Wet blasting is far more than a method for producing a clean surface. In defence maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), it can replace multiple individual processes, significantly reducing turnaround time and getting critical defence assets back into service faster.
Wet blasting can perform several surface preparation tasks in one controlled operation, including:
✅ Deburring – removing sharp edges or burrs from machined components to ensure precise fit, safety, and reliability.
✅ Cleaning – eliminating carbon deposits, corrosion, and other contaminants to restore surfaces for inspection or coating.
✅ Degreasing – removing oils, lubricants, and fuel residues without the need for separate solvent treatments.
✅ Corrosion removal and passivation – gently removing rust or scale while preserving base metal integrity.
✅ Surface refinement and peening – producing a uniform finish and improving fatigue resistance.
✅ Coating and paint removal – stripping without heat or distortion, ready for re-finishing.
✅ Surface activation – creating the ideal texture for strong paint, adhesive, or plating adhesion.
The real efficiency comes when multiple applications are combined. For example, an aircraft landing gear component may traditionally go through separate stages for degreasing, mechanical cleaning, deburring, and surface activation. By selecting the right abrasive media, slurry concentration, and process parameters, all of these steps can be completed in a single wet blasting pass – reducing hours of work to minutes.
This streamlined approach means:
✅ Fewer handling stages and less movement between workstations.
✅ Minimal masking, even for mixed-material assemblies.
✅ Reduced environmental impact through lower dust and solvent use.
✅ Consistent, repeatable results with precise process control.
✅ Faster return to operational readiness – a decisive advantage in defence environments.
When every hour counts, consolidating surface preparation processes through wet blasting can be the difference between an asset waiting in the workshop and being back in the field.
