Aircraft wheels are some of the most highly stressed components on an airframe. Preparing them correctly for non-destructive testing (NDT) is critical for safety, reliability, and cost control.

Wet blasting is recognised as the most effective method for paint stripping and surface preparation of aircraft wheels prior to NDT.

What it does...

• Removes paint, coatings, sealants, and in opeation contaminants in a single operation

• Prepares surfaces before MPI, DPI, FPI, ECT and other NDT inspections

In high-performance sectors such as aerospace, motorsport and advanced manufacturing, reliable adhesive bonding on composite parts is essential.

Surface preparation plays a far bigger role than many realise.

Here’s why wet blasting is the best finishing process for preparing composite surfaces prior to bonding:

When reliability depends on what you can't see, surface preparation becomes critical.

Wet blasting is a trusted method for preparing jet engine components for non-destructive testing (NDT), delivering inspection-ready surfaces without the risks associated with aggressive dry blasting.

Why teams choose wet blasting for jet engine component NDT preparation:

• Cleans and prepares components in a single, controlled step

• Removes oils, grease, carbon, corrosion, oxides and heat scale

Composite propeller blades require surface treatments that are precise, repeatable, and material-safe. Wet blasting is the perfect solution for achieving this balance.

Here's how wet blasting is applied, and why it delivers clear advantages.

Key applications

• Surface preparation prior to painting, coating, or bonding

• Removal of old coatings, oxidation, and light contamination

• Uniform surface texturing to improve adhesion

• Cleaning complex geometries without damaging fibres or resin systems

Advantages over dry blasting

When it comes to preparing aircraft wheels for NDT, paint stripping, and cleaning are critical steps that must be repeatable, controlled and kind to the substrate.

That's exactly where the Vapormatt Cougar+ with swing door stands out.

Designed for high-duty, automated wet blasting, the Cougar+ brings together productivity, consistency and protection of critical aerospace components.

Here's why it's such a strong fit for aircraft wheel MRO operations:

That’s where wet blasting and edge honing make a real difference.

Wet blasting is used to:

• Deburr – remove weak burrs left from grinding on chamfer teeth and thread crests
• Edge hone – create a tiny, consistent micro-radius on the cutting edge
• Refine the surface – smooth out grinding marks and micro-cracks on the flanks
• Prepare for coating – give PVD/CVD coatings a surface they can properly anchor to

By adjusting parameters like…

In many manufacturing environments, the smallest component can have the biggest impact. That's why our spare parts play such a crucial role in helping our customers maintain consistent, high quality surface finishing performance.

What often stands out to our customers is the combination of reliability, availability and technical support that comes with every Vapormatt part. Whether it's a routine replacement or a critical component needed at short notice, having trusted parts on hand can make all the difference to uptime and process stability.

Wet blasting is a highly effective surface preparation method for sporting goods, particularly for high-performance carbon fibre products such as bicycle frames, tennis racquets, hockey sticks and premium paddles. Its advantages support both product integrity and production efficiency.

Here are the key benefits:

• Gentle yet effective surface preparation - The water cushioned process protects delicate carbon fibre structures while still creating a consistent profile that supports reliable coating and bonding.

Bi-metal blades are strong durable and versatile. Wet blasting can amplify those strengths.

Advantages include:

• Bi-metal tooth tips benefit from a smoother, more uniform surface that supports cleaner cutting and better heat management

• The controlled action of wet blasting helps preserve the bonded high-speed steel layer, reducing the risk of stress points that can be more problematic on bi-metal weld zones