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Wet blasting machines: manual and automatic
A wet blasting machine mixes water and abrasive media into a slurry and uses compressed air to project it onto a component, cleaning, degreasing and finishing it in one pass without dust. Vapormatt builds manual cabinets for flexible, hands-on work and automatic systems for high-volume, repeatable production. Designed and built in Somerset, UK, since 1978, with over 2,000 Vapormatt machines sold in more than 50 countries.
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We offer the largest range of manual and automatic wet blasting machines so you can perfectly match the process to your components, volumes and budgets. Our manual machines give operators hands-on control, clear visibility and the flexibility to handle varied components and frequent changeovers.
When you need higher throughput and maximum repeatability, our automatic wet blasting machines take our proven wet blasting technology into fully automatic production solutions. From carousel and indexing systems to in-line, robotic solutions with integrated rinsing and drying, our automatic range delivers consistent, traceable finishes with minimal operator input.
Our ranges of automatic and manual wet blasting machines and how to buy one
Automatic wet blasting machines
Our range of automatic wet blasting machines for higher throughput and maximum uniformity, repeatability and productivity.
Manual wet blasting machines
Our range of manual wet blasting machines for hands-on control, clear visibility and the flexibility to handle varied components.
How to buy a wet blasting machine
Find out how to identify and purchase the right wet blasting machine for your needs.
Machines for wet shot peening
Explore our range of wet blasting machines suited to wet shot peening.
Machines for cutting tools
Explore our range of wet blasting machines suited to cutting tool edge honing and preparation for coating.
Machines for aircraft wheels and brakes
Explore our wet blasting machines for preparing aircraft wheels and brakes for NDT.
The Vapormatt range at a glance
| Machine | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Vapormate | Manual | R&D, process trials and small components |
| Puma | Manual | Everyday finishing of medium-sized components |
| PumaXL | Manual | Large or heavy parts, 1.10m (43") turntable rated to 250kg (551lb) |
| Sumps | Manual | Parts too big for a cabinet but too small for a blast room |
| Puma+ | Automatic | Compact automation for smaller component runs and solid tools |
| Cougar+ | Automatic | Long production runs, highly configurable (32 options) |
| Profelis | Automatic | In-line wire, cable, strip and bandsaw blades, 0.1–54mm |
| Oncilla | Automatic | Solid carbide round shank tools: cleaning, edge honing, coating prep |
| Sabre | Automatic | Five-axis CNC cell for high-value, complex geometries |
| Leopard | Automatic | Large aerospace peening and cleaning to AMS 2432 |
| Leopard Cub | Automatic | AMS 2432 aerospace peening and cleaning for smaller components |
| Lion Rotary | Automatic | Blast, rinse and dry of large components in a continuous cycle |
| Jaguar | Automatic | Higher-throughput insert finishing with shuttle trolley |
| Tiger | Automatic | High-volume in-line carbide insert edge preparation |
| Tiger+ | Automatic | Insert edge prep and coating prep in one continuous line |
FAQs
Which Vapormatt wet blasting machine is right for my components?
It depends on part size, production volume and process. For R&D and small parts, the manual Vapormate is the usual choice; for everyday finishing of medium-sized parts, the Puma; and for large or heavy parts, the PumaXL or a sump. For automated production, most businesses start with the Puma+ or Cougar+. The Leopard and Leopard Cub are built for AMS 2432 aerospace peening and cleaning. The Tiger, Tiger+, Jaguar and Oncilla are dedicated to cutting tools, the Profelis to continuous wire, cable, strip and bandsaw blades, and the Sabre to high-value parts with complex geometries.
Should I choose a manual or automatic wet blasting machine?
Manual machines suit lower volumes, varied parts and frequent changeovers. Automatic machines suit repeat parts at higher volumes, where consistent, logged results matter. Many customers decide after a sample trial.
How much does a wet blasting machine cost?
Price depends on the level of automation, cabinet size, number of blast guns, part handling, rinsing and drying, and options. Manual cabinets have the lowest capital cost. Automatic systems cost more but lower the cost per part at volume, and running costs such as energy, air and media use matter as much as the purchase price.
Request a quote based on your parts or read our wet blasting machine costs and buying guide.
Can I test my parts before buying?
Yes. Send us sample components and we'll process them at our R&D Centre and share the results with you. Tell us the material, your current process and the finish you need.
What happens after I ask for a recommendation?
A specialist reviews your components, production mix, target finish and timeline, then recommends a machine with an indicative budget. Where needed, we process your sample parts to prove the result and help you build the business case. We then confirm the specification and quotation in writing.
Do you supply and support customers outside the UK?
Yes. Around 80% of our machines are sold outside the UK, and we support customers in more than 50 countries. Send us your enquiry and we'll respond directly or connect you with your local Vapormatt partner for sales, parts and service, backed by our engineering team in the UK.
Is a vapor blasting machine the same as a wet blasting machine?
Yes. Vapor blasting machine and wet blasting machine are two names for the same equipment. "Vapor blasting" is the term used most often in North America, while "wet blasting" is more common in the UK and Europe.
What are the other names for a wet blasting machine?
Depending on region, industry and application, a wet blasting machine may also be called a vapor blasting machine, vapour blasting machine, aqua blasting machine, vapor honing machine, liquid honing machine, hydro abrasive blasting machine, wet abrasive blasting machine or slurry blasting machine. All of these names describe the same equipment: a machine that mixes water and abrasive media into a slurry and uses compressed air to project it onto a component.