Sand cloths are used for cleaning, polishing, and deburring copper, brass, and aluminum surfaces that will be soldered. This enhances the appearance and hygiene of the piping system, making it suitable for industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals. Sand cloth helps remove rust, scale, old paint, and other contaminants, ensuring a clean and smooth surface for better adhesion and welding quality. It can also remove burrs, sharp edges, and imperfections from the cut ends of pipes, which is important for safety and ensuring a proper fit when connecting pipes and fittings.
Sand cloth can remove surface rust and corrosion from pipes, extending their lifespan and preventing leaks or structural weaknesses. When repairing damaged pipes, sand cloth is also used to clean and prepare the damaged area before applying patches or sealants. It ensures a proper bond between the repair material and the pipe. In some cases, sand cloth is used to roughen the surface of pipes before applying insulation materials. This helps the insulation adhere better to the pipe surface.
The specific grade or coarseness of sand cloth used in the piping industry can vary depending on the application and the material being worked on. Different grit sizes are available, ranging from coarse to fine, to achieve the desired level of surface preparation or finishing. Proper safety precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment, should be taken when working with sand cloth to prevent injury and exposure to abrasive dust.