Frequently Asked Questions
Maintenance questions
The Basics
What is micro-abrasive blasting?
- What is Micro-Abrasive Blasting?
- For which kinds of applications can micro-abrasive blasting be used?
- Why should I buy a Comco MicroBlaster®?
What do I need to get started?
- What is the “systems approach”?
- Why do I need a workstation?
- Why do I need an air dryer?
- Why do I need an oil filter?
- Why do I need a dust collector?
- What kinds of nozzles are available?
- What is the difference between a MicroBlaster®, PowerFlo and DirectFlo?
What do I need to know about powder?
- How do I know what powder is best for my application?
- What are the grit to micron conversions?
- Can I reuse the powder?
How can I order?
- How can I order?
- Where can I find a local representative?
- Is there a package price for the whole system?
- Where can I find the price?
Miscellaneous
- Where can I find brochures in PDF format?
- Where can I find Material Data Safety Sheets
Didn’t find the answer to your question here? Check the Support main page for PDF brochures and Tech Bulletins, email us your question at info@comconinc.com or give us a call at 1-800-796-6626 (toll free within the US) or 1-818-955-8365.
1. What is Micro-abrasive blasting?
Micro-abrasive blasting works by uniformly mixing air with an abrasive media, then propelling the mixture out of a small nozzle tip at high velocity. The process is sometimes referred to as "pencil blasting" because the hand piece is held like a pencil and the end of the nozzle resembles the tip.
The consistent flow provided by a MicroBlaster® model, the micron sized abrasive particles, and the small opening of the nozzle deliver a stream of abrasive that is very focused, making it an ideal process for a variety of precision applications. Micro-abrasive blasting is cost effective and environmentally friendly.
2. For what kinds of applications can micro-abrasive blasting be used?
Micro-abrasive blasting is ideally suited to a wide variety of applications to clean, cut, deburr, texture or remove materials. The micro-abrasive blasting process ensures pinpoint adjustment of specific characteristics of the abrasive stream on a multitude of surfaces – making it powerful enough to cut hardened metals yet soft enough to selectively remove coatings from other surfaces.
MicroBlasters® are used in medical manufacturing, the aerospace industry, micro-electronics, precision machining, dental and fossil cleaning.
For more information see the Applications section.
3. Why should I buy a Comco MicroBlaster®?
Since Comco introduced the MicroBlaster® model abrasive blaster in 1968, we have expanded the use of micro-abrasive blasting applications in a variety of industries. Our engineering and production departments have the expertise to provide you with our full line of standard products as well as customized solutions. The equipment we design is built to exacting standards and is easy to operate, ensuring you years of profitable, productive operation. Comco blasters are in daily use on production lines throughout the world.
At Comco, we understand that the quality of our equipment is only part of who we are. Not only are our machines the best, but our courteous and friendly customer service and technical support teams are very knowledgeable about our products and the micro-abrasive blasting processes.
Over thirty years ago, the award winning design of the first MicroBlaster® model demonstrated Comco's innovative thinking and engineering expertise - two key characteristics that keep us at the front edge of this technology today. Put us to work for you, because we know micro-abrasive blasting!
4. What is the Comco “systems approach”?
The Systems Approach refers to the main components of a micro-abrasive blasting system which include:
Each of these components is necessary to effectively run a micro-abrasive blaster.
5. Why do I need a Workstation?
A workstation is needed to confine the abrasive, illuminate the work area and provide adequate airflow for dust removal. Comco WorkStations are designed for operator comfort and are the ideal environment for efficient blasting.
For more information, see the WorkStation section.
6. Why do I need an Air Dryer?
Clean dry shop air alone is inadequate for micro-abrasive blasting. Due to the small size of the abrasive media, even a small amount of moisture contamination can cause the powder to “clump up” and prevent it from flowing freely from the tank, causing nozzle stoppage, unnecessary repairs and costly down time. To achieve consistent abrasive media flow, the compressed air source must have a dew point of -25°F.
Comco offers two lines of air dryers to combat both oil and moisture contamination in the air: the AD5100 Series Desiccant Air Dryer and AD5100 Series Continuous Air Dryer.
7. Why do I need an oil filter?
Micro-abrasive blasting requires clean dry air to work effectively. Oil contamination will cause irregularities in the abrasive flow by forming clumps above the orifice or in the nozzle.
Proper protection from oil is especially critical for MicroBlasters that are connected to a shop’s compressed air line. Often oil is added to air line for pneumatic instrument lubrication. Older piston compressors tend to have leaky O-rings, putting oil into the air stream.
An oil pre-filter is recommended to prevent these risks. For more information on oil contamination see the following PDF Tech Bulletin
8. Why do I need a Dust Collector?
To blast small parts accurately you need to be able to see the parts clearly. Removing the very fine micro-abrasives from the workstation requires more than a simple shop vacuum. Only an industrial grade dust collection system can provide appropriate airflow through the work chamber to extract the spent abrasive, as well as the proper filter material to trap the minute particles, returning clean air to the room.
Comco offers two lines of industrial dust collectors as well as a dust collector and workstation combined in a freestanding unit.
For more information see the Dust Collectors section.
9. What kinds of nozzles are available?
Our nozzles come in an array of shapes and sizes for a wide range of applications. The straight round style nozzle with openings ranging from .015" to .125" meets most application requirements. Rectangular nozzles for applications where a wide sweep or fan of abrasive is required are also available.
In addition to regular nozzles, long-lasting Hi/Performance nozzles are available. These nozzles deliver an accelerated abrasive flow with a tighter focus, resulting in less over spray.
See the Nozzles section for more information. For parts numbers and sizes see the following PDF brochure:
10. What is the difference between a MicroBlaster®, DirectFlo and PowerFlo?
The MicroBlaster® provides precision and power in a compact, lightweight machine for predominately manual blasting. It is durable enough to perform day after day in multiple shift, high volume environments yet is extremely affordable for shops requiring micro-abrasive blasting only a few days a week. The DirectFlo offers increased air volume, greater tank capacity and power of larger nozzles. It ideally suited for both manual applications and automated systems including the capacity to run multiple nozzles through a splitter. The PowerFlo offers top-of-the-line power and performance for automated production environments. Designed for easy integration into automated systems, the PowerFlo’s advanced electronics enable data exportation as well as store statistical performance information.
Find out more about these blasters in the Products section.
11. How do I know what powder is best for my kind of application?
The effect of an abrasive material is caused by its three characteristics: shape, hardness and particle size. The type of abrasive depends on the material being blasted and the desired result. The Abrasive Media Selection Guide (PDF) can direct you to the most appropriate abrasive for your application. Also, we welcome your sample parts for testing in our lab to help you find the best abrasive type and particle size as well as nozzle and pressure required to process your parts most efficiently. Find out more about sample testing in the Applications Test Lab section or contact a sales representative for details.
For more information about abrasive media see the following PDF documents:
12. What are the grit to micron conversions?
Grit Size |
Average Micron Size |
400 |
23 |
320 |
32 |
280 |
40 |
240 |
63 |
150 |
122 |
120 |
142 |
100 |
173 |
90 |
216 |
80 |
267 |
13. Can I reuse the powder?
Micro-abrasive blasting is unique from other forms of blasting (grit or bead) in that it is only capable of cycling abrasive media through the system one time. Once the media has been propelled through the nozzle it cannot be reclaimed and reprocessed into material that is suitable for use a second time. Three changes take place that make recycling impossible:
- The blasting process causes the media to break down very quickly
- When the media is exposed to air it will readily absorb moisture
- Pieces of the substrate get mixed in with the abrasive, resulting in contamination
The combination of these effects will bring the micro-abrasive blasting process to a halt.
Also see the PDF Tech Bulletin: Micro-Abrasive Blasting Recycling Issues for more information.
14. How can I order?
Simply call toll free 1-800-796-6626 (within the US) or 1-818-841-5500 to speak with a customer service representative to take your order. Orders are also accepted by fax at: 1-818-955-8365 or by email info@comcoinc.com. Major credit cards are accepted.
16. Is there one package price for the whole system?
There are several options available for each component of the micro-abrasive blasting system. For example there are three different types of workstation, each with the additional option of ESD controls. Each component is individually priced to give you the maximum flexibility in choosing a system that best fits your blasting requirements. A technical sales representatives can help determine what component options best meet your needs and provide you with a quote for that exact system. See the Where To Buy section to find a local sales rep.
17. Where can I find the price?
Call us toll free at 1-800-796-6626 (outside the US: 1-818-841-5500) or email us at info@comcoinc.com for a quote.
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