SURFACE PREPARATION OF SHIP-CONSTRUCTION STEEL/(ABS-A) VIA BRISTLE BLASTING PROCESS

Bristle blasting is a newly-developed process that uses a specially designed power tool for simultaneously cleaning and texturing severely corroded steel surfaces.  This process is rapidly gaining widespread acceptance as a green and user-friendly alternative to other traditional methods of surface preparation, such as grit blasting and needle gun operations.  Recent studies have shown that the surface cleanliness and texture achieved via bristle blasting tools can be likened to those generated by grit blasting processes.     In this paper, the cleanliness and texture of surfaces generated by the bristle blasting process is examined and reported.  Specifically, the present work is aimed at evaluating the cleanliness, surface profile, and material removal performance that can be achieved for steel (ABS-A) that is commonly used in ship building industries.  In addition, results are reported that assess the relationship between tool longevity and surface texture performance, which can form a basis for estimating the overall life expectancy of the bristle blasting tool.