When bonding additive manufacturing (AM) parts, it’s important to prepare the surfaces properly before applying adhesive. The way the surface is treated can affect how well the bond holds.

One method that works particularly well is wet blasting. It helps remove leftover powder, oils, and other surface contaminants while also making the surface slightly rougher. This roughness helps the adhesive stick more effectively and the process is gentle enough that it doesn’t damage delicate features or thin walls, which are common in AM parts.

From titanium in aerospace to magnesium alloys in EV components, lightweight materials are transforming how OEMs design for performance and efficiency. But these advanced materials come with a unique set of challenges when it comes to surface preparation:

- Dry blasting can cause surface pitting, warping, or embedded abrasive particles, especially in thin-walled or soft metal components — compromising both structural integrity and coating performance

- Chemical treatments can be too aggressive for reactive alloys like magnesium, risking surface degradation

When it comes to wet blasting technology, we stand apart as the original pioneers.

As the original innovators who invented the first wet blasting machine, we didn't just create the technology – we've been perfecting it for decades. While others may offer wet blasting as one of many surface finishing processes, we live and breathe it.

What makes us different?

• 100% specialised focus on wet blasting technology

• Every R&D pound we invest goes into wet blasting innovation

• Global technical leadership built on decades of experience

When premium Swiss toolmaker Vallorbe – a global leader in precision rasp and file manufacturing – encountered difficulties sourcing replacement pumps for their wet blasting machines, they approached Vapormatt for a solution.

The answer was Vapormatt Inside – our specialist upgrade service that retrofits existing wet blasting machines (from any manufacturer) with Vapormatt’s advanced technology.

Why was this upgrade such an effective solution?

Bandsaw blade failure is a costly problem that manufacturers have been tackling for decades. The solution? Wet blast peening - a targeted surface treatment that's transforming blade durability by addressing the root cause of failures - the gullet area of the blade.

The gullet (curved area between teeth) is the Achilles' heel of bandsaw blades. This high-stress region experiences intense tension during cutting operations, making it the primary location for crack initiation and catastrophic failure.

How wet blast peening works...

If you’re in the business of manufacturing end mills, drills, or taps, surface prep is a critical step. That’s where the Vapormatt Puma+ Vertical (with satellites) stands out.

Here’s why it’s outpacing other wet blasting systems in the field:

✅ Tailored for round shank tools - Designed specifically for tools from 3mm to 25.4mm diameter and up to 300mm long — up to 42 tools per cycle.

When preparing extrusion dies for nitriding, surface preparation is key.

Among the available methods (grinding, dry blasting, polishing), wet blasting stands out as the most effective technique. Here’s why:

✅ Produces a controlled, uniform roughness ideal for nitrogen diffusion

✅ Thoroughly cleans the surface, reducing contamination risks

✅ Gentle on the die - no micro-cracks or thermal stress

✅ Prevents abrasive embedment, unlike dry blasting

✅ Better nitriding results - improved hardness, wear resistance, and tool life

In alloy wheel refurbishment, a common question arises: Do we need to completely strip the old coating before recoating? The answer, surprisingly, is often no — and here’s why:

✅ Stable coatings can stay: If the existing finish is still well-adhered and free of corrosion, it can serve as a solid base for new coatings. Spot treatment and proper edge feathering are typically sufficient.

To learn more about the Cougar+ and Puma+ for lower volume or infrequent aerospace peening, or the Leopard, Leopard Cub, Lion and Sabre machines for higher volume peening, and to also learn about the applications and advantages of wet blasting for aersopace visit our aerosapce OEM industry page

In aerospace MRO, every decision impacts cost, precision, and shop efficiency. One shift gaining traction is moving from dry blasting to wet blasting — and for good reason.

Here’s why wet blasting is increasingly preferred for wheel and brake maintenance:

✅ Superior surface finish: Wet blasting delivers consistent, contaminant free surfaces — critical for aluminium and magnesium components. No media embedment. No reworking headaches.