Matching Nozzle Size and Grit Size

Question: I would like to know if there is a standard for matching Nozzle opening size to media size. I am just starting out and I am not sure what size media I can use with my sand blaster. The literature on the blaster doesn't say. Can you help?

Response: Generally, the nozzle size you use should be at least 3-4 times the diameter of the grit size.

{If the grit is still getting stuck in the nozzle, try reducing the blasting pressure (psi) and making sure there is no moisture in the system.}

Mass Finishing Basics (Part 4)

The art of mass finishing really shows itself when trying to select a tumbling media. Media is the material ('stones') that parts are tumbled with in either a vibe or barrel tumbler. The types of media available are as varied as the parts that can be tumbled in a mass finishing process.

Ceramic Media is available in bonds or formulations that range from super aggressive, cutting to non-abrasive polishing. The most popular preformed shapes are triangles, cylinders and variations of these shapes. Ceramic media is typically used with hard metals such as steel. Softer metals such as aluminum can be tumbled with ceramic media but care should be taken so the process is not too aggressive. Precision Media is a high density version for specialty applications.

Plastic Media and Synthetic Media have a lower density and are thus less aggressive than ceramic media. These media are typically used with aluminum, copper, brass and other soft metals. Popular preformed shapes include cones, pyramids and wedges.

Steel Media is used primarily for polishing and burnishing operations in barrel tumblers. Some vibes can be set-up to handle the weight of the steel media which is 3-5 times as heavy as the other preformed shapes.

Other types of tumbling media include Hardwood Media (dry tumbling of wood and some plastic parts), Aluminum Oxide (surface finishing and etching), Walnut Shell (burnishing) and Corn Cob (burnishing) as well as many other specialty media.

Choosing the proper type, size, shape and bond is critical to making sure that the required finishing is achieved. Common problems include excessive media wear, poor and/or inconsistent surface finish, too much (or too little) edge rounding and media 'jamming'.