Take Your Best Shot...!
Published: 27/9
The process behind shot blasting has been around for more than 150 years. But as a surface
preparation method, it couldn’t be better suited for the 21st Century.
For example, shot blasting is both cost- and time-efficient, allowing contractors to ready large areas quickly, and meet accelerated project schedules. It’s also clean environmentally friendly, reusing most of abrasive media throughout the process. And it’s easy on the operator, as the work can be performed comfortably while standing. With these and other benefits becoming more important to surface preparation contractors, it’s no wonder that this product sector has seen significant consolidation over the past few years. Corporate acquisitions, rebranding, design enhancements and other changes have smoothed the way (literally and figuratively) toward a new market landscape. Here are some of the segment’s highlights.
Von Arx vaults into product
segment with IMPACTS
The new year began with word that Swedish surface preparation specialist Von Arx had acquired Germany’s IMPACTs, a company that in just two decades had established a worldwide reputation for its high-quality shotblasting equipment, innovative technology, and customer-focused service.
Von Arx owner and CEO Fredrik Akermark says the acquisition of IMPACTS “widens our product portfolio, reinforces our presence in the surface preparation market, and enables us to create a home market in Germany for both IMPACTS and Von Arx branded products.”
Akermark adds that IMPACTS will retain its current brand, as well as its Germany-based manufacturing operations and international distribution network. Some products to be marketed under the Von Arx name in Italy, Spain, and the US. Among the most popular models in IMPACTS’s product line is the STREAMER S210E, which the company says is the first mobile shot blaster in the world with an “inline separation system” that allows a 100 % increase of the blasting capacity compared with other machines working on single phase 230V AC. Other leading shot blasters are the STREAMER S320E and 600E, both of which are designed for work on medium-sized horizontal surfaces, and the 23.7-hp (17.7kW) STREAMER S320SD ride-on blast machine. IMPACTS also manufactures dust collectors for shot blasters and three models surface prep grinders. Von Arx, inventor of the scarifier machine, has grown quickly over the past four years and developed several new products, making the addition of IMPACTS a natural part of that evolution. “IMPACTS’ product range together with extensive experience and knowledge in the surface preparation industry will add invaluable value to Von Arx,” Akermark says.
www.vonarx.com
www.impactsgmbh.com
Tyrolit teams up with Contec
Just a few months later, international concrete drilling and grinding specialist Tyrolit became majority owner of longtime German surface preparation equipment manufacturer Contec. In addition to shot blasting systems, Contec is also well known for its floor milling and stripping machines, grinders, and extraction systems. Small wonder, then, why Andreas Sauerwein, a member of Tyrolit’s executive board, called the acquisition as a “significant step forward” in expanding the company’s presence in the area of floor grinding and surface preparation, “and offer even more comprehensive solutions to our customers.”
Contec’s previous owners remain actively involved in the company, Tyrolit says, to ensure a seamless integration while also preserving the brand’s specialized expertise. Leading the now-rebranded Tyrolit shot blasting line are the 10-hp (7.5kW) FBE200 and 15kW FBE350 machines. Touted by the company as the perfect choice for mobile, dust-free shot blasting, the smaller FBE200 and its five-bladed blastwheel combines high productivity with low overall height and weight, while the FBE350 is a professional-level system with a six-bladed blastwheel designed for large areas and very hard concrete floors or coatings. Weights for the FBE200 and FBE350 are 463 lb and 970 lb (210kg and 440kg), respectively.
Tyrolit says adding the expansion module increases both units’ shot blasting width—even doubling the 13.8-in (350mm) coverage of the FBE350. Both machines come with a modular design, expanding the range of applications. Their drive units enable an even and infinitely adjustable feed. Maintenance for both machines can be carried out easily on site without special tools and with little loss of time.
www.tyrolit.com
Husqvarna builds on Blastrac
Husqvarna’s presence in the shot blasting sector dates to late 2020, when the company acquired Blastrac and its specialized product portfolio. Now fully integrated under the Husqvarna brand, and combined with the company’s earlier acquisition of HTC, the line of shot blasters, steel blasters, and related dust collectors provides a solution for any surface preparation challenge, Husqvarna says.
“We’re committed to support our customers all the way – before, during, and after their projects,” says Stijn Verherstraeten, Husqvarna’ senior vice president-concrete surfaces and floors. “We have dedicated teams for surface preparation in our key markets and are continuously investing in internal and customer training programs to enhance competence in removing, preparing and refining floors.”
The range of walk-behind shot blasting machines begins with the 10.6-hp (7.9kW) Husqvarna Blastrac 1-10DPS75 with a 10-in (254mm) working width suitable for medium to large sized surface preparation applications and designed for easy operation and transport. Next up is the 28.3-hp (21.1kW) Husqvarna Blastrac 2-20D, a professional heavy-duty machine with a 22-in (559mm) working width and equipped with a height adjusting system for easy transport. Topping the range is the 78-hp (58kW) Husqvarna Blastrac 2-48DS with a 48-in (1,219mm) working width. With two powerful blast motors, Husqvarna says the 2-48DS is well-suited for large heavy-duty work and can be used on different surfaces like concrete, stone, asphalt and steel. All Husqvarna Blastrac shot blaster models feature a drive motor for self-propelled operation, helping maintain speed on ramps and inclines.
NEC’s Apex line delivers peak efficiency
National Flooring Equipment asserts that its Apex series of shot blasters combines elements of traditional blasting and new innovation. The series begins with the A95, a compact and versatile machine that the company says is ideal for small to mid-size applications. The 1.5-hp (1.12kW) machine has a blasting width of 8 in (20cm) and a blasting capacity of 430.5 ft2/hr (40m2/hr). The height-adjustable handle provides built-in operator controls while front swivel casters increase maneuverability and control for a more uniform and consistent profile. The close-faced blast wheel design directs more steel abrasive to the surface, resulting in lower maintenance costs.
The 8-in (20.3mm) sister machine A96 has a blast capacity of up to 860 ft2/hr (80m2/hr). Weighing 350 lb (159kg), the traditional rear-moving design of the 5.3-hp (4kW) machine helps maintain even profiles, while the unique joystick control allows for more responsive handling. The machine’s reverse operation allows more control over positioning, direction, and line overlapping.Topping the Apex line is the 10-hp (7.5kW), 10-in (25.4cm) A97 that can cover up to 2,000 ft2/hr (185m2/hr). A unique joystick control allows responsive and intuitive handling, while the machine’s slight leftward pitch allows for edging within 1/8-in (3.175mm) of the wall. The adjustable handle height and joystick platform allow for infinite operating positions. Each Apex model can be paired with a National Flooring Equipment dust collector to further maximize efficiency. A full range of accessories is also available.
NEC Technical Data
The A95 is the first in National’s Apex series of shot blasters. It is a compact and versatile machine, ideal for small to mid-size applications.
Width: 12”
30 cm
Blasting Width: 8”
20 cm
Max. Height: 41”
104 cm
Min. Height: 34”
86 cm
Max. Length: 43.4”
110 cm
Min. Length: 37”
94 cm
Weight: 121 lb
54 kg
Speed: Manual
Blasting Capacity: 430 sq ft/hr
Voltage: 115
HP: 1.5
1.12 kW
Amps: 17
*20A breaker required
National’s A96 is a variable speed, self-propelled shot blaster that combines the elements of traditional shot blasting and new innovation. The unique joystick control increases productivity and allows for more responsive handling.
Width: 13.5”
34 cm
Height: 44”
112 cm
Length: 57.5”
146 cm
Blasting Width: 8”
20.3 cm
Weight: 350 lb
159 kg
Blasting Capacity: up to 860 sq ft/hour
up to 80 sq m/hr
Voltage: 230
415
Amps (Circuit): 30
16
HP: 5.3 HP
* The A96 is an 8” shot blaster with a blast capacity up to 860 ft/hr.
* LED lights illuminate your path in dark spaces
* Traditional rear-moving design helps keep your profile more even
National’s A97 shot blaster combines the best aspects of traditional blasting with new features designed to increase efficiency and productivity on the job. Built from the strongest Manganese steel that becomes stronger as it hardens over time.
Width: 15.25”
39 cm
Height: 44”
112 cm
Length: 63”
160 cm
Speed: up to 2,000 sq ft/hr
up to 185 sq m/hr
Weight: 430 lb
195 kg
Blasting Width: 10”
25.4 cm
Voltage: 230
415
Amps (Circuit): 30
16
HP: 10
