Many manufacturers are turning to Sponge-Jet products for their surface preparation needs. With safety and efficiency as a top priority, these facilities are looking for ways to perform necessary surface preparation projects while avoiding shutdown and blasting near both sensitive equipment and other trades nearby.
Avoid Shutdowns
In the manufacturing industry, downtime can translate to significant delays in production and financial loss. Because of this, many facilities are unable to shut down or disrupt production, placing stress on assets and causing bigger problems down the line. From oil refineries to nuclear power plants and even microprocessor production lines, just a few hours of downtime can mean millions of dollars lost.
When using ordinary abrasive blasting, many facilities will wait until holidays or plan large scale maintenance shutdowns in advance to prep their assets for a new coating. However, with Sponge-Jet’s low-dust, low-rebound Sponge Media, that’s not necessary.
Facilities can blast with minimal containment while regular operation continues nearby. If blasting must occur during a shutdown, other trades are able to work close to the area with minimal PPE requirements if allowed by plant safety officers.
Blast Near Sensitive Equipment and Other Workers
Manufacturing facilities are filled with sensitive equipment, such as valves, flanges, and electronics. When using other methods of abrasive blasting, such as garnet, it is not uncommon for the grit to rebound and cause damage to this nearby sensitive equipment. Other ordinary surface prep methods, such as coal slag and crushed glass, can cause passive damage to these instruments in the form of grit intrusion. This damage may go unnoticed for weeks or months, creating production line issues weeks after painting has been completed.
Sponge Media’s low-dust, low-rebound capabilities are valuable in manufacturing environments with delicate equipment. Lower grit intrusion risks means less overall blasting impact costs.
Longer Coatings Life
While two advantages of using Sponge-Jet in manufacturing environments are avoiding shutdowns and blasting near sensitive equipment, it’s important to note that Sponge Blasting contributes to longer coatings life and reduced maintenance costs.
Proper surface preparation is the key to a long-lasting paint job. By eliminating old coatings, contaminants, rust, or corrosion and profiling the surface, you can ensure that your new coatings will adhere better and last longer, saving your facility time and money in the future. Proper surface preparation will increase MBTR (mean time between repairs) and prevent early coatings failure that impacts manufacturing operations.
Manufacturers worldwide are turning to Sponge-Jet for safe, efficient surface preparation that minimizes downtime and protects sensitive equipment. Unlike ordinary abrasive blasting, Sponge-Jet’s low-dust, low-rebound technology allows facilities to maintain operations while performing critical maintenance—eliminating the need for costly shutdowns. With reduced risk of grit intrusion and damage to delicate instruments, manufacturers can safeguard their assets while ensuring a longer-lasting protective coating. Don’t let outdated blasting methods slow you down—choose Sponge-Jet for superior surface preparation that keeps your facility running smoothly. Contact us today to learn how Sponge-Jet can revolutionize your maintenance strategy!