For example, shot blasting is both cost and time efficient, allowing contractors to ready large areas quickly, and meet accelerated project schedules. It’s also environmentally friendly, reusing most of abrasive media throughout the process. With these and other benefits becoming more important to surface preparation contractors, it’s no wonder that this product sector has seen significant consolidation over the past few years. Here are some of the segment’s highlights.  

Von Arx vaults in 

The new year began with word that Swedish surface preparation specialist Von Arx had acquired Germany’s Impacts, a company that has established a reputation for its high quality shotblasting equipment. Von Arx owner and CEO Fredrik Akermark says the of the acquisition: “It widens our product portfolio, reinforces our presence in the surface preparation market, and enables us to create a home market in Germany for both Impacts and Von Arx branded products.” Akermark adds that Impacts will retain its current brand, as well as its Germany based manufacturing operations and international distribution network. Some products will be marketed under the Von Arx name in Italy, Spain, and the US. 

Among the most popular models in the Impact product line is the ‘Streamer’ S210E, which the company says is the first mobile shot blaster in the world with an ‘inline separation system’. Other leading shot blasters are the S320E and 600E, both of which are designed for work on medium sized horizontal surfaces, and the 17.7kW S320SD ride on blast machine. Impacts also manufactures dust collectors for shot blasters and surface preparation grinders. “Impacts’ product range together with extensive experience and knowledge in the surface preparation industry will add invaluable value to Von Arx,” Akermark says.

www.vonarx.com
www.impactsgmbh.com

Tyrolit teams up with Contec

Just a few months later, Tyrolit became majority owner of  German surface preparation equipment manufacturer Contec. In addition to shot blasting systems, Contec is also well known for its floor milling and stripping machines, grinders, and extraction systems. Andreas Sauerwein, a member of Tyrolit’s executive board, called the acquisition a ‘significant step forward’ in expanding the company’s presence in the area of floor grinding and surface preparation, offering even more comprehensive solutions to Tyrolit  customers. Contec’s previous owners remain actively involved in the company to ensure a seamless integration while also preserving the brand’s specialist expertise. 

Leading the now rebranded Tyrolit shot blasting line are the 7.5kW FBE200 and 15kW FBE350 machines. The smaller FBE200 and its five bladed blast wheel are designed to combine high productivity with low overall height and weight, while the FBE350 is a professional level system with a six bladed blast wheel designed for large areas and for very hard concrete floors or coatings. Weights for the FBE200 and FBE350 are 210kg and 440kg, respectively. Both machines come with a modular design, whilst their drive units enable an even and infinitely adjustable feed. 

www.tyrolit.com
www.contecgmbh.com

Husqvarna builds on Blastrac

Husqvarna’s presence in the shot blasting sector dates to late 2020 when the company acquired Blastrac and its specialised product portfolio. Now fully integrated under the Husqvarna brand, and combined with the company’s earlier acquisition of HTC, the line of shot blasters, steel blasters, and related dust collectors provides a solution for any surface preparation challenge. “We’re committed to support our customers all the way, before, during, and after their projects,” says Stijn Verherstraeten, Husqvarna senior vice president concrete surfaces and floors. “We have dedicated teams for surface preparation in our key markets and are continuously investing in internal and customer training programmes to enhance competence in removing, preparing and refining floors.” 

The range of walk behind shot blasting machines begins with the 7.9kW Husqvarna Blastrac 1-10DPS75. This has a 254mm working width suitable for medium to large sized surface preparation applications and designed for easy operation and transport. Next up is the 21.1kW Husqvarna Blastrac 2-20D, a professional heavy duty machine with a 559mm working width and equipped with a height adjusting system for easy transport. Topping the range is the 58.1kW Husqvarna Blastrac 2-48DS with a 1,219mm working width. With two powerful blast motors, Husqvarna says the 2-48DS is well suited for large heavy duty work and can be used on different surfaces like concrete, stone, asphalt and steel.  

www.husqvarnacontruction.com

NFC’s ‘Apex’ designed for peak efficiency

National Flooring Equipment asserts that its Apex series of shot blasters combines elements of traditional blasting with new innovations. The series begins with the A95, a compact and versatile machine that the company says is ideal for small to mid-size applications. The 1.12kW machine has a blasting width of 20cm and a blasting capacity of 40m2/h. A height adjustable handle provides built-in operator controls while front swivel casters increase manoeuvrability and control for a more uniform and consistent profile. 

The 20.3mm A96 has a blast capacity of up to 80m2/h. Weighing 159kg, the traditional rear moving design of the 4kW machine helps maintain even profiles, while the unique joystick control allows for more responsive handling. The machine’s reverse operation allows more control over positioning, direction, and line overlapping. Topping the Apex line is the 7.5kW, 25.4cm A97, with the capacity to cover up to 185m2/h. Its joystick control allows responsive and intuitive handling, while the machine’s slight leftward pitch allows for edging within 3.175mm of the wall. Each Apex model can be paired with a National Flooring Equipment dust collector to further maximize efficiency. A full range of accessories is also available.

www.nationalequipmentdirect.com