Abstract

The chapter discusses the issue of the surface mechanical (physical) treatment of metal substrates prior to bonding. The technology of surface preparation—abrasive blast cleaning—is described. The blasted surface results from the mutual interaction between the surface to be cleaned and the blasting abrasives used. The chapter contains an analysis of the most widely used abrasives in terms of their material, shape of grain, grain size, durability, and roughening effect. Blasting parameters also affect the final roughness, cleanliness, and quality of treated surface. Other mechanical treatment technologies—grinding and brushing—are also discussed.