What is blast cleaning?

Blast cleaning refers to a surface preparation process that uses abrasive materials to clean or finish the surface of an object, often metal. This technique involves propelling abrasive media at high speeds against the surface, effectively removing contaminants such as rust, paint, dirt, or other unwanted substances. It is commonly used to prepare surfaces for painting, coating, or other final treatments, ensuring that the surface is smooth and free of impurities, which can enhance adhesion and the overall quality of the finished product.

The other options do not accurately describe blast cleaning. For instance, cutting metal with high pressure refers to processes like water jet cutting, which is distinct from the abrasive surface preparation involved in blast cleaning. The shaping of metal components is typically associated with processes such as forging or machining, rather than cleaning techniques. Lastly, quality control inspections focus on assessing the final product's attributes and conformance to specifications, which is a different practice unrelated to surface preparation methods.