Prepared by the FEVI Technical Department | Published 17 September 2026
FEVI professional blasting machines are developed and selected starting from the application to be carried out, the characteristics of the surface and the actual working conditions. In abrasive blasting, it is not sufficient to select a machine solely according to its dimensions or the available pressure. The result depends on the balance between blasting machine, compressed air, abrasive, nozzle, extraction system and operating method. For this reason, FEVI offers different technologies: portable blasting machines, open blasting systems, recovery blasting machines, water-assisted machines, dry ice systems, microblasting machines, cabinets and industrial systems. To compare the main product families and available models directly, view the FEVI professional blasting machines.
From the application to the blasting-machine configuration
Choosing a professional blasting machine should start from the work that needs to be carried out.
Before selecting the machine and accessories, it is necessary to assess:
- surface material;
- residue, coating or contamination to be removed;
- size of the working area;
- frequency of operations;
- required finish;
- possibility of abrasive dispersion;
- environment in which the treatment is carried out;
- pressure and flow of the available compressed air.
Once these factors have been defined, it is possible to identify the most suitable technology and correctly size the complete system.
FEVI professional blasting technologies
Portable blasting machines: compactness and mobility
Portable blasting machines are suitable when the machine needs to be moved frequently or when it is necessary to reach the component or surface directly.
They are used in construction, maintenance, restoration, metal fabrication and numerous on-site operations.
Compactness and portability should not, however, be confused with exclusively occasional use: a portable blasting machine can be a fully professional machine when the vessel, components, nozzle and pneumatic supply are correctly sized.
Among FEVI solutions, SABIX 8 is an example of a compact system designed for professional and localised applications.
Open blasting machines for versatile applications
Open blasting machines project abrasive directly onto the surface and are used where removal capacity, versatility and the ability to work on surfaces of different sizes are required.
They can be configured with different nozzle diameters, operating pressures and abrasives according to the material and required result.
Open blasting is used in industry, construction, maintenance, restoration and the treatment of iron, steel, stone, concrete and wood.
Learn more: FEVI open blasting machines.
Recovery blasting machines: blasting and extraction in the same process
Recovery blasting machines allow a surface to be treated while simultaneously extracting the abrasive and dust generated during the process.
They are particularly useful where dispersion of material into the surrounding environment needs to be limited or where work is carried out in areas where open blasting would be difficult to manage.
Recovery technology can be used on metal surfaces, marble, granite, stone and many other localised applications.
FEVI offers different configurations in the Pressure range, sized according to operating autonomy, productivity and working conditions.
Learn more: FEVI recovery blasting machines.
Water-assisted blasting machines for dust reduction
Water-assisted blasting machines introduce water into the abrasive process to reduce the formation and dispersion of dust during treatment.
This technology can be particularly useful in construction, restoration, maintenance, marine applications and outdoor work.
The presence of water also changes the operating conditions and must therefore be assessed in relation to the surface and any subsequent treatments.
FEVI offers systems in the Water Blast range, developed to combine abrasive action with pre-dampening.
Learn more: FEVI water-assisted blasting machines.
Dry ice blasting machines: treatment without residual blasting medium
Dry ice blasting machines use solid CO₂ pellets accelerated by compressed air.
During the process, the dry ice sublimates and leaves no secondary residue from the treatment medium. This characteristic clearly distinguishes cryogenic technology from conventional abrasive blasting.
Applications include industrial maintenance, automotive, car detailing, moulds, machinery and components where residual abrasive could be undesirable.
FEVI offers the Sublima range, comprising different models sized according to the available airflow and the application.
Learn more: FEVI dry ice blasting machines.
Microblasting machines for precision applications
Microblasting machines are intended for applications where precision and control of the abrasive stream are particularly important.
They generally use small-diameter nozzles and fine abrasives, allowing treatment to be concentrated on limited areas.
They can be used in restoration, decoration, on small components and in numerous applications requiring a more controlled treatment.
FEVI Micro Blaster is a specific solution for this type of application.
Learn more: FEVI microblasting machines.
Standard and customised blasting cabinets
When components can be introduced into a working chamber, blasting cabinets allow the process to be contained and abrasive, dust and extraction to be managed within the system.
Cabinets can be manual, semi-automatic or automatic and can integrate:
- rotary tables;
- roller conveyors;
- trolleys;
- lifting systems;
- multiple blasting guns;
- vibrating screens;
- abrasive recovery and separation systems;
- handling systems developed around the component to be treated.
FEVI manufactures both standard configurations and customised blasting cabinets designed according to production requirements.
Learn more: FEVI blasting cabinets.
Industrial blasting machines and automatic systems
In industrial applications characterised by repetitive cycles, high operating continuity or components with particular geometries, it may be necessary to move from an individual machine to a complete blasting system.
In these cases, the design must consider:
- required productivity;
- component dimensions and weight;
- handling;
- number and arrangement of blasting guns;
- type of abrasive;
- material recovery;
- extraction;
- degree of automation;
- integration with the production cycle.
The solution can therefore include automatic cabinets, systems with roller conveyors, hooks, rotary tables, conveyors or configurations specifically designed for the process.
Technology is not just about pressure
One of the most common mistakes when assessing a blasting machine is to consider operating pressure as the main performance parameter.
In reality, machine behaviour depends on several interconnected factors.
Compressed-air flow
The amount of air available determines the nozzle diameter that can be used and directly affects working capacity.
Nozzle diameter and geometry
A larger nozzle allows a greater quantity of air and abrasive to be projected, but requires an appropriately sized compressor.
Abrasive
Particle size, hardness, density and shape of the material influence removal capacity and finish.
Abrasive metering
An excessive quantity does not necessarily mean greater productivity. The correct air-to-abrasive ratio is essential for an effective abrasive stream.
Hoses
Hose diameter, length and condition can generate pressure losses and alter the behaviour of the system.
The role of compressed air
A professional blasting machine can operate correctly only when the required quantity of air is available.
Knowing the nominal power of the compressor is not sufficient: the key parameter is the actual airflow available at the required operating pressure.
If the compressor is undersized, pressure can decrease during operation and significantly reduce machine performance.
Abrasives: a technical choice, not simply a consumable
The abrasive largely determines the behaviour of the blasting process.
Different abrasives can produce very different results on the same surface.
Materials that can be used, depending on the machine and application, include:
Selection must take into account the surface, required result, particle size compatible with the nozzle and the possibility of recovering and reusing the material.
Applications of FEVI professional blasting machines
Industry
Blasting machines can be used to prepare metal components, remove oxidation, paint and residues, and carry out maintenance operations.
Construction
In the construction sector, they are used on concrete, stone, brick, metal structures and many other surfaces.
Restoration
In restoration, pressure control, abrasive selection and the ability to accurately regulate the treatment are particularly important.
Iron and steel
Abrasive blasting is used to remove rust, oxidation and coatings and to prepare the material for subsequent treatments.
Wood
On wood, configurations appropriate for the hardness of the material and the required surface effect must be used.
Marble, granite and stone
In the stone sector, abrasive blasting is used for engraving, decoration, surface preparation and applications in memorial art.
Automotive
Frames, wheels, metal components and mechanical parts can be treated using different technologies according to the required result.
Marine applications
Applications include work on components and surfaces affected by coatings, oxidation or requiring subsequent protective treatments.
Innovation in FEVI blasting machines
Innovation does not simply mean increasing machine pressure or capacity.
The development of FEVI professional blasting machines focuses primarily on process control and adaptability.
Aspects considered include:
The objective is to configure the system according to the application rather than forcing the application to adapt to a standard machine.
Maintenance and operating continuity
Nozzles, hoses, fittings, valves and components through which abrasive passes are subject to wear.
Regular maintenance helps maintain more consistent performance and consumption and allows components requiring replacement to be identified promptly.
Compressed-air quality is also important: condensate and moisture can interfere with abrasive flow and cause irregular operation.
The availability of spare parts, accessories and technical support is therefore an integral part of selecting a professional machine.
The FEVI approach: from requirement to solution
FEVI approaches each application starting from the actual operating conditions.
The analysis includes the surface, material to be removed, required result, working environment and availability of compressed air.
The following are then assessed:
This approach makes it possible to identify a configuration consistent with the work to be carried out and avoids comparing machines solely on the basis of capacity or pressure.
SABIX 8: an example of a compact configuration
Among FEVI solutions, SABIX 8 is an example of a compact professional blasting machine intended for localised operations and applications where portability and process control are particularly important.
The machine has an 8-litre vessel and can be configured with different nozzles and abrasives according to the application.
It is not a universal solution: for larger surfaces, applications requiring abrasive recovery or continuous-duty operations, different technologies and models may be more appropriate.
This principle summarises the FEVI approach: choose the machine according to the application, rather than adapting the application to the machine.
Frequently asked questions about FEVI professional blasting machines
Which FEVI blasting machine should I choose?
It depends on the surface, material to be removed, size of the operation, working environment and available compressed air. The first choice therefore concerns the technology; the appropriate model can then be identified.
Can a portable blasting machine be used professionally?
Yes. A compact machine can be intended for professional use when it is correctly sized according to operating frequency, nozzle, abrasive and available airflow.
When should a recovery blasting machine be used?
When abrasive and dust dispersion need to be limited or when working on localised areas that cannot be transferred into a cabinet.
How do I choose between open blasting and recovery blasting?
Open blasting prioritises working capacity and versatility. Recovery blasting adds extraction and material management during treatment. The choice depends on the application and the working environment.
Can the compressor limit blasting-machine performance?
Yes. If the available airflow is lower than the amount required by the nozzle, pressure can decrease and reduce performance.
Can every abrasive be used with any blasting machine?
No. Abrasive particle size and characteristics must be compatible with the machine, metering system, nozzle and application.
Does FEVI also manufacture customised blasting machines?
For industrial applications, FEVI can develop customised cabinets and configurations according to component dimensions, handling requirements and the production cycle.
Discover FEVI professional blasting machines
Choosing a professional blasting machine starts from the application, not simply from the model.
FEVI offers solutions for portable applications, open blasting, recovery blasting, water-assisted blasting, dry ice blasting, microblasting, cabinets and industrial systems.
View the complete range to compare the available technologies and models:
