance with MIL-spec requirements.
Hard or Soft Abrasives
For softer metals or more easily damaged surfaces, the more important it is to choose a soft abrasive. Plastic blast media is a good option as it can be combined with different types of plastics or blasting media to create a custom blasting media for the specific surface.
The harder abrasives, including shot blasting with metal or the use of glass, metal, or plastic in combination, can make a blast media more abrasive and ideal for hard surfaces such as steel or cast aluminum.
The shape of media blasting abrasives is also a factor. The more angular or irregular the blast material, the more effective it is at removing surface irregularities and surface coatings. However, these media blasting abrasives are also more likely to cause surface damage. Choosing the right material or combination of blasting media is critical for each application.
