Dry Ice Blasting Nozzles Explained: Optimizing Control with the Commando® 40 Pro System

Nu-Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting is a dry, non-conductive, and non-abrasive cleaning method. It propels solid CO₂ pellets through a pressurized air stream, where they strike a surface and sublimate, lifting away contaminants without leaving any residue or moisture. This approach avoids the use of water, solvents, or grit and is frequently used for delicate equipment, food processing surfaces, or electronics. Systems like the Commando® 40 Pro are especially useful in mobile or smaller-site applications, where consistent cleaning force is needed without the space requirements or air volume demands of larger machines like the Commando® 55.
A Nu-Ice™ Commando® 40 Pro Dry Ice Blaster system is composed of a few essential parts: a dry ice hopper, an air compressor, a pellet metering system, and a blast hose and nozzle. The unit features a front-facing control panel, compact design, and a durable wheeled chassis built for industrial mobility. It includes an LED-lit blast gun with a safety lever for operator control and supports interchangeable nozzles for task-specific precision. Though smaller than its Commando® 55 counterpart, the 40 Pro maintains consistent pellet flow and controlled blast output. When paired with the appropriate air filtration units, it delivers reliable cleaning performance across a range of maintenance settings.
Nozzles determine the behavior of the air and CO₂ pellet stream as it leaves the blasting gun. Different nozzle shapes and internal geometries affect impact area, spread, and cleaning force. For example, fan nozzles disperse pellets over wider surfaces, while straight-bore nozzles deliver concentrated streams for spot cleaning. The Commando® 40 Pro supports a range of nozzles that can be swapped quickly to adapt to surface conditions. Operators can select narrower tips for precision tasks—such as electronics or mold cavities—and broader nozzles for cleaning large mechanical components or flat surfaces without damaging substrates.
The Commando® 40 Pro includes an integrated blast gun with a pistol-style grip designed for ergonomic handling. The gun incorporates a bright LED light to help operators target surfaces in poorly lit areas, such as behind equipment or in ceiling-mounted applications. A built-in safety lock prevents accidental discharge, improving operator control during use. This ergonomic design reduces fatigue during long cleaning cycles and makes it easier to perform controlled surface passes. When paired with lightweight hoses and quick-change nozzles, the gun design contributes to operational safety and precision in a variety of job site conditions.
Clean, dry air is critical for efficient dry ice blasting. Moisture in the air supply can cause ice clumping, pellet degradation, and inconsistent blast force. The Commando® 40 Pro is commonly paired with Nu-Ice Command Air® aftercoolers and moisture separators to regulate humidity and temperature before the air enters the system. These units help prevent clogs and preserve pellet quality throughout the blasting cycle. The 40 Pro is engineered for lower CFM thresholds (compared to the 55), making it compatible with more accessible compressors while still providing the pressure needed for industrial-grade cleaning.
The Commando® 40 Pro is used in manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage processing, fire and smoke restoration, and automotive maintenance. Its mid-sized footprint allows it to operate in confined spaces such as production lines, commercial kitchens, or storage facilities without compromising blast strength. It’s ideal for removing grease, adhesives, soot, or fine dust from mechanical and sensitive surfaces alike. Because it doesn’t use water or chemicals, the 40 Pro is especially beneficial in regulated environments where contamination and moisture are concerns. The system’s portability and compatibility with multiple nozzle types support flexible deployment across industries.
Choosing the right nozzle and compatible dry ice blasting accessories depends on surface sensitivity, desired blast area, and contaminant type. Operators using the Commando® 40 Pro benefit from modular nozzle designs that can be interchanged quickly during a cleaning session. For carbon buildup, narrower nozzles offer more focused removal; for general residue or soot, wider fan nozzles offer broader coverage. Operators must also consider airflow and pressure settings when selecting nozzles, as overly narrow tips on low CFM setups can reduce effectiveness. Matching nozzle type to task helps reduce blast time, protect equipment, and extend the useful life of both machine and components.
Nu-Ice Age, Inc. manufactures all of its dry ice blasting equipment—including the Commando® 40 Pro—in the United States, with a focus on mechanical reliability, operator safety, and field adaptability. The company emphasizes hands-on operator control rather than automation, which allows users to tailor cleaning techniques to specific maintenance goals. Equipment does not function autonomously and requires setup, supervision, and safe handling of dry ice and compressed air. Continued development focuses on accessory compatibility, consistent pellet delivery, and integration with standard industrial air systems, making the 40 Pro a flexible platform for modern cleaning needs.
Brent Cooper
Nu-Ice Blasting
+1 517-990-0665
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.