What is shot blasting (Strahlen / Strahlanlage)?

Shot blasting is a mechanical surface treatment process that propels high-velocity abrasive media, steel shot, steel grit, or cut wire, at metal components to remove scale, sand, rust, and oxide layers. The process delivers a clean, profiled surface to Sa 2½ or Sa 3 standard (ISO 8501-1), essential for coating adhesion and part quality. Axmann supplies complete shot blasting lines, Strahlanlagen, for foundries and metalworking operations.

What cleanliness standard does shot blasting achieve?

Shot blasting achieves Sa 2½ (near-white metal) or Sa 3 (white metal) cleanliness to ISO 8501-1. Sa 2½ is the standard specified by most coating manufacturers for industrial protective coatings. Sa 3 is required for the most demanding applications including thermal spray coatings and high-performance paint systems.

What types of shot blasting machines (Strahlanlagen) does Axmann supply?

Axmann supplies tumblast shot blasting machines (Trommelstrahlmaschinen) for batch processing, spinner hanger and hook-type machines (Hängestrahlanlagen), roller conveyor shot blast machines (Durchlaufstrahlanlagen) for inline continuous processing, and rotary table blast machines. All systems include blast wheel assemblies, dust collection, and media recirculation.

What abrasive media (Strahlmittel) is used in shot blasting?

Shot blasting uses steel shot (round particles) for general cleaning and surface conditioning, steel grit (angular particles) for aggressive cleaning and anchor profile creation, and cut wire shot for aluminium and non-ferrous applications. The choice of media depends on the base material, required surface profile, and downstream process requirements.

Can shot blasting be integrated directly into a foundry casting line?

Yes. Axmann specialises in integrating shot blasting directly after the shakeout station in a continuous foundry line, eliminating manual transfer between processes, reducing floor space, and keeping the entire casting operation under one control system. This is a key advantage of choosing Axmann as your single foundry equipment partner.

Shot Blasting Technology | Strahlanlage

Name: Shot Blasting Technology Lines
Brand: AXMANN

Shot blasting is a mechanical surface treatment process that propels high-velocity abrasive media, steel shot, steel grit, or cut wire, against a component at speeds of 60–80 m/s. The impact strips scale, sand residue, rust, oxide layers, and other contaminants from the surface, leaving a clean, profiled finish ready for coating, painting, or further processing.

Unlike chemical pickling or manual grinding, shot blasting is fully dry, produces no hazardous waste streams, and delivers a consistent, measurable surface quality, typically Sa 2½ or Sa 3 to ISO 8501-1. In foundry environments, it is the essential final step between shakeout and dispatch: every casting that leaves a modern foundry has been shot blasted. Axmann integrates shot blasting directly into the casting line, eliminating handling between processes and reducing floor space, labour, and lead time.

1

Loading & Fixturing

Parts are loaded onto the machine carrier, drum, hanger, roller conveyor, or rotary table, and positioned for full, uniform surface exposure during blasting.

2

Blast Wheel Acceleration

High-speed centrifugal blast wheels, driven by electric motors, accelerate steel shot or grit to 60–80 m/s and project it in a precise, controlled stream at the component surface.

3

Media Impact & Cleaning

Abrasive particles strike the surface and mechanically remove scale, sand, rust, oxide, and burrs, creating a uniform anchor profile that maximises adhesion for subsequent coatings.

4

Dust & Debris Separation

A cyclone pre-separator and high-efficiency cartridge filter system capture dust, broken media, and fine debris, maintaining a clean blast environment and meeting air quality regulations.

5

Media Classification & Recirculation

Used media is conveyed back to a vibratory screen classifier that separates reusable shot from fines and oversized fragments. Good media re-enters the blast circuit; spent media is automatically replaced.

6

Unloading & Inspection

Cleaned components exit the machine and are verified against the specified surface cleanliness standard, Sa 2½ or Sa 3, before transfer to coating, painting, or dispatch.

Tumblast shot blasting machines (batch & continuous)

Spinner hanger & hook-type blast machines

Roller conveyor shot blast machines (inline, continuous)

Table blast & rotary table machines

Blast wheel assemblies & drive systems

Cyclone pre-separators & cartridge filter dust collectors

Media recirculation, screening & classification systems

Integrated control systems & line-wide automation

Shot blasting line, Axmann complete surface treatment installation

Consistent Sa 2½ / Sa 3 Cleanliness

Every part leaves the machine to the same measurable surface standard, no operator-to-operator variation, no missed areas.

Superior Coating Adhesion

The anchor profile created by blasting dramatically increases the bond strength of paint, powder coat, or protective coatings, extending service life.

Extended Component Life

Compressive residual stress induced by shot peening improves fatigue resistance, critical for dynamically loaded castings and structural parts.

No Chemicals, No Hazardous Waste

A fully dry mechanical process, no acids, no solvents, no VOCs. Eliminates chemical procurement, handling, and disposal costs entirely.

High Throughput, Low Labour

Automated blasting cycles process hundreds of parts per hour with minimal operator input, freeing your workforce for higher-value tasks.

Closed Media Loop

Media recirculation and automatic classification keep abrasive consumption to a minimum, lowering operating cost and reducing waste.

Turnkey Delivery

Axmann handles everything, process design, mechanical engineering, fabrication, electrical installation, commissioning, and operator training. One contract, one accountable partner, zero coordination gaps between suppliers.

Foundry Integration

As specialists in complete foundry lines, Axmann integrates shot blasting directly after shakeout, eliminating manual transfer, reducing floor space, and keeping your entire casting process under one control system.

Long-Term Partnership

Axmann machines are built to run for decades. Our engineers remain available long after commissioning, for spare parts, line expansions, process optimisation, and on-site support wherever your foundry operates.

Discuss Your Shot Blasting Project

Foundry & Casting Cleaning

Automotive & Heavy Vehicles

Oil, Gas & Structural Steel

Aerospace & Defence Components

Shot Blasting, Grinding & Casting Cleaning Systems

Surface Treatment & Finishing Systems

High-performance solutions for cleaning, finishing, and preparing cast components for final use.

Pneumatic Conveying, Foundry Automation & Line Control

Handling & Automation Systems

Intelligent transport and automation solutions that connect and optimize your entire production line.

Turnkey Foundry Systems & Complete Foundry Solutions

Complete Foundry Solutions & Custom Systems

From concept to commissioning, fully integrated solutions tailored to your entire production process.

Ready to Build?

Your Shot Blasting Line, Engineered End-to-End

Every shot blasting installation is different. Component size and geometry, throughput requirements, surface quality standard, integration into an existing casting or production line, Axmann engineers the entire system around your specific requirements.

Talk to our engineers. We'll turn your requirements into a complete, commissioned shot blasting line, designed, built, and delivered by one partner.

Request a Quote Email Our Engineers

Looking for a different machine?

View All Products

Shot Blasting Technology,
Built as One System

The Industry Standard for Mechanical Surface Cleaning