Vapormate
The compact cabinet for R&D, process trials, and small-component finishing, engineered to an industrial standard from day one.
Puma
For production teams finishing medium-sized components every day. Engineered with operator comfort in mind, this machine has every feature as standard.
PumaXL
Built for large or heavy components, on a 1.10m (43") swing-out turntable rated to 250kg (551lb), with every feature included.
Sumps
A scalable, large-format wet blasting platform for components too large for a cabinet.
Most manual cabinets do the job for the first two years. The real question is what they look like in year ten.
Vapormatt has been answering that question since 1978, with a history going back to the world's first wet blasting machine. Our manual cabinets are engineered for environments that need the machine running in year ten as reliably as it ran on day one. The components that wear out first in other cabinets (nozzles, liners, pumps, windows and filtration) are specified to a higher standard in ours, a standard we'd be happy to live with ourselves.
Every Vapormatt manual cabinet includes as standard:
- Closed-loop filtration, with no drain connection needed
- Window wash system
- Rinse nozzle and component blow-off
- Industrial pump-and-nozzle system shared with our automatic range
Compare our manual wet blasting machine
| Vapormate | Puma | Puma XL | Leopard / Lion Sump | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | R&D, trials, small parts | Daily production, medium parts | Large, heavy or oily parts | Oversized fabrications |
| Construction | HDPE | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Internal working size | 0.68 × 0.68 × 0.52m (27" × 27" × 21") | 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.2m (45" × 45" × 47") | 1.46 × 1.49 × 1.08m (57" × 59" × 43") | Open format |
| Max load | 25kg (56 lb) | 150kg (331 lb) | 250kg (551 lb) turntable | Scalable |
| Footprint | Fits a standard doorway | 1.4 × 1.2m (55" × 47") | 2.35 × 1.55m (92" × 61") | Leopard: 2.8 × 2.0m (9'2" × 6'7"); Lion: 1.7 × 1.7m (5'7" × 5'7") |
| Power | 220/240V 1-phase, 13A | 400/480V 3-phase | 400/480V 3-phase | 380–440V 3-phase |
FAQs
What is a manual wet blasting machine?
A manual wet blasting machine is a hand-operated cabinet in which an operator uses a blast gun to direct a slurry of water and abrasive media at a component. It cleans, deburrs and finishes the surface in a single pass, without airborne dust. Manual cabinets are also called vapour blasting, vapor blasting or liquid honing cabinets.
Which manual wet blasting machine do I need for my parts?
It depends mainly on part size and weight:
- Vapormate: small components up to 25kg (55 lb), and R&D or process trials.
- Puma: daily production of parts up to 762mm (30") diameter and 150kg (331 lb).
- Puma XL: large or heavy parts up to 250kg (551 lb), loaded on a swing-out turntable.
- Leopard and Lion Sumps: components too big for any cabinet.
What are manual wet blasting machines used for?
Common uses include cleaning, deburring, descaling, paint stripping, and bonding and coating preparation. Our customers use manual machines in aircraft wheel and undercarriage MRO, additive manufacturing, aluminium extrusion, firearms and medical implants. They are also used to remove weld discolouration from large stainless steel fabrications.
Do Vapormatt manual cabinets need a drain or water connection?
How much floor space does a manual wet blasting machine need?
- The Vapormate is compact enough to fit through a standard doorway.
- The Puma occupies 1.4 × 1.2m (55" × 47"), and its flat sides allow wall or corner placement.
- The Puma XL needs 2.35 × 1.55m (92" × 61").
- The Leopard Sump base unit is 2.8 × 2.0m (9'2" × 6'7") and can be scaled up. It needs no floor pit.
What power and compressed air supply do manual cabinets need?
Which abrasive media can I use in a manual wet blasting cabinet?
Our manual machines run glass bead, aluminium oxide and ceramic media. Depending on the model, they can also run plastic media, silicon carbide and stainless steel shot. On the Vapormate, a media change takes 10 to 15 minutes. See our abrasive and blast media guide to match media to your application.
Can a manual cabinet handle oily or greasy components?
Yes. The Puma XL's closed-loop filtration includes an oil skimmer and works with degreasing agents. Oily or contaminated parts can therefore be cleaned and finished without a separate pre-clean stage. The Leopard Sump also has a floating oil skimmer and automatic chemical dosing as standard.
When should I choose an automatic machine instead of a manual one?
A manual machine suits lower volumes, varied part shapes and frequent changeovers, where an operator's judgement adds value. Choose an automatic machine when you process the same parts at high volume and need logged, repeatable results. Parameters developed on a Vapormate transfer directly to our automatic range. Our buying guide explains how to make the decision.
Why choose a Vapormatt manual machine?
Vapormatt has built more than 2,000 wet blasting machines, now in service in over 50 countries, and holds patents registered in 22 countries. Our manual cabinets are built in stainless steel or HDPE, and some Vapormatt machines from the 1980s are still in service today. We hold an extensive stock of spare parts, and our global partners provide local sales and service.
How much does a manual wet blasting machine cost?
Manual cabinets have the lowest capital cost in our range. The price depends on which machine you need, your power supply, and options such as turntables, wheel-holding jigs, a mini barrel or a plastic-media kit. Every specification is agreed in writing before you order.