Stone Shot Blasting Machine for Granite Antique Surface
Brief Profile
The Stone Shot Blasting Machine for Granite Antique Surface is a specialized surface - treatment equipment engineered to create the sought - after "antique" texture on granite surfaces—characterized by a subtly weathered, matte finish with retained natural stone grain. Unlike road - focused shot blasters that prioritize traction, this machine is calibrated to balance abrasive impact and surface preservation, making it indispensable in the stone processing industry where aesthetic appeal and material integrity are equally critical.
At its core, the machine operates on the principle of controlled kinetic energy transfer. High - speed blast wheels propel abrasive media (typically garnet grit, aluminum oxide, or specialized stone - friendly shots) onto the granite surface at precise angles and velocities. This controlled impact etches the granite's top layer, removing the glossy "skin" created during quarrying and polishing while avoiding deep fractures that could compromise structural stability. The result is a surface that mimics the aged patina of natural weathering but with consistent quality across large batches.
A defining characteristic of these machines is their integration of precision control systems and closed - loop media recycling. Modern models, evolved from the mechanical - feed designs pioneered in the 20th century, feature PLC - based controls to adjust blast intensity, ensuring compatibility with diverse granite types—from dense black granite to porous pink varieties. The closed - loop system, comprising conveyors, separators, and filters, recovers up to 95% of abrasive media, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Pricing for these machines varies significantly based on three core factors: processing capacity (ranging from small bench - top units to industrial through - feed systems), automation level (manual vs. fully automated with robotic loading), and brand reputation. Entry - level models for small workshops typically start at (8,000–)15,000, while mid - range industrial units with 1–2m width capacity fall between (20,000–)50,000. High - end automated systems, designed for large - scale stone manufacturers, can exceed $100,000, reflecting advanced features like real - time surface quality monitoring and integration with production line software.
Application
The Stone Shot Blasting Machine for Granite Antique Surface serves as a cornerstone in multiple sectors of the stone industry, driving both functional and aesthetic value across diverse applications.
Residential and Commercial Flooring
Antique granite flooring is a staple in high - end residential and commercial spaces, valued for its slip resistance and timeless appearance. In luxury homes, the machine treats granite tiles for entryways, kitchens, and outdoor patios—creating surfaces that hide scratches and 水渍 better than polished alternatives. For commercial settings like hotels and shopping malls, high - capacity through - feed machines process large format tiles (up to 1200mm×2400mm) at speeds of 2–4m/min, ensuring consistent texture for expansive lobbies and hallways. A notable application is in boutique hotels, where antique granite floors complement rustic or heritage - inspired interiors while meeting commercial slip - resistance standards (typically a coefficient of friction ≥0.6).
Architectural Cladding
Exterior and interior cladding relies on antique granite for both durability and curb appeal. The machine processes granite panels used in building facades, creating textures that enhance light reflection and mask weathering effects over time. In coastal construction, where saltwater corrosion is a concern, the etched surface of blasted granite improves adhesion for protective sealants, extending the cladding's lifespan by up to 30% compared to polished surfaces. For interior feature walls in offices and museums, precision - blasting creates gradient textures, with varying abrasive intensities producing subtle shade differences across panel layouts.
Monument and Memorial Stone
The monument industry depends on these machines to create legible, long - lasting inscriptions on granite headstones and memorials. The controlled blasting etches a uniform matte background that makes engraved text and designs stand out with exceptional clarity. Small - format machines with precise nozzle control are used for custom memorials, while industrial models handle bulk production of standard headstones. In military cemeteries, for example, the technology ensures that even fine - detail insignias remain visible for decades, resisting fading from sun and rain.
Landscaping and Hardscaping
Landscaping projects leverage antique granite for its durability in outdoor environments. The machine treats granite pavers, stepping stones, and retaining wall blocks, creating surfaces that provide traction even in wet conditions. For public parks and garden paths, mid - range machines process pavers in batches, producing textures that blend with natural surroundings while withstanding heavy foot traffic. In upscale residential landscaping, custom - blasted granite boulders and edging stones add a cohesive, aged look to gardens and pool surrounds.
Furniture and Decorative Elements
The furniture industry uses antique granite for tabletops, countertops, and decorative accents. Small - scale machines with adjustable blast heads treat granite slabs for kitchen islands, creating a non - reflective surface that reduces glare and hides fingerprints. For decorative items like vases, bookends, and fireplace surrounds, precision - blasting creates intricate textures—some manufacturers even use stencils during blasting to produce geometric or floral patterns. High - end furniture makers often pair the technology with hand - finishing, using the machine to establish the base texture before adding artisanal details.
Features
The Stone Shot Blasting Machine for Granite Antique Surface incorporates specialized features tailored to the unique demands of granite processing, distinguishing it from general - purpose shot blasters.
Variable - Intensity Blast System
A standout feature is the variable - intensity blast system, designed to accommodate granite's varying hardness (6–7 on the Mohs scale). The system uses multiple blast wheels (typically 2–4 for industrial models) with adjustable rotational speeds (1,500–3,000 RPM) and vane angles. Advanced models feature servo - motor controls that adjust blast intensity in real - time based on surface feedback sensors, preventing over - blasting of softer granite veins. For example, when processing granite with mixed mineral composition, the system reduces intensity for quartz - rich areas and increases it for feldspar - dense sections, ensuring uniform texture across the entire surface.
Granite - Specific Abrasive Compatibility
Unlike road blasters that use steel shots, these machines are optimized for non - metallic abrasives to avoid iron contamination and surface discoloration. The abrasive feeding system includes a variable - rate hopper with precision metering (0–50 kg/min flow rate) and compatibility with media sizes ranging from 0.1mm (for fine textures) to 2mm (for coarse, rustic finishes). The system also features media - type detection sensors that alert operators if incompatible abrasives are loaded, preventing surface damage. This compatibility is critical for maintaining granite's natural color—garnet grit, for instance, enhances the red and brown hues in "Mahogany Granite" without leaving residue.
Enclosed Dust - Suppression Chamber
To address the fine granite dust generated during blasting (which poses health risks and environmental concerns), the machine features an enclosed dust - suppression chamber lined with wear - resistant rubber or manganese steel. The chamber integrates two - stage dust collection: a cyclone separator removes 90% of large dust particles, followed by a HEPA filter that captures particles as small as 0.3μm. Some models add a water mist system that humidifies dust before collection, reducing airborne emissions to below 0.1mg/m³—exceeding EU and US environmental standards. This enclosed design also contains noise levels (typically 75–85 dB), making the machine suitable for indoor workshop use.
Automated Conveyor and Positioning System
Industrial models feature automated conveyor systems that ensure consistent granite positioning during blasting. The conveyors use rubberized rollers with adjustable spacing to accommodate slab sizes from 300mm×300mm to 1200mm×600mm (standard) and can handle weights up to 1 ton/m. Advanced systems include servo - driven lateral adjustment that centers slabs automatically, reducing edge - to - center texture variation. For large - scale production, the conveyor integrates with upstream loading and downstream stacking robots, creating a seamless workflow that reduces labor costs by 40–60% compared to manual operation.
User - Friendly HMI Control Panel
The control system features an intuitive HMI (Human - Machine Interface) with pre - programmed presets for common granite types (e.g., "Black Galaxy," "Kashmir White") and texture finishes ("Satin Antique," "Heavy Rustic"). Operators can save custom profiles, adjusting parameters like blast duration (0.5–5 seconds per square meter), conveyor speed (0.5–4 m/min), and abrasive flow rate. The HMI also displays real - time data: media level, filter pressure, and blast wheel temperature, with diagnostic alerts for common issues (e.g., clogged nozzles, low media). This simplicity reduces training time—new operators can master basic functions in 1–2 days—while advanced features cater to experienced technicians.
Main parts
The Stone Shot Blasting Machine for Granite Antique Surface comprises interconnected components working in tandem to deliver precise, consistent surface treatment.
Precision Blast Wheels
Blast wheels are the core component, responsible for accelerating abrasive media. Each wheel consists of a high - strength steel hub, curved vanes (typically 6–8 per wheel), and a protective housing. For granite processing, wheels are constructed with wear - resistant materials like hardened chromium steel, extending vane life to 800–1,200 hours of operation. The wheels are mounted on adjustable brackets, allowing operators to set blast angles between 30–60 degrees—sharper angles for aggressive texturing and wider angles for subtle finishes. Industrial models often use "直叶片" (straight vane) design to maximize media velocity without sacrificing control.
Abrasive Metering and Feeding System
This system ensures a steady, controllable supply of abrasive to the blast wheels. It includes a hopper (capacity 50–500 liters, depending on model), a screw conveyor, and a metering valve. The hopper features a vibratory base that prevents media bridging (common with fine garnet grit) and a level sensor that triggers alerts when media is low. The metering valve, controlled by the PLC, adjusts flow rate in 0.1 kg/min increments, ensuring consistent coverage even as media particle size changes due to wear. A key sub - component is the media conditioner, which removes moisture from new or recycled media to prevent clumping.
Enclosed Blasting Chamber
The blasting chamber is an enclosed structure that contains the blasting process and minimizes dust escape. It is constructed with heavy - gauge steel and lined with replaceable wear plates (rubber for small models, manganese steel for industrial units) to withstand abrasive impact. The chamber features adjustable access doors or slots—narrow for small tiles and wide for large slabs—and transparent observation windows with protective glass. For through - feed models, the chamber has inlet and outlet openings with rubber curtains that seal around the granite slab, preventing dust leakage while allowing continuous processing.
Media Recovery and Separation System
This closed - loop system recycles abrasive media and separates it from granite dust and debris. It includes a bottom - mounted screw conveyor that collects used media and dust, a bucket elevator that transports the mixture to a separator, and a magnetic or air classifier that sorts media by size. The separator uses a combination of centrifugal force and airflow (4–5 m/s separation zone velocity) to remove dust and worn - out media particles (typically <0.05mm), returning viable media to the hopper. The system also includes a dust collection port that connects to the chamber's dust suppression system, ensuring efficient waste removal.
Dust - Collection Unit
The dust - collection unit is critical for operator safety and environmental compliance. It consists of a high - pressure fan (7.5–15 kW), a cyclone separator, and a HEPA filter bank. The fan creates negative pressure in the blasting chamber, drawing dust - laden air through the chamber's exhaust ports. The cyclone separator removes large dust particles (≥10μm) via centrifugal force, reducing load on the filters. The remaining air passes through HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of particles ≥0.3μm, with cleaned air discharged either indoors (after additional filtration) or outdoors. The unit features a filter - cleaning mechanism (reverse - air or pulse - jet) that maintains efficiency without frequent manual maintenance.
Conveyor and Positioning Mechanism
For automated models, the conveyor and positioning mechanism ensures precise granite movement through the blasting chamber. The conveyor uses rubberized or polyurethane - coated rollers that grip the granite without scratching it, driven by a variable - speed motor (0.5–4 m/min). The positioning mechanism includes side guides and centering rollers that align the slab with the blast wheels, reducing edge - to - center texture variation to <5%. For batch - processing models, the mechanism features a turntable or shuttle table that moves slabs in and out of the chamber, allowing operators to load/unload while blasting is in progress.
PLC Control System
The PLC control system acts as the machine's "brain," coordinating all components for optimal performance. It uses a programmable logic controller (typically Siemens or Allen - Bradley) connected to sensors (media level, conveyor speed, blast wheel RPM) and actuators (metering valve, blast wheel motor). The system executes pre - programmed or custom profiles, adjusting parameters in real - time to maintain consistent texture. It also includes safety interlocks: if the chamber door is open or dust filter pressure is too high, the system shuts down the blast wheels automatically. The HMI, connected to the PLC, provides operators with a touchscreen interface for parameter adjustment and system monitoring.
Basic Parameter
Understanding the basic parameters of the Stone Shot Blasting Machine for Granite Antique Surface is essential for selecting the right model, estimating operational costs, and ensuring compatibility with production requirements.
Processing Capacity
Processing capacity is measured by maximum slab size and throughput rate. Maximum Slab Dimensions: Entry - level models handle up to 600mm×600mm, mid - range units up to 1200mm×600mm, and industrial through - feed systems up to 2000mm×1000mm. Throughput Rate: Ranges from 0.5–2 m²/h (small bench - top models) to 20–50 m²/h (high - capacity industrial units). For example, a 11kW×4 blast wheel system can process 1.0–2.5 m/min of 1200mm - wide slabs, translating to ~30 m²/h for 2m - long slabs. This parameter directly impacts machine price—each 5 m²/h increase in throughput typically adds 10–15% to the cost.
Blast Wheel Specifications
Blast wheel parameters determine blasting intensity and texture quality. Number of Wheels: 1–2 (small models), 3–4 (mid - range), 4–6 (industrial). Power per Wheel: 5.5–7.5 kW (entry - level), 11–15 kW (mid - range), 15–22 kW (high - end). Rotational Speed: 1,800–3,000 RPM, with variable speed control. Media Capacity per Wheel: 10–50 kg/min, adjustable via metering valve. Higher - power wheels (≥15 kW) enable faster processing of dense granite but increase energy consumption (typically 0.5–1 kWh per m² processed).
Abrasive Media Compatibility
Abrasive specifications influence texture and media replacement costs. Recommended Media Types: Garnet grit (80–120 mesh for fine antique, 20–40 mesh for coarse), aluminum oxide (50–80 mesh), ceramic beads (0.5–1mm). Media Flow Rate: 5–20 kg/min (small models), 20–50 kg/min (industrial). Media Recycling Efficiency: 90–95% for closed - loop systems, reducing media consumption to 0.1–0.3 kg per m². Using incompatible media (e.g., steel shots) can damage granite surfaces and void warranties.
Conveyor System Parameters
Conveyor specifications affect processing consistency and slab compatibility. Conveyor Speed: 0.5–4 m/min, infinitely variable. Maximum Load Capacity: 500 kg/m (small models), 1000 kg/m (industrial). Roller Spacing: 100–300mm, adjustable to prevent slab sagging. Material Handling: Rubberized or polyurethane - coated rollers to avoid scratching. For through - feed systems, conveyor length (3–10m) determines the machine's overall footprint.
Dust - Collection Efficiency
Dust - collection performance impacts safety and compliance. Airflow Rate: 3,000–6,000 m³/h (small models), 15,000–25,000 m³/h (industrial). Filtration Efficiency: ≥99.97% for particles ≥0.3μm (HEPA filters). Dust Storage Capacity: 50–100 liters (small), 200–500 liters (industrial). Noise Level: 75–85 dB (enclosed models), meeting OSHA and EU noise regulations. Higher airflow rates (≥20,000 m³/h) increase energy use but improve dust control in large - chamber machines.
Machine Dimensions and Power Requirements
These parameters are critical for workshop planning and installation. Length: 1.5–3m (bench - top), 4–8m (mid - range), 8–15m (through - feed). Width: 0.8–1.5m (small), 1.5–2.5m (industrial). Height: 1–1.8m (small), 1.8–3m (industrial). Power Supply: 220V/380V, 3 - phase. Total Installed Power: 10–20 kW (entry - level), 30–50 kW (mid - range), 50–100 kW (high - end). Weight: 500–1,000 kg (small), 5,000–15,000 kg (industrial), requiring reinforced flooring for installation.
Price - Related Parameters
Several parameters directly correlate with machine pricing:
Automation Level: Manual loading/unloading ((8k–)15k), semi - automated ((15k–)30k), fully automated with robotics ((50k–)150k).
Brand Origin: Chinese manufacturers ((8k–)50k), European/American brands ((30k–)150k) (reflecting quality and after - sales support).
Additional Features: Surface inspection cameras (+(5k–)10k), remote monitoring (+(3k–)7k), custom slab size compatibility (+(10k–)20k).
