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What is "Stage 2 Resurfacing & Refinements" exactly?

 

"Stage 2 Resurfacing & Refinements" is our definitive name for the process that brings about dramatic changes to substrate materials such as aluminum, magnesium, steel, copper and brass just to name a few that we have "Resurfaced & Refined" so far. "BEFORE" and "AFTER" pictures of a few projects we have done are displayed throughout this website. The acquired results are a finishing process that occur in two, rather low pressure stages ... Hence the term "Stage 2". 

 

A commonly misunderstood comparison of the Stage 2 Resurfacing & Refinements, is the comparison to sand or bead blasting. It is true that the Stage 2 process has similarities to sand or bead blasting. The similarity being that a type of media is propelled by air pressure to complete a resurfacing task. However, the similarities end there.

 

Although sand blasting certainly has its' place, in many (almost all) cases, the media material used in a sand blasting scenario tends to be very inconsistent in size and shape. Additionally, sand blasting tends to be administered at rather high air pressures. Because of these facts, depending on the material and surface being blasted, "over-blasted" surface distortions, to the point of being truly damaged, can occur. In a very good way the Stage 2 Resurfacing & Refinement process is significantly different!

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Stage 1

Stage 1 of the Stage 2 process, in almost every scenario, utilizes a recycled crushed glass abrasive that is sieved to grit size for consistency. This media type is effective on a wide range of applications while preventing the part from being "over-blasted". With a Mohs Hardness Scale rating of 5-6, it is hard enough to effectively blast clean parts without damaging the substrate, even aluminum or brass. At the same time it is hard enough to remove most coatings and rust, while re-profiling the surface.  

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Stage 2

Stage 2 of the Stage 2 process utilizes glass impact beads (Made in the USA) that are excellent as a "peening" and/or polishing blast media when used as a second step in the Stage 2 process where a consistent abrasive media is used first. "Peening" abrasive blast-cleaned parts, especially older or rusted metals, with a low pressure blasting using glass beads, will add life to the metal as it stress relieves the surface tension created by rust/corrosion. The resulting smooth surface will resist finger-printing and further corrosion.

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The most significant difference.

Possibly the most significant difference in how this process is completed is in regard to the amount of air pressure being used to accomplish the extraordinary final results. With both Stage 1 and in Stage 2, the air pressure used to propel the media is very low ... as in lower than 40 psi. In most cases, we are running between 15 and 20 psi. We can drop down to as low as 5 psi for very delicate projects. This Low Pressure Stage 1 glass abrasive "clean" blasting followed by the Stage 2 (also low pressure) bead "peen" blasting is recommended for both bare metal parts and those being prepped for re-coating.

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The second most frequently asked question ... "How Much?"

When you find that this process may be something that is of further interest and will be beneficial for you, please hop on over to our "PRICE & PROCESS DETAILS" page. 

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In the meantime ... Hava Blast and Make It A Great Day!!!

Respectfully, 

Wayne K - Xylo's Parts and Hava Blast Etc!

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