What Is Shot Blasting? Process, Equipment, and Applications Explained

Writen by
ge tingting
Last update:
April 12, 2025

Are you looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly surface cleaning solution? What is Shot…

Are you looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly surface cleaning solution?

What is Shot Blasting?

Shot blasting is a mechanical surface preparation method that uses high-speed abrasive particles (called ‘grits’) to clean, strengthen, or polish metal surfaces. Unlike sandblasting, which uses compressed air and a softer media, shot blasting uses harder abrasives, such as steel shot or grit, through centrifugal force. This method provides a deep, clean, consistent surface texture for heavy-duty industrial applications by removing rust, scale, and old coatings. 

Why is Shot Blasting Important?

Taisheng Machinery has dedicated more than 18 years to developing surface preparation solutions that serve various global industries. Shot blasting represents a complete transformation rather than a simple procedure. Through this process, manufacturers can achieve both high efficiency and environmental sustainability, which enables them to fulfill modern quality and sustainability requirements.

Why Trust TaiSheng?

Our company has delivered shot blasting systems to Huawei, Baosteel, and  CRRC, which resulted in production increases reaching 300%. This article will explain the operational aspects of this technology, together with its critical importance for your organization.

Interior view of a modern shot blasting equipment manufacturing workshop at Taisheng Machinery, featuring overhead cranes, heavy-duty machines, and workers in safety helmets.

Comparison Table: Sandblasting Machine vs. Shot Blasting Machine

ItemSandblasting MachineShot Blasting Machine
Power SourceCompressed airMotor-driven impeller (centrifugal force)
Energy EfficiencyHigher energy consumption (conversion loss)Low energy consumption, high efficiency
EfficiencyRelatively low efficiencyHigh efficiency, suitable for mass processing
Application RangeBroad application, not limited by workpiece sizeSuitable for large, thick workpieces with regular shapes
Equipment CostRanges from a few thousand to over a million RMBHigher starting cost, typically from RMB 30,000 to 50,000+
Abrasive TypesVersatile: steel grit, glass beads, etc.Limited: steel shot, ceramic beads only
Control ParametersAdjustable distance, angle, and pressureDifficult to adjust; relies on tooling and setup
Workpiece AdaptabilityIdeal for complex structures and high-precision requirementsNot suitable for dead corners or high surface quality needs
SafetyEnclosed operation, high safety levelThe risk of abrasive spillage requires external protection
MaintenanceLow wear and tear, easy maintenanceMore wear parts, higher maintenance cost

How Does the Shot Blasting Process Work?

Feeding

Workpieces are fed into the blast machine using hooks, roller conveyors, or tracks.

Blast Cleaning

A high-speed rotating blast wheel throws steel shot at the workpiece at a very high speed to remove surface corrosion, oxidised skin, or old coatings.

Separation and Recycling

The steel shot and impurities are processed through the separator and can be recycled to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Dust removal and purification

A high-efficiency dust removal system vacuums dust in real time to ensure the clean and environmentally friendly operation of the equipment.

Discharge and Inspection

The cleaned workpieces are automatically discharged for quality inspection and can enter the next process, such as spraying or packaging.

Shot blasting machine workflow

TaiSheng Shot Blasting Equipment: Built for Excellence

The system operates with low energy usage while delivering high efficiency when handling large workpiece quantities.

The system works best with workpieces thicker than 3mm, but frequency control allows it to process workpieces down to 2mm thickness.

The equipment supports workpieces that need moderate surface roughness treatment, including castings and thick plates and profiles, and steel structures, and steel plate pretreatment.

Shot Blasting Equipment Types & Applications

Machine TypeBest ForTaiSheng Model
Hanger Type Shot Blasting MachineSurface cleaning of castings, structural parts, non-ferrous alloys, and other partsQ375-Q3750(Single/Double Hook), etc.
Pass-through Shot Blasting MachineUsed in construction, bridges, and other industries, large I-beams, H-beams, and other large-sized steel structure partsQH698 QH6912 QH6915 QH6918, etc.
Track Type Shot Blasting MachineCastings, forgings, welded parts, non-brittle parts, cast aluminium parts, non-ferrous metal workpiecesQ15GNQ28GN, etc.
Q32 Series Shot Blasting MachineSmall and medium-sized castings, forgings, stampings, non-ferrous castings, gears, and springsQ326Q328Qr3210, etc.

Key Selection Criteria:

  • Abrasive Compatibility: Our engineers offer professional advice to choose the right abrasive:  Steel sand (bearing steel sand)、steel shot (0.1-2mm particle size)、Ceramic beads, and glass beads (0.3-2mm particle size).
  • Durability: TaiSheng machines operate for 100,000+ hours (industry average: 60,000 hours).
  • Superior Cost Efficiency: Our modular spare parts design reduces replacement frequency and labor downtime, which results in $5,000 annual savings on maintenance costs.

Applications of shot blast cleaning in Industry: Where TaiSheng Excels

  • Automotive & Aerospace

The cleaning process of engine blocks, gears, and aircraft components is through surface cleaning.

  • Foundry & Metalworking

The removal of casting residues, oxide layers, and heat treatment scale.

  • Pipeline & Construction

The removal of rust and surface preparation for pipeline anti-corrosion coating.

  • Precision Electronics & Optics

High-precision surface finishing for aluminum and stainless steel parts.

Real Customer Stories: Why Big Companies Choose Our Shot Blasting

At Taisheng Machinery, we’re proud to work with some of the top manufacturers in China. Here are two real examples that show how our machines help big clients improve their production.

1. Shilin Auto Parts – Hook Type Shot Blasting Machine for Aluminum Castings
Shilin is a well-known auto parts supplier with very high standards. They needed a reliable machine to clean and strengthen aluminum die-cast parts. We provided them with a hook-type shot blasting machine that’s powerful, easy to operate, and gives a smooth, even finish. It helped boost their production efficiency and product quality.

Hook type shot blasting machine installed in an outdoor covered area, featuring a control panel, dust collector system, and bright blue-yellow machine housing at Taisheng Machinery.

2. Jiangyin Quanhua Feng Forging – Tumble Belt Shot Blasting Machine for Forged Parts
Quanhua Feng needed a heavy-duty machine to handle large batches of forged parts. Our tumble belt shot blasting machine was the perfect fit. It uses wear-resistant manganese steel and a high-performance blast wheel, which means it lasts longer and cleans faster. The result? Less downtime, lower maintenance costs, and higher output.

Industrial shot blasting machine with bucket elevator and dust collector system, designed for efficient surface cleaning and finishing in a workshop environment.

These cases show how we support different industries with custom solutions. Whether it’s for aluminum castings, forged parts, or other materials, we’re ready to help you find the right machine for your needs.

Want to know how we can help your business, too?

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation.

FAQs: Answering Your Top Concerns

Q: What materials are used for shot blasting?
Shot blasting uses steel shot, steel grit, aluminum oxide, ceramic beads, and glass beads, depending on the application and surface requirements.

Q: Is shot blasting effective?
A:
Yes, shot blasting is very effective at removing rust, oxidation, and old coatings, leaving a clean surface that helps new coatings stick better.

Q: Is shot blasting easy to operate?
A:
Most shot blasting machines are automatic or semi-automatic and can be operated with basic training by following standard procedures.

Q: What is the job of a blast operator?
A: A blast operator runs the machine to clean or prepare metal surfaces using high-speed abrasive blasting based on the required process.

Q: What exactly does shot blasting service involve?
A:
Shot blasting services provide custom cleaning or surface treatment solutions based on the type of material, size of the workpiece, and surface condition.

Q: How much does shot blasting cost?
A:
Shot blasting is usually charged by square meter, and the price ranges from a few dollars to over a hundred, depending on the job complexity and surface condition.

Q: Can shot blasting remove rust?
A:
Yes, shot blasting is a great way to remove rust, scale, and dirt, making the metal clean and ready for painting or coating.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Surface Prep with TaiSheng

If you need a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective surface treatment process, shot blasting is a solution worth considering. Whether you handle small precision components or massive steel beams, Taisheng Machinery offers tailored equipment and expert guidance to help you get the job done right.

📩 Ready to improve your surface preparation process? Contact us today to speak with our specialists.

About Li Jiang

Taisheng CEO

I’m the founder of Taisheng Machinery. with 18 years of manufacturing sand blasting machine and shot blasting equipment, we are here to help. Have questions? Reach out to us, and we will provide you with a perfect solution.

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