Interview with Pedro Barbosa, ambassador for technical excellence in shot blasting

In a sector where equipment performance directly determines part quality and operational profitability, the commitment to technical expertise and customer service remains essential.

During a webinar co-hosted with our Colombian partner Skillchem, Pedro Barbosa, WCare Supervisor at Winoa Brazil, shared field-based insights drawn from over 16 years of experience in shot blasting and shot peening technologies.

In this interview, Pedro reflects on the key takeaways from the webinar, shares his recommendations to optimize blasting operations, and offers his perspective on the role of services in industrial support.

Step inside Winoa’s Tech Center in Brazil with Pedro Barbosa as your guide

Meet Pedro Barbosa, expert in shot blasting

Question: Can you introduce yourself and your role at Winoa Brazil?

Pedro Barbosa: My name is Pedro Barbosa, and I lead technical services at Winoa Brazil. I oversee strategic service projects, commercial engineering, and technical support across the South American market. With more than 16 years of experience in industrial equipment, including 12 years dedicated to shot blasting and shot peening machinery, I now focus on supporting our customers through W Care, our technical services platform. The goal is simple: combining field expertise with process knowledge to deliver real value on industrial sites.

Question: You recently participated in a webinar with Skillchem. What is the relationship between Winoa Brazil and this partner?

Pedro Barbosa: Yes, I was invited by Skillchem to speak in their webinar series dedicated to surface preparation. Our partnership is based on technical collaboration. Skillchem provides commercial opportunities and auxiliary products in Colombia, while Winoa contributes its expertise in shot blasting operations. Together, we help clients optimize the interaction between abrasive media and other surface preparation stages, aiming for more consistent and sustainable results.

Valuing technique through experience

Question: Which part of the session did you feel brought the most practical value for attendees?

Pedro Barbosa: The most impactful moment was when we analyzed real-life case studies: situations where the process failed, and how those issues were corrected. Explaining how poor abrasive selection or insufficient equipment maintenance can directly affect surface quality and productivity helped participants connect theory to the real challenges they face every day.

Discover our case studies

Question: What tools, techniques, or topics introduced during the session particularly stood out to attendees?

Pedro Barbosa: We presented diagnostic methods to evaluate abrasive cleanliness, contamination by fines or oxides, and how this affects downstream processes like painting. What really surprised participants was the direct link between the condition of the abrasive and equipment efficiency. Many didn’t expect such strong interdependence.

Shot blasting: balancing best practices and everyday challenges

Question: What are the key best practices in the use of shot blasting equipment that you shared during the seminar?

Pedro Barbosa: I emphasized the importance of regularly inspecting ventilation and dust collection systems, maintaining proper abrasive flow, and ensuring a consistent curtain. Beyond the technical aspects, I also shared a simple yet very effective approach: involving operators in daily checklists. This kind of routine helps improve equipment reliability and allows teams to gradually shift from reactive to preventive maintenance.

Download our daily & weekly shotblast machine checklist

Download our daily & monthly airblast maintenance checklist

Question: What were the most common concerns or challenges raised by participants during the event?

Pedro Barbosa: Many questions focused on how to balance the operating mix with quality standards, especially when it comes to abrasive consumption versus cleanliness. Another topic that sparked a lot of discussion was the risk of fire caused by the accumulation of metallic dust. Poor airflow in enclosed blasting cabinets can significantly increase this hazard.

From webinar to action

Question: What would you recommend as the next steps for participants who want to go deeper after the webinar?

Pedro Barbosa: I encourage them to request a technical assessment of their current blasting system, from abrasive recycling to dust extraction and operator training. Winoa is ready to support each site with audits, training sessions, and customized solutions through our W Care program. Keeping an active dialogue with suppliers like Skillchem and Winoa is also a way to stay one step ahead when it comes to performance and safety.

In summary, this session demonstrated that mastering shot blasting equipment comes down to simple habits, regular checks, and attention to detail. By sharing his best practices and opening the conversation, Pedro Barbosa perfectly embodies Winoa’s approach: field-driven, customer-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

We sincerely thank Pedro for his dedication, his clarity, and his strong commitment to knowledge sharing.