Microblasting is a localised abrasive process that projects fine blasting media through a small-diameter nozzle. Compared with conventional abrasive blasting, it concentrates the action on a smaller area and allows more precise adjustment of pressure, abrasive flow, distance and dwell time. It is selected when deposits, oxides, residues or thin coatings need to be removed without unnecessarily treating the surrounding areas. It is particularly useful for details, small components, engravings and items intended for restoration, but the result always depends on the material and on the correct combination of machine, nozzle and abrasive.
What is microblasting?
In practical terminology, microblasting and micro blasting refer to the use of a highly concentrated abrasive jet. Compressed air carries the blasting medium to a pen-like microblasting handpiece; the small nozzle directs the flow only onto the area being treated. Control does not come from a single parameter, but from the relationship between pressure, airflow, abrasive shape and size, nozzle diameter and operator technique.
A professional microblasting machine therefore allows the operator to work in short passes, observe the effect and adjust the settings. This approach differs from a process focused on maximum removal capacity: the primary objective is selective and repeatable treatment.
How does a microblasting machine work?
- Compressed air is filtered and regulated before entering the system.
- The metering device introduces a controlled quantity of abrasive into the airflow.
- The microblasting handpiece accelerates and concentrates the mixture towards the nozzle.
- The nozzle defines the width of the jet and contributes to treatment precision.
- The operator controls distance, angle, travel speed and dwell time.
- The result is checked on a sample or a less visible area before extending the process.
On the FEVI Micro Blaster, the foot control activates the jet while keeping both hands free to control the microblasting handpiece and the component. The system operates under pressure and can be used in a workshop or on site; when required by the application, the process can be organised inside a box or blasting cabinet.
Microblasting and conventional abrasive blasting: the differences
| Criterion | Microblasting | Conventional abrasive blasting |
|---|---|---|
| Impact area | Highly localised | From localised to extensive |
| Objective | Precision and selectivity | Productivity and removal capacity |
| Abrasive | Fine and compatible with micro-nozzles | Wider range of particle sizes |
| Applications | Details, small components, restoration | Fabricated structures, façades, large-scale processes |
| Limitation | Limited productivity on large areas | May be excessive for sensitive details |
Between these two extremes is low-pressure blasting: it uses a more productive but adjustable machine, suitable for controlled treatment over larger areas. For this reason, Micro Blaster and SABIX 8 are not identical alternatives: they address different operating scales.
Where is microblasting used?
| Material or application | Common objective | Risk to control |
|---|---|---|
| Stone restoration | Localised deposits, darkening, carved details | Erosion, colour change or loss of patina |
| Wood | Thin coatings, residues in carvings, grain enhancement | Fibre erosion and rounding of edges |
| Metals | Oxides, localised rust, preparation of small areas | Excessive surface profile or alteration of the finish |
| Glass and ceramics | Satin finishing, engraving, decorative work | Permanent marking outside the masked area |
| Small components | Residues, oxides and treatment of selected areas | Protection of threads, seats and tolerances |
Microblasting for restoration
In restoration, the main advantage is the ability to work on small areas using progressive adjustments. Stone artefacts, mosaics, decorative elements, carved wood and metal components may contain original materials, patinas, previous restoration work and different levels of deterioration only a few centimetres apart.
Microblasting for restoration must therefore begin with an analysis of the substrate and a test area. The criterion is not to remove everything that appears foreign, but to establish which layers should be removed, which should be preserved and what result is compatible with the conservation project. On cultural heritage or valuable items, parameter selection must form part of the conservation plan and the work should be carried out by qualified operators.
Microblasting on wood
Wood does not respond uniformly: species, hardness, grain, moisture and coating all influence the effect of the jet. Microblasting can help reach mouldings, carvings and details, but excessive dwell time on soft fibres can erode the material. It is advisable to work in short passes and frequently check the resulting surface.
Microblasting of metals
On iron and steel, microblasting can remove oxidation and residues from small areas, prepare a localised section for welding or restoration, and even out small components. On aluminium, light alloys, machined surfaces and parts with tight tolerances, the required finish should be defined in advance and seats, threads and functional areas should be protected.
The parameters that determine the result
| Parameter | What it affects | Typical mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Jet energy | Increasing it to compensate for an incorrect abrasive choice |
| Particle size | Intensity, consistency and flow through the nozzle | Using incompatible or ungraded particles |
| Abrasive shape | Cutting action, satin finishing and final profile | Treating angular and spherical abrasives as equivalent |
| Nozzle diameter | Jet width, air consumption and precision | Installing a nozzle without checking airflow and particle size |
| Distance and angle | Concentration and direction of impact | Holding the jet still or too close to the component |
| Abrasive feed | Jet continuity and consistency | Feeding more abrasive than necessary |
The FEVI Micro Blaster is supplied as standard with a 0.8 mm tungsten carbide nozzle. Diameters from 0.5 to 2.0 mm are available on request; selection must remain consistent with the abrasive, particle size, available air and required precision. The product page specifies fine abrasives such as aluminium oxide and glass beads with dedicated particle sizes.
Which abrasive should you choose?
In microblasting, the abrasive is not simply a consumable detail: it defines a substantial part of the process. It must be dry, graded, specified by the manufacturer and compatible with the metering system and nozzle. Collected materials, ordinary sand or irregular granules increase the risk of blockages, unassessed dust and inconsistent results.
| Family | Primary effect | When to consider it | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium oxide (corundum) | Angular cutting and roughening action | Oxides, residues and localised surface preparation | Can rapidly etch sensitive materials |
| Glass beads | Softer and more uniform satin finish | Finishing of metals and components | Do not replace a high-removal abrasive |
| Specific fine abrasives | Controlled action on the substrate | Restoration and specialist applications | Always check compatibility and the technical data sheet |
Real benefits and limitations
- Greater control over details, edges, engravings and localised areas.
- Ability to progressively adjust the action and observe the result during treatment.
- Reduced area affected compared with a wider conventional blasting jet.
- Adaptability to workshop, worksite and small-component applications depending on the configuration.
- Limited productivity when the area to be treated becomes extensive.
- Sensitivity to air quality, abrasive moisture and nozzle wear.
- Need to contain the process and manage dust and residues even when very fine particle sizes are used.
Safety and dust management
A small jet does not mean a small risk. Fine particles can remain airborne, and the hazard depends on both the abrasive and the material being removed. Mineral substrates, old coatings, oxides and contaminants must be assessed before work begins. Respirable dust cannot be judged solely by visual observation.
EU-OSHA highlights in particular the risk of respirable crystalline silica generated during high-energy processes. For this reason, elimination or substitution of the hazard should be prioritised, followed by containment, extraction or suppression at source, and only then should suitable personal protective equipment be defined according to the risk assessment.
- Consult the machine manual and abrasive safety data sheet.
- Identify the material being removed and the substances it may release.
- Organise a box, cabinet, extraction system or other containment measures appropriate to the process.
- Protect eyes, face, respiratory system, hearing, hands and body according to the risk assessment.
- Isolate the air supply and release pressure before working on the nozzle, hose, metering system or fittings.
- Collect abrasive and residues without raising the dust again using compressed air.
Which FEVI solution should you choose?
The choice depends mainly on the size of the area, required precision, frequency of use and compressed-air availability. FEVI covers three distinct operating levels, avoiding the use of the same machine for very different requirements.
| Requirement | FEVI solution | Key advantage | When it is not enough |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microjet on details and small components | Micro Blaster | Microblasting handpiece, foot control and dedicated nozzles | Large areas or high removal capacity |
| Localised work without a compressor | BLSTR sander® | Electric, compact and portable | Intensive cycles or higher productivity |
| Restoration and low-pressure blasting over larger areas | SABIX 8 | Adjustable abrasive feed and greater operating capacity | Details requiring a laboratory-style microjet |
How to set up a correct test
- Define the required result and the layers that must remain.
- Identify the material, its condition and the most fragile areas.
- Select a classified abrasive compatible with the machine.
- Start with a conservative setting on a sample or hidden area.
- Keep distance, angle and travel speed consistent.
- Observe the effect after each short pass rather than immediately aiming for maximum removal.
- Record the effective configuration so it can be repeated on homogeneous areas.
Frequently asked questions about microblasting
What is microblasting?
It is a precision abrasive process that uses a highly concentrated jet and fine blasting media to treat details, small areas and materials requiring progressive control.
What is the difference between microblasting and conventional abrasive blasting?
Microblasting prioritises a small impact area and selectivity; conventional abrasive blasting can provide greater productivity and removal capacity over larger areas. The choice depends on the objective, not simply on pressure.
Which abrasive is used for microblasting?
Aluminium oxide, glass beads and specific fine abrasives are commonly used. Particle size and shape must be compatible with the nozzle, metering system, material and required finish.
Is microblasting suitable for restoration?
Yes, when precision and progressive treatment are required. The substrate must be analysed, a sample test carried out and parameters selected in accordance with the conservation project; valuable heritage items should be treated by qualified personnel.
Can wood be microblasted?
Yes, but soft fibres, carvings and edges can change quickly. It is necessary to start with a conservative setting and work in short passes.
Can microblasting remove rust?
It can remove oxidation and localised rust from small components. For large areas or substantial layers, a blasting machine with greater operating capacity may be more efficient.
What compressor is required for a microblasting machine?
Pressure in bar alone is not enough: the actual available airflow, operating pressure, nozzle diameter, hose length and continuity of the working cycle must be compared with the machine requirements.
Is microblasting dust-free?
No. The process can generate very fine particles and residues from the material being treated. Risk assessment, containment or extraction and suitable protective equipment are required.
When should I choose Micro Blaster instead of SABIX 8?
Micro Blaster is designed for microjets, details and small components; SABIX 8 is better suited when low-pressure blasting is required over larger areas with greater operating capacity.
Conclusion
Microblasting is effective when precision, control and selectivity are more important than removal speed. The result depends on the combination of machine, dry air, abrasive, nozzle and operator technique: reducing the process to pressure alone often leads to incorrect choices.
Micro Blaster is designed for detailed work; BLSTR sander® simplifies localised operations without a compressor; SABIX 8 extends the working area while retaining progressive adjustment. The correct choice always starts from the component and the required result.
Describe your application to FEVI
Provide the material, dimensions, coating or residue to be removed, required level of precision and frequency of use. FEVI identifies the technology, nozzle and abrasive most appropriate for the required result.
