When it comes to industrial coating applications, the quality of your surface preparation solutions can make or break long-term performance. At T BAILEY LLC, we rely on advanced surface prep technology, including our state-of-the-art Wheelabrator system, to ensure consistent, high-quality coating adhesion and durability across all our steel fabrication projects.
As the only company in Washington State with a vertical Wheelabrator, T BAILEY LLC has set a new standard for efficiency, uniformity, and throughput in the blasting and coating process.
In this article, we’ll explain what a Wheelabrator is, how it works, and why it provides a major advantage over traditional surface prep methods like manual blasting.
What Is a Wheelabrator?
If you’ve ever wondered “what is a Wheelabrator?”, you’re not alone. A Wheelabrator is a type of shot blast machine designed to clean, descale, or prep metal surfaces using high-speed steel media propelled by spinning wheels. Unlike manual blasting, which can be time-consuming and inconsistent, a Wheelabrator offers a uniform, automated solution for preparing steel prior to industrial painting or coating.
T BAILEY LLC’s eight-wheel centrifugal Wheelabrator machine uses a hard-track conveyor system and multiple blast wheels to simultaneously treat both sides of a steel plate. This ensures thorough and consistent results, ideal for large-scale applications like tanks, penstocks, and structural components.
Why Surface Prep Matters in Industrial Coatings
In industrial and marine applications, proper surface prep solutions are essential to coating success. Without clean, well-profiled surfaces, coatings can fail prematurely, leading to corrosion, high maintenance costs, and safety concerns.
Whether the steel will be coated with a zinc primer, plural component system, fireproofing, or epoxy, the coating is only as good as the prep work behind it. The Wheelabrator blasting system at T BAILEY LLC ensures every plate meets the required SSPC standards before it moves into the paint booth, delivering enhanced adhesion and long-term performance.
The Wheelabrator Advantage at T BAILEY LLC
Here’s why T BAILEY LLC’s Wheelabrator shot blast machine sets us apart:
- Uniform Blast Profile: Unlike manual blasting, which can lead to variations in texture and depth, the Wheelabrator delivers a consistent surface profile every time.
- 360° Blasting Coverage: With eight blast wheels and a conveyor system, both sides of the steel are prepped at once, reducing handling and labor time.
- Fast Throughput: The system can process up to 800 square feet in just 20 minutes, compared to over an hour for the same area using manual methods.
- Recycled Media System: An auger and elevator mechanism automatically collects and recycles shot media, allowing for continuous, efficient operation.
- Reduced Downtime: The Wheelabrator runs all day with minimal interruption, increasing productivity and speeding up project timelines.
“We use it for about 90% of our tank applications,” said a T BAILEY LLC representative. “The efficiency and uniformity are unmatched compared to manual blasting.”
When Does T BAILEY LLC Use the Wheelabrator?
T BAILEY LLC utilizes the Wheelabrator machine primarily for surface prepping:
- Steel plate for tanks and pressure vessels
- Rolled ring steel used in structural applications
- Pylons, casings, and other fabricated steel parts
When project components are too large to fit through the Wheelabrator, T BAILEY LLC shifts to manual blasting in their 30’ x 110’ blast booth, which runs parallel to the paint booth and offers equally high-capacity performance. But for any piece that fits, the Wheelabrator is the preferred choice for its speed, consistency, and reduced labor requirements.
Benefits of Using a Wheelabrator for Surface Preparation
Switching from manual to automated Wheelabrator blasting offers clear benefits for industrial coating applications:
- Improved Adhesion: A uniform profile ensures better coating bond and reduces the risk of delamination or early failure.
- Lower Labor Costs: Fewer technicians are needed to operate the automated system.
- Faster Project Turnaround: Prepped materials are ready for coating much faster, reducing overall project timelines.
- Environmental Advantages: Using recycled steel media and reducing energy needs makes the Wheelabrator a more sustainable option.
These advantages contribute to improved coating quality, extended lifespan of components, and significant cost savings over time.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Surface Preparation Partner
Whether you’re constructing water tanks, pressure vessels, or structural steel for marine applications, proper surface prep is non-negotiable. T BAILEY LLC’s investment in a vertical Wheelabrator machine is a testament to their commitment to quality, efficiency, and industry leadership.
By combining cutting-edge surface preparation solutions with certified coating expertise, T BAILEY LLC ensures that every project meets the highest performance and durability standards.
Ready to improve coating performance and streamline your next fabrication project? Contact T BAILEY LLC today to learn more about our Wheelabrator blasting services and how we can support your next industrial build.
