Dry Ice Blasting for Coating and Carbon Removal: What the Demo Shows

This video shows dry ice blasting applied to a specific coating and carbon buildup. It should not be interpreted as proof that every coating, carbon deposit, or substrate will respond the same way.

Dry ice particles sublimate after impact, so the process does not leave conventional spent blasting media such as sand or glass bead. The coating, carbon, grease, rust, dust, and other material removed from the surface still remain and require suitable containment, collection, and disposal.

Pure dry ice blasting is generally non-abrasive compared with conventional abrasive blasting, but it is not universally damage-free. Results depend on the coating, bond strength, substrate, thickness, temperature, pressure, airflow, nozzle, distance, angle, feed rate, and dwell time. Coated surfaces, thin metals, elastomers, seals, finishes, precision parts, and unknown materials should be test-cleaned in a representative area first.

Some thick coatings, heavy corrosion, or strongly bonded deposits may require different process settings, more capable equipment, an abrasive-assisted system, or another removal method. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s procedures and place machinery in the required safe service condition before cleaning.