When manufacturing parts for space, the finishing process is every bit as critical as the design and machining. A surface flaw that’s invisible to the eye could cause failure in the harsh environment of space. That’s why the method chosen to prepare these surfaces matters.
Wet blasting is often the best option, and Vapormatt’s process is a standout choice. Here’s why:
- Damage-free precision – The water in the process cushions the abrasive, avoiding micro-cracks or stress that can occur with dry blasting, leaving dimensions exactly as specified.
- Immaculate cleanliness – Any debris is flushed away instantly, preventing particle embedment and meeting the strictest vacuum-readiness standards.
- No static build-up – With no electrostatic charge generated, there’s less risk to sensitive aerospace assemblies.
- Exact surface control – Parameters can be tuned to achieve a specific roughness, whether for coating adhesion, wear properties, or fatigue performance.
- Cool running – The process dissipates heat immediately, preventing thermal distortion or altering alloy temper.
- Cleanroom ready – Fully enclosed and filtered, making it safer for both components and operators.
Where Vapormatt leads the field...
One common challenge in wet blasting is slurry inconsistency. If the abrasive concentration changes during a run, so will the finish and that’s not acceptable for aerospace work. Vapormatt addresses this with:
✔ Continuous slurry recirculation to keep particles in perfect suspension
✔ Automated media dosing to maintain the exact abrasive-to-water ratio
✔ Precisely engineered nozzles for even coverage and consistent results
✔ Filtration systems that ensure only clean, correctly sized media reaches the component
This means every part in a batch has the same, uniform finish - essential for traceability, quality assurance, and ultimately, mission success.
In space engineering, the smallest detail can make the biggest difference. Wet blasting with an automatic Vapormatt machine gives manufacturers the control, consistency, and cleanliness missions demand.
