Image of a person using a dry ice blasting machine.

Dry Ice Blasting vs. Sandblasting: How You Can Save Time, Money, and Effort

For many industries that rely on surface cleaning and preparation, it can be difficult to decide which method is the most efficient and cost effective. Dry ice blasting and sandblasting are two popular options, but there is plenty worth considering when selecting the best method for a particular application.

In this blog post, we will discuss what dry ice blasting and sandblasting are, explain why and when they are needed and how each method is used, provide examples of specific times when one option may be more useful than another, and ultimately help you determine whether dry ice blasting is the right choice for your needs.

How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?

Dry ice blasting is a relatively new and innovative cleaning method that is becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries. The process involves propelling dry CO2 ice pellets at a high velocity, which then impact and immediately evaporate on contact with surfaces. Dry ice blasting is an effective way to remove contaminants from surfaces without damaging the substrate itself or generating hazardous waste materials. It can be used to clean equipment, machinery, vehicles, buildings, and more.

How Does Sandblasting Work?

Sandblasting, on the other hand, is an older form of surface cleaning that has been around for decades. It uses compressed air or water mixed with abrasive particles such as sand or glass beads to blast away dirt, oil, rust, paint, or other coatings from surfaces. Sandblasting can be used in a wide range of applications including automotive repair and restoration work as well as masonry and metalwork projects.

When Should You Use Dry Ice Blasting?

When deciding between dry ice blasting vs. sandblasting for a particular project or job site, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Dry ice blasting is typically faster than sandblasting since it requires no manual labor or additional tools. It also leaves behind no hazardous waste products since the CO2 pellets evaporate quickly upon impact with surfaces.

On the other hand, sandblasting can have some advantages over dry ice blasting when dealing with particularly tough substances like grease and oil that may require more aggressive media for removal. Sandblasting can also be useful in certain situations where delicate components need to be cleaned without damaging them. This could include light fixtures or electronics that are too fragile for dry ice blasting treatment.