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How it works

How Dry Ice Blasting Works

Dry Ice Blasting is a revolutionary cleaning process that uses compressed air to accelerate solid CO₂ pellets (dry ice). These pellets impact surfaces with controlled force to remove residues like ink, glue, paint, oil, grease, food particles, rubber, mold, and other contaminants — safely and efficiently.

Similar to sandblasting but non-abrasive, this method doesn’t use harsh media like sand or grit. When dry ice pellets hit a surface, they sublimate instantly — transforming from solid to gas. This causes a rapid micro-explosion that loosens contaminants while leaving the base surface unharmed.

The extreme cold (−109°F) also weakens the bond between dirt and the surface, freezing and detaching it completely. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, dry ice blasting leaves no residue or secondary waste, making it an eco-friendly and efficient solution.

The Science Behind Dry Ice Blasting

  • Kinetic Energy: During blasting, high-speed dry ice pellets transfer kinetic energy to the surface. Upon impact, the pellets sublimate instantly, dislodging surface contaminants without abrasion. This means no damage to substrates or tool tolerances.
  • Thermal Shock Effect : Dry ice at −109°F creates an instant thermal differential when it hits a warmer, contaminated surface. This temperature shock weakens the bond between the residue and substrate, helping it break free easily.
  • Thermal-Kinetic Effect : This is the combined power of impact and rapid heat transfer. When dry ice pellets hit a contaminated surface, they expand up to 800 times their original volume, producing a micro-explosion that blasts away dirt and grime — all without chemicals or water.

Applications of Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting is versatile and widely used across industries:

  • Rubber and plastic surfaces

  • HDPE and PET containers

  • Reaction foam molds

  • Core boxes and screens

  • Permanent aluminum molds

  • Baking ovens and conveyors

  • Wafer oven plates and mixers

  • Press cleaning

  • Gears, guides, and anilox rolls

  • Motors, windings, and armatures

  • Switch gears and transformers

  • Sub-stations and circuit boards

  • Equipment and mold cleaning

  • Robotic welding equipment

  • Painting systems and assembly lines

  • Tire/rim assembly and sealant removal

  • Landing gear and brake components

  • Engine and part cleaning

  • Plant and equipment cleaning

  • Oil, grease, and adhesive removal

  • Fire restoration and mold remediation

  • Surface prep for inspection and testing