How do dry ice blasting machines work?
In principle, dry ice blasting machines work in a similar way to sandblasting machines. The difference is that frozen CO₂ pellets are used instead of sand. Compressed air accelerates these pellets and blasts them through a hose with a gun and nozzle onto the soiled surface. Small explosions and an extreme cold shock of -78.5 °C occur on impact. This loosens the dirt from the surface. The special feature: The dry ice disappears immediately and turns back into gas. No moisture or residue remains. This makes the method perfect for sensitive areas that need to remain clean.
Advantages of dry ice cleaning
A dry ice blasting machine offers many practical advantages over conventional cleaning methods:
- Gentle on the surface: the material is not roughened or damaged. Perfect for sensitive parts and high-quality surfaces.
- No residue: The dry ice turns to gas and disappears completely. Nothing is left behind - no blasting agent, no moisture, no waste to dispose of.
- Safe for live components: You can use it to clean energised equipment, such as switch cabinets or motors. Dry ice does not conduct electricity.
- Powerful and gentle at the same time: The cleaning method removes stubborn dirt very effectively while protecting the material underneath.
- Good for the environment and health: dry ice is non-toxic, non-flammable, odourless and hygienic. Ideal for food businesses and sensitive areas.
- No chemicals: No solvents or aggressive cleaning agents are required. This saves costs and protects the environment.
Popular applications
- Vehicle industry: Interior cleaning including ventilation systems, engine cleaning, upholstery cleaning, convertible top cleaning, etc.
- Mould cleaning: Mould cleaning in the automotive, plastics and aircraft industries as well as foundries
- Electrical cleaning: switch cabinets, electric motors, fans, generators, circuit boards, conveyor belts, printing machines, welding robots, soldering machines
- Building maintenance: fire damage restoration, mould removal, wood restoration
- Industry in general: cleaning of plant and machinery, regardless of the sector. From the wood industry, food industry, metal ....etc.
Special highlights of the Dry-Ice dry ice blasting units from ELMAG
With innovative technology and well thought-out design, ice blasting units such as the ELMAG DRY-ICE 2 or IBL 3000offer efficient solutions for the optimal cleaning of various surfaces :
- Cost-efficient utilisation: investment costs can be saved by using existing infrastructure. The devices work with the company's own compressed air supply and do not require expensive special compressors. Even standard compressors with 500-3000 l/min and 7-8 bar are sufficient for effective cleaning.
- Versatile application possibilities: From car valeting to the daily cleaning of production facilities and sensitive electronic components, ice blasting is used in many companies. Mobile devices with lightweight blasting hoses (5-7 metres) and optimised aluminium nozzles (3-10 mm) enable easy handling even in confined working areas.
- Quiet operation possible: At low working pressure, use is even possible without hearing protection. This means that dry ice cleaning can be carried out without any problems in an operating environment without disturbing other employees.
- Reliable service: At ELMAG, all accessories and required wear parts are available for the long term to ensure long-term reliable use. In combination with the 2-year full guarantee, ELMAG offers companies a future-proof investment in modern cleaning technology.
Benefit from the expertise of an Austrian quality manufacturer and discover the high-quality products and matching accessories in our online shop. Buy a dry ice blasting machine from ELMAG and invest in future-proof cleaning technology that is characterised by efficiency and sustainability!
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for dry ice blasting?
For the professional use of dry ice technology, you first need a suitable blasting unit such as the ELMAG DRY-ICE 2 or IBL 3000 as the centrepiece of your equipment. Equally important is a compressor with sufficient air output, between 500 and 15,000 l/min at 7-12 bar depending on the model. A refrigeration dryer for air treatment is essential, as only absolutely dry compressed air guarantees optimum cleaning results. You will also need dry ice pellets and basic protective equipment such as safety goggles, gloves and suitable work clothing. At ELMAG, you can obtain all accessories from a single source - from various nozzle options to hose extensions.
What is dry ice and where can you get it?
Dry ice is frozen, solidified carbon dioxide (CO₂) with a temperature of -78.5 °C, which is a natural component of our atmosphere in its gaseous state. It is extracted from the air and converted from liquid form to pellet form using a special process. You can obtain dry ice pellets from specialised suppliers - these can usually be found via industrial gas suppliers or specialised dry ice manufacturers. They are stored in special thermal boxes in which the dry ice can be kept for several days.
What is the dry ice consumption of a dry ice blasting machine?
The consumption of dry ice depends on the selected dry ice blasting machine and the intensity of use. More compact models consume between 3-30 kg per hour and are therefore ideal for smaller and selective applications. High-performance industrial units are in the higher range at 25-90 kg per hour and are designed for large-scale cleaning work. The actual consumption varies depending on the degree of soiling, nozzle size, working pressure and duration of the blasting intervals.
Can rust spots be removed with dry ice blasting?
No, dry ice blasting is not suitable for removing rust. This gentle method only removes superficial soiling such as oil, grease or organic residues. Rust is firmly bonded to the base material and requires an abrasive process with mechanical removal, such as sandblasting. However, dry ice blasting can be used as a useful pre-treatment for degreasing.
Can paint be removed with dry ice blasting?
Paint removal with dry ice only works partially and depends heavily on the condition of the paint. Loose, flaking or poorly adhering paintwork can be removed, while firmly adhering coatings can hardly be removed at all. The method is more suitable for paint preparation and for removing excess paint or defective layers. For complete paint restoration, a combination is recommended: dry ice blasting for pre-cleaning, sandblasting for stripping.
Is sandblasting or dry ice blasting better?
Both methods are justified and the choice depends on the respective area of application. Dry ice blasting is suitable for gentle cleaning of sensitive surfaces, removal of oil and grease, electronic components and applications in the food industry. Sandblasting is the right choice for rust removal, surface preparation prior to coating and mechanical material removal. Many professional companies successfully rely on both technologies.