Don't Make This Mistake: How to Spot if Your Blast Pot is Real or Fake
When it comes to dustless blasting, your equipment is everything. Your blast pot is the heart of the operation, responsible for delivering a consistent and powerful stream of abrasive material under high pressure. However, not all blast pots are created equal. While you may be tempted to save a few bucks on a cheaper option, purchasing a counterfeit or low-quality blast pot can lead to serious safety issues, poor performance, and higher long-term costs.
The good news? With a little know-how, you can easily spot the difference between a genuine, top-of-the-line blast pot and one that’s been cheaply made with subpar materials. Let’s walk through what to look for and how to tell if you’re about to invest in a counterfeit or fake Dustless Blasting pot.
Safety & Quality Start at the Source
When it comes to building a safe, reliable, and long-lasting blast pot, quality starts at the source. Our blast pots are made with locally sourced materials right here in the USA, at our Houston, TX facility. By keeping production local, we maintain strict quality control standards, ensuring that every pot we build meets the highest industry standards for safety, durability, and performance.
While you might come across cheaper knockoffs on the market, be cautious—these lower-priced options rarely match the quality and craftsmanship of a properly manufactured pot. Often made with subpar materials and lacking the proper ASME, CRN, PED, and CE industry certifications, these counterfeit pressure pots are more likely to fail under pressure, leading to potentially life-threatening safety hazards and costly repairs down the line.
Additionally, many resellers of these cheap blast pots end up listing them on used marketplace websites like Facebook Marketplace or putting them up for auction. While these platforms may seem like an opportunity to snag a good deal, purchasing from these sources comes with significant risks. And if you do come across a verified dustless blaster on these resale sites, you may find yourself with a product that’s worn down or poorly maintained.
To avoid the headache of dealing with subpar equipment and potential safety issues, it’s always best to buy your blast pot directly from our facility—either new or used. A good rule of thumb is: if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Spot the Difference: Visual Cues
You can easily avoid a fake blast pot by steering clear of third party sellers or websites. However, if you do come across a reseller claiming to offer a Dustless Blasting pot, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. At first glance, some counterfeit or cheap blast pots may seem fine, especially when they're painted green—a color often associated with our brand. But, as with any product, appearances can be deceiving. Upon closer inspection, you'll begin to notice subtle yet crucial red flags.
The MMLJ Plate
One of the first things to check is the MMLJ plate. Our genuine pots come with a clear, engraved MMLJ plate that’s difficult to fake. It should be durable, firmly attached, and easy to read.
This is very important: If the plate is missing, illegible, or poorly attached, it’s a strong indication that the pot isn’t up to par. Be sure to ask for a picture of this plate on the machine before buying a blast pot from online resellers. Then, feel free to call us to verify the serial number on the plate originated from our manufacturing facility.
The Pressure Gauge / Other Markings
A counterfeit or cheap pot often features low-quality gauges with inconsistent markings or cheap materials. In a properly manufactured pot, the pressure gauge should be of high quality, accurate, and properly calibrated. Be wary of pots with gauges that feel flimsy, too small, or improperly fitted. We've also seen examples of pressure gauges and other markings on the pot printed in a foreign language. Our pots are made in the USA, so all of the markings, including the pressure gauge, are clearly labeled in English, with precise measurements and calibrations that comply with industry standards.
The Logo
A fake pot may try to mimic the look of our logo, but it will rarely match the quality and precision of the original. Look for signs of poor printing, faded or smudged logos, or incorrect font styles. A genuine pot’s logo will always feature our "Dustless Blasting" brand name and be sharp, clear, and properly aligned. You should note that this could be easily replicated by counterfeit pot makers, so it isn't the #1 sign a machine is fake, but it can definitely be a clear giveaway.
Build Quality
When it comes to blast pots, you can’t afford to skimp on build quality. A cheap, counterfeit pot may look okay on the outside but will fall apart under pressure, both literally and figuratively. Here’s how to identify subpar build quality:
Low-Quality Welds
Welds are the backbone of a blast pot’s structure. If you see inconsistent or poor-quality welds—such as spattering, rough edges, or weak-looking joints—this is a major warning sign. High-quality pots are welded with precision to ensure durability and to handle the high pressure and abrasive forces they endure. Poor welding can result in leaks, pressure loss, or even catastrophic failures during operation.
Electrical Tape Filling Hose Gaps
A red flag when inspecting a blast pot is the use of electrical tape around filling hoses or other components. Real, quality dustless blasting pots will use high-quality, purpose-built fittings and seals. If you notice electrical tape or makeshift solutions holding things together, this is a sign of a pot that's not built to last or operate safely.
Performance Under Pressure
A blast pot is only as good as its ability to perform safely under pressure. Low-quality or counterfeit pots are far more likely to fail under the demands of daily use. We don’t recommend pressurizing a fake blast pot, but if you do, you might experience inconsistent blast streams, fluctuating pressure, or sputtering—clear signs that the pot is struggling to perform. These issues not only reduce efficiency but also create dangerous situations, putting both your equipment and personal safety at risk.
Certified for Safety
Our machines are built with certified, high-quality, locally sourced materials that are designed to stand the test of time. Each blast pot comes with a unique serial number, allowing you to track its history and verify that it was built to the highest standards. We take pride in the fact that all of our pots are thoroughly tested and rated for ASME, PED, and CE compliance, ensuring they meet or exceed industry safety standards for performance under pressure. Never take the risk with a pressurized vessel that is not certified to these industry standards. The manufacturer should be able to provide this paperwork—it's crucial for your safety and peace of mind.
The True Cost: Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
While a cheap pot may seem like a bargain upfront, the truth is, it’s almost always more expensive in the long run. Counterfeit or poorly made pots often break down faster, have higher maintenance costs, and are more likely to result in unsafe conditions. Worse still, they may not even pass safety inspections, leading to fines or accidents. Your safety, your productivity, and your bottom line all depend on the quality of the equipment you use. Don’t compromise on the foundation of your business.
Help Us Help You
When you buy a genuine dustless blasting pot from us, you're not just purchasing equipment—you're investing in our lifetime support. From troubleshooting to offering advice on maintenance, we’re here to help you at every stage of your blasting journey. A cheap knockoff won’t offer this level of service—if it even offers service at all. However, it’s important to note that there are limitations to our support for counterfeit pots. While we can help with issues like replacing blast hoses or other simple parts, we aren’t able to sell or service specific weld-on components and are unable to advise on pot settings or blast operations.
Our Commitment
At the end of the day, a Dustless Blasting pot is an investment. But it's one that will pay off if you make the right choice. We’re committed to providing you with the highest-quality equipment, backed by unbeatable customer service and a lifetime warranty. We don’t just sell you a pot and walk away—we’re with you for the long haul, supporting you in every way we can.
When in doubt, give our team a call before buying a used machine or a pot from a marketplace. We’re happy to verify the serial number for you to make sure you’re getting a legit, high-quality pot. We believe in what we build, and we’re confident you’ll see the difference when you invest in a genuine, certified Dustless Blasting pot.
Stay safe, stay efficient, and don’t settle for anything less than the best.
