Kramer Industries Inc > Blasting Media Comparison Chart

Blasting Media Comparison Chart

Abrasive Blasting Media Chart

Abrasive blasting media vary dramatically in particle size, hardness, shape, and other properties. These differences will vary the surface finish results, the media reusability, and cost. The chart below details some of these differences and the anticipated results you can achieve.

Media

Aluminum Oxide Crushed Glass Grit Glass Beads Silicon Carbide Plastic Abrasives Copper Slag / Iron Silicate

Description

Sharp, long lasting media for fast etching & profiling; Brown/black or White Silica-free, 100% recycled glass; Efficient, economical stripping Round, soda-lime glass to produce a bright, satin finish; Minimizes stress on part Very hard, aggressive cutting media; Ideal for stone, glass and hard surfaces Abrasive, soft media designed for automotive & aerospace applications Aggressive, consumable media for fast etching & profiling

Surface Profile

High etch Medium-high etch No etch, satin finish Very high etch No etch, stripping Medium-High etch

Working Speed

Fast Fast Medium-
fast
Very fast Medium Fast

Recyclability

High None; consumable High High High Low

Surface Removal

Yes Slight Slight Yes Slight Yes

Hardness, Moh

8 – 9 5 – 6 5 – 6 9 – 9.5 3 – 4 7.5

Bulk Density

110 lbs/ft³ 100 lbs/ft³ 95 lbs/ft³ 90 lbs/ft³ 50 lbs/ft³ 150 lbs/ft³

Media

Pumice Steel Shot Steel Grit Corn Cob Walnut Shells Nu-Soft Steel Shot

Description

Natural volcanic ash; light-weight, mild abrasiveness Carbon steel, round spheres designed for polishing and peening applications Angular, carbon steel for fast stripping & aggressive cleaning Organic, soft media ideal for soft surfaces such as wood Angular, organic grit for mildly aggressive stripping w/out damage to surface Cast steel, spherical. Low hardness. Highly durable for sensitive and soft metal parts.

Surface Profile

Low etch No etch High etch None Low etch No etch

Working Speed

Medium-
slow
Medium Medium-
fast
Slow Medium-
slow
Fast

Recyclability

Low Very high Very high Low Low Very High

Surface Removal

No No Moderate No Very slight No

Hardness, Moh

6-7 40-51 HRC 40-65 HRC 4-4.5 4.5-5 3–3.5

Bulk Density

35-40 lbs/ft³ 230 lbs/ft³ 260 lbs/ft³ 40 lbs/ft³ 50 lbs/ft³ 250 lbs/ft³

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