Steel shot blasting is the most widely used process for cleaning, stripping and improving a metal surface. The grade or size of steel shot will determine the ultimate finish achieved on the surface of the metal. The round ball shape of the steel shot produces a clean, smooth and polished surface through a peening action created by the acceleration of the shot. In a peening application, steel shot is also used to impart compressive strength to torque or load bearing metal parts such as crankshafts, engine turbine blades and heavy-duty springs.
Sizes for Different Applications
Smaller steel shot will result in a smoother and more polished surface. Larger shot will clean more aggressively but produce a rougher surface. Both air powered and wheel blast systems can be used to accelerate the steel shot onto the surface of the part. Due to the hardness and density of steel shot, it can be recycled as much as 3000 times before replacement. Since steel shot does not use an abrasive process, a minimal amount of dust is created in the blasting process.
Grades, Sizes, Finishes and Applications
Shot Grade |
Approximate |
Finish |
Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-70 | 0.007" | Fine, smooth shot finish. Excellent coverage. | Blasting of relatively small ferrous and non-ferrous castings. Removal of light scale from foreign and heat treated parts. Blasting of machined parts. Removal of mill scale, rust and other deposits. |
| S-110 | 0.011" | ||
| S-170 | 0.017" | ||
| S-230 | 0.023" | Medium, light shot finish. Good coverage. | Blasting of grey iron, malleable iron, light steel castings, medium forgings, heat-treated parts and heavy mill scale - rust and other deposits. |
| S-280 | 0.028" | ||
| S-330 | 0.033" | ||
| S-390 | 0.039" | Average to heavy shot finish. Average coverage. | Blasting of steel, heavy malleable iron and grey iron castings. Removal of scale from large billets, slabs - rust and other deposits. |
| S-460 | 0.046" | ||
| S-550 | 0.055" | ||
| S-660 | 0.066" | Rough coverage. Adequate for most applications. | Heavy steel castings. Removal of tough, heavy scale. |
| S-780 | 0.078" |
Specifications
Size |
All material is screened to meet or exceed SAE and SFS specifications. | |
|---|---|---|
Chemistry |
Carbon: 0.80 - 1.20% Sulfur: < 0.05% Phosphorous: < 0.05% |
|
Minimum |
7.0 g/cc (430 lbs/ft3) | |
Bulk |
230 - 260 lbs/ft3 | |
Hardness |
45-49 HRC (Standard) |
Available by Special Order* SP: 40-51 HRC SB: 47-56 HRC SL: 54-61 HRC SH: 60+ HRC |
*The standard hardness for Steel Shot is 45-49 HRC. If a special order hardness is required, please specify this when placing an order. Minimum order quantities, lead times and additional charges may apply.
A scrap surcharge variance is in effect at the time of shipment. Please call for the current surcharge. Learn more about the Steel Scrap Surcharge>>
Packaged in 1 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb & 50 lb packages
and 55 gal drums. Super sacks are also available upon request.
