All About Clemco

The Complete Guide to Abrasive Blasting, Shot Peening, Surface Preparation, and Industrial Finishing Solutions

For more than 85 years, Clemco Industries has helped manufacturers, contractors, and industrial operators improve surfaces through innovative abrasive blasting, shot peening, and surface preparation solutions that enhance durability, reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term asset performance.

Founded in 1941, Clemco has grown into a global leader in surface preparation technology, serving aerospace, automotive, construction, defense, energy, manufacturing, marine, medical, transportation, and other industries worldwide.

Clemco delivers products, systems, training, and technical expertise that improve productivity, quality, safety, and performance. From protective coatings and infrastructure restoration to shot peening and automated blasting, Clemco helps customers achieve consistent, repeatable results across demanding industrial applications around the world.

What is Clemco Industries?

Clemco Industries manufactures abrasive blasting equipment, shot peening systems, blast cabinets, blast rooms, dust collection systems, operator safety equipment, and surface preparation technologies for customers worldwide. Clemco solutions help customers:

  • Remove rust and corrosion

  • Strip paint and coatings

  • Clean and prepare surfaces

  • Improve coating adhesion

  • Increase component durability

  • Enhance manufacturing quality

  • Extend asset life

  • Improve workplace safety

  • Increase productivity

  • Reduce operational costs

What is Surface Preparation?

Surface preparation is the process of cleaning, profiling, strengthening, or conditioning a surface before coating, assembly, inspection, or service.

Poorly prepared surfaces can lead to:

  • Premature coating failure

  • Corrosion

  • Increased maintenance costs

  • Safety concerns

  • Reduced equipment life

Properly prepared surfaces help ensure:

  • Improved coating adhesion

  • Enhanced corrosion protection

  • Longer service life

  • Reduced lifecycle costs

What is Abrasive Blasting?

Abrasive blasting uses compressed air or mechanical force to propel abrasive media against a surface, removing unwanted materials while creating the proper profile for coatings, finishes, bonding, or further manufacturing. Abrasive blasting is commonly used to:

  • Remove rust

  • Remove corrosion

  • Strip coatings

  • Clean weldments

  • Remove mill scale

  • Prepare surfaces for painting

  • Prepare surfaces for powder coating

  • Restore industrial equipment

  • Clean concrete and masonry

  • Improve coating performance

What is Shot Peening?

Shot peening improves the fatigue life and durability of metal components by impacting the surface with spherical media to create beneficial compressive stresses.

These compressive stresses help components resist:

  • Fatigue cracking

  • Stress corrosion cracking

  • Mechanical wear

  • Surface initiated failures

Shot peening is widely used in, but not limited too:

  • Aerospace manufacturing

  • Automotive production

  • Defense systems

  • Power generation

Automation

Automation is transforming abrasive blasting by delivering greater precision, consistency, and production efficiency across a wide range of surface preparation applications. Automated and robotic blasting systems reduce manual labor, improve repeatability, and maintain consistent blast quality while increasing throughput and lowering operating costs.

Applications include:

  • Aerospace components

  • Defense and Military equipment

  • Firearm components and assemblies

Key benefits include:

  • Consistent, repeatable blasting results

  • Lower operating and production costs

  • Enhanced operator safety

Blast Machines / Blast Pots

Blast machines, often called blasting pots, are the heart of many abrasive blasting operations. Clemco blast machines are designed to deliver consistent abrasive flow, reliable performance, and long service life across demanding industrial environments.

Applications include:

  • Structural steel preparation

  • Corrosion removal

  • Pipeline maintenance

  • Bridge restoration

Key benefits include:

  • Durable construction

  • Consistent media flow

  • Improved productivity

  • Reduced downtime

Blast Cabinets

Blast cabinets provide enclosed environments for precision abrasive blasting, containing dust while reclaiming abrasive media.

Common uses include:

  • Cleaning components

  • Deburring parts

  • Surface finishing

  • Coating preparation

  • Restoration work

Benefits include:

  • Improved cleanliness

  • Media recycling

  • Process consistency

  • Operator safety

Blast Rooms

Blast rooms provide large-scale surface preparation environments for oversized workpieces and high-volume production operations. Designed for maximum flexibility, these systems accommodate a wide range of part sizes while providing efficient abrasive blasting, dust containment, and media recovery. Blast rooms help improve productivity, coating quality, operator safety, reduce operating costs, and process consistency across demanding industrial applications.

Blast rooms support high volume operations across numerous industries.

These engineered systems often include:

  • Media recovery systems

  • Dust collection systems

  • Ventilation systems

  • Operator safety systems

  • Material handling solutions

Dust Collection Systems

Dust collection is critical for blasting productivity, visibility, environmental performance, and worker safety. Effective dust collection systems help maintain clean work environments, improve air quality, extend equipment life, and support consistent blasting operations. By capturing airborne dust and contaminants at the source, these systems improve operator comfort, reduce maintenance requirements, enhance process efficiency, and help facilities meet regulatory and environmental standards.

Clemco dust collection systems help:

  • Improve visibility

  • Enhance air quality

  • Reduce cleanup time

  • Improve operational efficiency

  • Support regulatory compliance

  • Extend equipment life

Operator Safety Equipment

Worker protection remains a critical element of every blasting operation. Proper personal protective equipment, clean breathing air, effective dust collection, and operator training help reduce exposure, improve safety, and support regulatory compliance in demanding industrial environments.

Clemco safety solutions include:

  • Blast helmets

  • Respiratory protection systems

  • Breathing air systems

  • Protective clothing

  • Safety accessories

These systems help create safer work environments while supporting productivity. By improving process control and operational consistency, they help maximize long-term performance and reliability.

Why Companies Choose Clemco

For more than eight decades, Clemco has helped organizations improve manufacturing quality, protect valuable assets, strengthen critical components, and create safer workplaces.

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Organizations around the world trust Clemco because of its commitment to:

  • Quality

  • Innovation

  • Reliability

  • Safety

  • Technical expertise

  • Global support

  • Customer success

  • Continuous improvement

Industries We Serve …

Aerospace

Aerospace manufacturers utilize Clemco blasting and shot peening solutions to improve component reliability, fatigue life, and performance.

Applications include aircraft structures, landing gear, engine components, turbine blades, aerospace fasteners, maintenance operations, structural assemblies, precision-machined parts, and critical aerospace components.

Products Commonly Used

  • Shot peening systems

  • Blast cabinets

  • Precision blast nozzles

  • Dust collection systems

  • Respiratory protection systems

Automotive

Automotive manufacturers use Clemco solutions to clean, prepare, strengthen, and finish components throughout the production process, improving quality, consistency, and efficiency.

Applications include engines, transmissions, suspension systems, frames, coating preparation, and automotive components.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast cabinets

  • Automated blasting systems

  • Shot peening equipment

  • Dust collectors

  • Abrasive recovery systems

  • Precision blast nozzles

Construction

Construction companies use Clemco solutions to prepare structural steel, concrete, and fabricated components for protective coatings, corrosion control, restoration, and long-term durability. From new construction, bridge fabrication, and infrastructure rehabilitation to industrial projects, Clemco helps improve coating adhesion, surface quality, productivity, and project performance.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast machines

  • Blast nozzles

  • Dust collection systems

  • Blast pots

  • Safety equipment

Defense

Defense organizations rely on Clemco solutions to support mission-critical manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and refurbishment operations. From military vehicles and aircraft to naval vessels, weapons systems, and defense infrastructure, Clemco helps improve surface preparation, coating performance, equipment reliability, and long-term durability in demanding environments.

Products Commonly Used

  • Shot peening systems

  • Blast cabinets

  • Blast machines

  • Dust collectors

  • PPE systems

Firearms

Firearms manufacturers depend on precision blasting processes to improve coating adhesion, appearance, durability, and product consistency. These controlled processes help remove surface contaminants, prepare critical components for finishing, and deliver repeatable, high-quality results throughout production while improving manufacturing efficiency and performance.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast cabinets

  • Fine media blasting systems

  • Precision nozzles

  • Dust collection systems

  • Operator safety equipment

General Fabrication

Fabricators rely on surface preparation to improve weld quality, coating performance, finished product appearance, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. Proper surface preparation also helps reduce rework, improve manufacturing efficiency, support quality control, and deliver consistent, repeatable results across a wide range of fabricated components and assemblies.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast cabinets

  • Blast machines

  • Dust collectors

  • Blast nozzles

  • PPE systems

Heavy Equipment

Construction, mining, agricultural, and industrial equipment manufacturers use Clemco solutions to prepare and protect large fabricated components throughout the production process. These solutions improve coating adhesion, corrosion resistance, durability, product quality, manufacturing consistency, and equipment performance in demanding operating environments.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast rooms

  • Blast machines

  • Dust collectors

  • Recovery systems

  • Remote controls

Infrastructure

Infrastructure owners and contractors rely on surface preparation to preserve critical public assets, extend service life, improve coating performance, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and ensure reliable performance across demanding environmental conditions.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast machines

  • Blast rooms

  • Dust collectors

  • Moisture separators

  • Blast hoses and couplings

Applications include bridges, tanks, transportation systems, and public utility structures.

Manufacturing

Manufacturers across numerous industries depend on surface preparation to improve quality, productivity, coating performance, process consistency, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency. Proper surface preparation helps reduce rework, minimize downtime, extend component life, improve coating adhesion, and deliver consistent results throughout manufacturing.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast cabinets

  • Blast machines

  • Dust collectors

  • Blast nozzles

  • PPE systems

Medical

Medical device manufacturers require precision finishing processes that meet demanding quality standards while supporting cleanliness, consistency, regulatory compliance, and reliable product performance. Applications include surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, medical components, diagnostic equipment, and precision-machined parts.

Products Commonly Used

  • Precision blast cabinets

  • Fine abrasive systems

  • Dust collection systems

  • Specialty nozzles

  • Clean air systems

Oil and Gas

Energy producers and contractors use Clemco solutions for corrosion control, asset protection, and surface preparation across critical infrastructure. Applications include pipelines, storage tanks, refineries, power generation facilities, offshore platforms, and demanding energy environments.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast machines

  • Blast rooms

  • Dust collectors

  • Breathing air systems

  • Remote controls

Applications include pipelines, storage tanks, offshore platforms, refineries, and pressure vessels.

Power Generation

Power generation facilities depend on surface preparation to protect and maintain critical infrastructure. Surface preparation improves coating performance, reduces corrosion, and supports long-term reliability.

Applications include turbines, boilers, generators, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, structural steel, piping, tanks, and balance-of-plant equipment.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast machines

  • Blast cabinets

  • Dust collectors

  • Shot peening equipment

  • PPE systems

Rail and Transportation

Rail operators and transportation manufacturers use surface preparation to maintain and protect critical assets. These processes help improve coating adhesion, reduce corrosion, extend equipment service life, and support safe, reliable transportation infrastructure.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast rooms

  • Blast cabinets

  • Blast machines

  • Dust collectors

  • Recovery systems

Recreational Sports

Clemco empowers recreational sports manufacturers with precision blasting solutions engineered for performance, consistency, and scale. From bicycles and fitness equipment to sporting goods, our systems improve surface quality, coating adhesion, productivity, and repeatable results.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast Cabinets

  • Blast Rooms

  • Automation

  • Blast Machines

Applications include Watercraft, ATV’s, Motorcross, Motorsports.

Shipbuilding and Marine

Marine environments demand aggressive corrosion protection and maintenance. Surface preparation extends asset life, improves coating performance, and reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Products Commonly Used

  • Blast rooms

  • Blast machines

  • Dust collection systems

  • Recovery systems

  • Breathing air systems

Applications include ship hulls, ballast tanks, offshore structures, and dry dock maintenance.

Clemco University

Clemco University provides industry leading education and training focused on abrasive blasting, shot peening, safety, equipment operation, and process optimization.

Training programs help participants:

  • Improve operational performance

  • Increase productivity

  • Enhance safety awareness

  • Reduce downtime

  • Develop technical expertise

Clemco University serves distributors, customers, employees, and industry professionals seeking to improve their understanding of surface preparation technologies.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Clemco

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

Have More Questions?

  • Clemco's global distributor network allows customers to receive localized support from trained professionals who understand their industries, applications, and operational challenges. This approach helps ensure customers receive the right equipment, technical guidance, aftermarket support, and training needed to maximize performance and productivity throughout the life of their investment.

  • Clemco serves aerospace, automotive, construction, defense, energy, firearms, heavy equipment, infrastructure, manufacturing, marine, medical, rail, transportation, and fabrication industries.

  • Clemco was founded in 1949 and has been a leader in surface preparation technology for more than 75 years.

  • Item descClemco primarily serves customers through a global network of authorized distributors and channel partners. This distributor network provides local product expertise, application support, equipment recommendations, technical service, training, replacement parts, and customer support. By working through authorized distributors, customers gain access to knowledgeable professionals who understand regional market requirements and can help identify the right abrasive blasting, shot peening, surface preparation, and industrial finishing solutions for their specific applications.ription

  • Item descripClemco products are available through authorized distributors located throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Customers can use the Clemco distributor locator to find a local distributor that can provide product recommendations, quotations, technical assistance, parts, service, and training.tion

  • Item desClemco's global distributor network allows customers to receive localized support from trained professionals who understand their industries, applications, and operational challenges. This approach helps ensure customers receive the right equipment, technical guidance, aftermarket support, and training needed to maximize performance and productivity throughout the life of their investment.cription

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The Clemco Difference

Every bridge protected from corrosion, every aircraft component strengthened through shot peening, every manufacturing line producing higher quality products, and every industrial asset prepared for long term performance begins with a properly prepared surface.

Clemco Industries helps make those outcomes possible through world class abrasive blasting, shot peening, surface preparation, and industrial finishing solutions.

By combining innovative products, technical expertise, global support, and a commitment to helping customers succeed, Clemco continues to fulfill its vision of being at the beginning of all things amazing while transforming surfaces and transforming our world.

Clemco logo with tagline, Transforming Our World