Vapor Blasting 101: Your Everything Guide on Vapor Blasting Equipment
Do you have old, corroded, grease-covered parts or components that need to be refinished? There are many methods for cleaning, restoring, and preparing a surface for finishing. Vapor blasting equipment is the fastest easiest way to clean, restore and finish many different material types.
Vapor blasting, or vapor honing, is one of the most effective methods for cleaning all types of surfaces in almost any industry.
It is often preferred over sandblasting as it greatly reduces ricochet, dust, and mess.
Interested in using a vapor blasting machine for your next surface preparation project, be it automotive, residential, or commercial? You’ll need to know what vapor blasting equipment you need to effectively complete a project.
Keep reading to discover the common vapor blasting components and figure out what type of machine will best suit your needs.
What Is Vapor Blasting?
Vapor blasting is a surface preparation process. It’s a more effective alternative to sandblasting (also known as dry blasting).
Instead of spraying out dry abrasive, vapor blasting uses a combination of water and compressed air along with detergent. The process is similar to sandblasting, but it produces far less dust as a result of using water.
The process works to clean and restore surfaces such as metal or plastics. It helps to remove all surface contaminates, corrosion, and grease and prepares the surface for the application of a new finish to protect the surface.
There are many different types of abrasive blasting techniques, but vapor blasting is considered milder than dry blasting, yet just as effective.
What Is Vapor Blasting Used For?
You can use vapor blasting in all types of settings, on a variety of materials. Use it to clean and restore automotive and motorcycle engines and parts.
You can use it to clean off dirt and grime or to remove paint and finishes to allow for repainting. Use it to prep a bicycle for a new paint job.
It can be used to clean all sorts of machined parts, newly cast jewelry, and almost any other type of metal component that would need to be restored or prepped for coating. You can even use it on coins and other collectibles.
Vapor Blasting Equipment
Vapor blasting equipment comes in many different shapes and sizes. There are smaller sizes for the home garage or workshop, and much larger sizes for industrial warehouses and restoration companies.
Here are the essential components of any type of vapor blasting machine.
The Cabinet
Our vapor blasting equipment is self-contained. To clean and restore parts and components, you insert them into the box or the cabinet.
When blasting, the cabinet is sealed shut, containing the blasting process, dust, moisture, and residue.
The biggest variable when choosing a vapor blasting machine is the type and size of your cabinet. Smaller cabinets can handle a few small parts at a time, while larger cabinets can fit much larger components and support weights up to 1,000 lbs
Cabinets can either have a loading door on the top or on the side, depending on the model. A durable window is located on the top, allowing you to see and control the blasting process.
Built-in Gloves
On the front of the cabinet are 2 armholes with built-in, high quality, thick rubber gloves. Inserting your hands into the gloves allows you to use the vapor blasting machine.
Your hands will be used to manipulate the parts inside the machine, allowing the blasting hose to reach every side of your components.
Blasting Hose
To actually blast the parts you are wanting to restore, you’ll operate a blasting gun, attached to a hose, inside the cabinet.
Smaller models use a simple push/pull handle to operate the blasting gun. Larger models come equipped with a foot pedal to control the blasting pressure.
Additional Components
Vapor blasting equipment contains a number of other components that make these machines effective and easy to use.
Units come with water and air supply hookups on the back. Smaller machines will accept hookups from smaller compressed air machines, while larger machines will require more air pressure.
Some units come with window wipers, while others have window rinse spray nozzles to keep the viewing area clean. All of our equipment at Vapor Honing Technologies comes with built-in LED lighting for excellent visibility.
Framed Versus Tabletop Machines
All of our machines are completely assembled prior to delivery. Larger machines are built into a frame, allowing them to stand alone in your workshop.
Smaller machines take up far less space and do not come with a frame. Instead, they can be used on a table, workbench, or secured to a rolling cart.
Our industrial-sized machines are mounted on a hand-welded frame that can support the heaviest of parts you need to clean.
They also have welded forklift supports, making it super easy to move these machines inside your workshop.
Best Vapor Blasting Machines
We offer different machines intended for different use cases. Some are small and made of high-grade plastic, not intended for 24/7 industrial or commercial use, but are super convenient for small shops or garages.
Others can fit much larger pieces inside the cabinet and could run 24/7 if needed. Here are some of our most popular vapor blasting machines.
Micro Hone
The Mirco Hone is the first of its kind, designed for smaller parts and pieces. It functions well when used in low volume environments and isn’t intended for production-level use.
This unit is delivered fully assembled and ready to use. No power supply is needed as this vapor blaster is powered completely by compressed air. A smaller home or shop air compressor is all that’s required for the Micro Hone. Only 2 gallons of water are needed for operation.
Its small footprint allows you to put it anywhere and easily move it as needed. You can even mount it on a rolling cart so that it’s always mobile.
It has an internal working area of 17″W x 13″D x 13″H. The cabinet is made of tough and durable HDPE and will last a lifetime.
The Micro Hone is easy to use, easy to move, and affordable. It’s perfect for the hobbyist’s garage or small scale operations that don’t need constant wet blasting.
Bench Top Vapor Hone 450
The Bench Top 450 is another smaller machine with a durable, metal cabinet. Mount it on top of a bench for convenient use.
Just like the Micro Hone, the Bench TOp 450 features a top-loader door. With internal dimensions of 20″W x 15″D x 28″H, this unit can handle taller parts than the Micro Hone.
8 gallons of water and 10 lbs of abrasive are required to use this machine, with a pressure limit of 80-90 psi at 15-20 CFM.
This unit also features a submersible polyurethane pump along with overload protection. Pump agitation allows for greater slurry mixing and easier cleaning.
Weekend Warrior
The Weekend Warrior takes the hobbyist machine to the next level. Whereas the Micro Hone Only required 2 gallons of water for operation, this model needs 15 gallons.
The rugged polymer construction, along with an aircraft-grade aluminum door allows for lifetime durability and effective sound suppression.
Internal working dimensions on the Weekend Warrior are 33″W x 30″D x 28″H, about twice the capacity of the Micro Hone.
The door opens on the side of the unit, allowing for easier insertion of larger, heavier parts. Window washing nozzles and LED lights increase visibility.
With a max pressure of 120 PSI and 25 lb abrasive capacity, this unit can handle higher volumes and tougher jobs, yet is still affordable for the home or startup operation.
VH800P B Open Loop
The VH800P B series features the same internal dimensions as the Weekend Warrior at 33″W x 30″D x 28″H. It’s built similarly to the Weekend Warrior but this unit is designed for lighter industrial use as opposed to purely hobbyist activity.
With a larger control box, we wired these machines for greater control and functionality that industrial applications require. It has an air regulator on the front allowing for easy pressure control.
It also features a footswitch to operate the blasting gun which gives you greater control while cleaning.
15 gallons of water and 25 lbs of abrasive are required to use this machine, with a pressure limit of 120 psi at 15-20 CFM.
Because this is the open-loop model, they need a fresh water supply hooked up at all times. A bucket, bin, or drain is required for the wastewater.
VH800P B Closed Loop
The Closed Loop version of the VH800P B does not require a fresh water supply or a bin or drain. Instead, a sedimentation bin is included to help filter out contaminants from the water in order to reuse.
Econoline 3630
Looking for a robust, heavy-duty machine that can handle larger loads and volumes without breaking the bank? The Econoline 3630 is exactly that.
Built on a welded frame, this full-size unit has internal dimensions of 36″W x 30″D x 38″H and features a side loading door. This gives you the ability to blast much larger, heavier pieces, such as V8 engine blocks or transmissions.
This machine is intended for full industrial applications and is designed to last in heavy-use environments.
The fully welded frame can handle heavy loads. Welded forklift supports are built into the bottom of the unit for easy forklift transportation.
Service hookups on the back of the unit allow for either an open-loop connection or make it easy to upgrade to a closed-loop connection.
The Econoline features a built-in spray timer, which you can easily adjust so your windows stay clean. It also contains window wipers for added visibility.
All of our units are designed and made in the USA. The welded frame takes hours of hands-on work to create guaranteed durability.
25 gallons of water and 25 gallons of abrasive are needed to use this machine, with a max pressure of 120 PSI at 18-25 CFM.
Vapor Hone 1000
The Vapor Hone 1000 is similar in build and function to the Econoline but includes a number of beneficial features added on.
When performing constantly, increasing safety measures is important. This unit features a safety door interlock switch to prevent accidental door openings.
It also features IP67 washdown industrial controls on the front of the unit. You can also add a media density meter to increase your control and consistency during the application. Use it to easily monitor the abrasive levels in your machine.
The frame features a floor support system that is quick to adjust when needed. Additional steel supports will hold weight up to 500 lbs.
Vapor Hone 3500
The Vapor Hone 3500 features a full-sized front loading door and internal working dimensions of 60″W x 30″D x 38″H, making it capable of handling your largest items.
A fully welded tubular frame supports the machine and closed-loop bins are built-in underneath to reduce the overall footprint.
If you need the largest, single-use machine you can get, the Vapor Hone 3500 is what you need.
Vapor Hone 4000
If you are running larger industrial applications and want to increase output, the Vapor Hone 4000 is the easiest way to do this.
Dual, independent workstations are built around a centralized frame. The internal work chambers on each side of the machine can run independently of each other.
This doubles your output without doubling the footprint or budget required for 2 separate units. A turntable inside supports up to 1,000 lbs and makes it easy to clean all parts at every angle.
Getting Started With Vapor Blasting
As a vapor blasting equipment provider, Vapor Honing Technologies confidently backs all of our equipment with a lifetime warranty.
We offer equipment for the weekend hobbyist as well as industrial, heavy-duty machines that can run 24/7, completing the largest projects. We strive to make industry-leading equipment accessible to all.
We offer leasing on our wet blasting equipment. Leases can range from 24 to 60 months. You can apply for a lease online in just a few minutes.
On top of that, you will never be locked into your current equipment choice. If you start out with a smaller machine and outgrow your equipment, you can always trade it in and upgrade to the model you need.
Get Your Pricing Guide Today
Whether your team or company is looking to expand its current service offerings by adding vapor blasting equipment, or you are looking to start a standalone vapor blasting operation, Vapor Honing Technologies is here to help.
We are available to answer all your questions and provide guidance so that you can confidently purchase the equipment perfectly suited for your needs.
You can contact us today with any questions you have, as well as to receive our free pricing guide to help you get started.
