Setting the Pressure
Blast pressure determines the velocity of the abrasive exiting the nozzle. Set it too low and it may make blasting unnecessarily slow or completely ineffective. Set it too high, and you risk damaging the part. Depending on the type of application, you might blast from...

Setting the Pressure
Blast pressure determines the velocity of the abrasive exiting the nozzle. Set it too low and it may make blasting unnecessarily slow or completely ineffective. Set it too high, and you risk damaging the part. Depending on the type of application, you might blast from...

Removing a Ductile Layer from a Brittle Substrate
The selective cleaning process uses the abrasive qualities of MicroBlasting to carefully erode layers of unwanted material from a base substrate. The process takes advantage of the different physical properties of the two layers. Brittle materials can be removed from...

5 Important Variables for Abrasive Jet Machining
Using MicroBlasting to cut or etch a part (a process also known as controlled erosion) is a great method to machine many precision parts, from drilling holes in ceramic substrates to cutting slots in fragile silicon and glass wafers. MicroBlasting is “shockless,”...

The MicroBlasting Guide to Precision Abrasives
One of the keys to efficient MicroBlasting is using quality abrasives. In the past, we’ve discussed why you shouldn’t recycle used abrasive - this month, let’s dive into what kind of precision abrasives you should be using.Why Are Comco’s Abrasives Superior? There are...

5 Factors that Lead to Successful Deburring
In this quick video lesson, we break down the 5 factors that impact most deburring applications. When you’re done, you’ll know how to deburr…better! Continue reading

How to Tell if Your Nozzle is Worn
Have you noticed a change in your MicroBlasting results? As your nozzle wears, it gradually loses the tight focus. Some applications you can keep using a nozzle until it blows out the side. For others, a few thousandths wear will cause part failure. Abrasives, like...

Keeping Your Air Supply Dry
If you've ever been frustrated by a full, but non functioning salt shaker, discovered a suspect mass of whey in a tub of protein powder, or had to break up a chunk of powdered detergent, you know that fine powders and moisture are not a great combination. The...

Oil Contamination: The preventative measures you need to take
One of the major differences between micro-abrasive blasting and other types of sandblasting is the precision of the process. This is partly achieved by using very fine, tightly-classified abrasives. A clean, dry air supply must be provided to allow abrasive media to...

Annual Maintenance Reminder!
It’s the end of the year which means it’s time to perform annual maintenance. Learn how to check wear on key components. Get a blasting supply checklist and more. Continue reading

AccuFlo: Commonly Asked Questions from New Users
Whether you've just set up your new Comco AccuFlo microblasting system or you're the new person responsible for blasting, you probably have questions. In this micro-lesson in MicroBlasting, Comco's applications engineer and technical support expert, Rob Berkuta, walks...

AccuFlo and ProCenter Plus Unboxing
The AccuFlo and ProCenter Plus are easy to set-up. Watch Santa’s helpers walk through unpacking and connecting our manual MicroBlasting system from delivery to the first blast. Then, learn how to prepare for holidays, winter and other extended shutdowns. Continue reading

Lens Engraving With the Serializer
We've made a big update to one of our Automated Systems! One of our favorite customization options is the serializer for our Advanced Lathe. This modification has long been used to engrave serial numbers on delicate ring laser gyro lenses without chipping or masking....

VIDEO: Using the Abrasive Blend Knob
What is the abrasive blend knob? The abrasive blend knob can be a bit of a mystery. What's the right setting? How far can I turn it clockwise? Will opening it create a richer abrasive stream? Every blaster is configured to a specification. This means the tank orifice,...

Deburring and Texturing Bone Screws
The job: Manufacture titanium bone screws with tight tolerances. The challenges: Titanium is an excellent material for bone screws, but it hardens as it heats up, making it tough to machine, leaving fine feather burrs. These burrs must be removed without damaging or...

Decapping ICs
Delicate silicon dies are encapsulated in epoxy to protect them. This becomes a problem when extracting the silicon die for failure analysis or reverse engineering. When using MicroBlasting, decapping an integrated circuit is safer, easier and more environmentally...

Finishing 3D Printed Parts with MicroBlasting
Yes, we know that because it's new and buzzy, every company worldwide wants to promise you that their product is a perfect tool for finishing 3D printed parts (or other processes related to additive manufacturing). We'll be honest with you - MicroBlasting isn't the...

Semiconductor Processing and Ceramic Machining Using MicroBlasting
Why use MicroBlasting for Semiconductor Processing? MicroBlasting is the ideal method for cutting slots, holes, and apertures in thin, fragile substrates. It is a shockless system that does not generate heat into the wafer, preventing crack formation and propagation....