Plastic Media Blasting (PMB) is a paint and coatings removal process developed in the early 1980’s to remove paint from military aircraft. The goal was to reduce the enormous volume of hazardous waste generated by traditional stripping processes. In those stripping methods, the waste materials can be extremely hazardous, consisting of the chemical paint stripper itself, and more voluminous rinse water. The worker's health and safety considerations were also major drawbacks of the chemical stripping process.

PMB is similar in some ways to sandblasting, but dissimilar in many ways. The process involves the propelling of plastic media at low pressure from a pressure pot through a blast hose and out a nozzle. The low pressure reduces the build up of heat due to friction, and thus warping. The plastic media is made of pulverized recycled electrical wall plates and other material, including plastic garment buttons that are off-spec due to colour or shape. The plastic media is softer than the metallic component being cleaned therefore the occurrence of pitting is often eliminated.

As with most industrial processes however, operator training is mandatory. PPS has provided Plastic Media Blasting Services since 1992. If your interest lies in purchasing the media from PPS, ensure you request information on the effects of the various blasting parameters i.e. pressure, angle of attack, plastic types, etc.

PMB is not appropriate for all stripping and cleaning needs. However if one or more of the following criteria exist, the process can be viable from an economic, productivity and quality standpoint:

• components are of high value
• the components or subsequent processes are sensitive to chemicals
• the parts are delicate
• the parts are molds used in the rubber or plastic industries that require periodic cleaning without profile changes