Taguchi-Based Analysis of Sandblasting Parameters for Low Carbon Metal Surface Treatment

Sandblasting is used to clean and profile metal surfaces by spraying abrasive media with compressed air, but conventional use of silica sand generates hazardous B3 waste and air pollution. This study aims to determine a safer and more efficient composition of air–abrasive parameters that still achieves maximum cleaning on low carbon steel surfaces. An L9 Taguchi orthogonal array with four factors at three levels (compressor air pressure, sand type/density, sand volume, and spray distance) was used, with responses including eroded surface area, remaining coating thickness (NDT tests), and abrasive consumption, supported by microstructural and coating analysis and raw material cost evaluation. Taguchi signal-to-noise analysis and ANOVA were applied, combined with a literature-based assessment, to identify the optimal parameter set. The results show that sand type and compressor air pressure strongly affect the peeled surface area, with compressor pressure being the dominant factor. The best surface cleaning performance was obtained with composition 3-1-2-2: beach sand at 450 ml, compressor pressure of 2 kg/cm², and a 30 mm spray distance.