Blasting Media Selection Guide
It is important to know the differences in blasting media since different abrasive blasting media are required for different applications. Blasting media can be used for purposes such as cleaning, stripping, etching, strengthening, and polishing. In addition to the media type, grit or mesh size is another factor to consider for your application. The final choice of media depends on the nature of the work required and on the blasting equipment that is employed. The blasting media selection guide below contains a list of the common blasting media and the differences in blasting media.
Media blasting is a method used in post-production. It comprises propelling an abrasive substance against surfaces in order to clean, smooth, or prepare them. It is commonly used to remove rust, paint, and other impurities. It may also contour and smooth surfaces. This article will provide an overview of how media blasting works. It will also discuss the typical materials utilized during the technique.
Aluminum Oxide Grit (Standard)
Aluminum Oxide Grit (Standard) is the most widely used abrasive in blast finishing and surface preparation Aluminum Oxide Grit is an extremely sharp, long-lasting blasting abrasive that can be recycled many times. In addition to the standard brown, Aluminum Oxide Grit (Standard) is available in 99.5% pure white grade. Hardness 8-9; Grit size range 8-1200; Angular shape. Compare
Kramblast Crushed Glass Grit
The angular nature of Kramblast Crushed Glass Grit allows for aggressive surface profiling and removal of coatings and surface contamination. Kramblast Crushed Glass Grit contains no free silica, is non-toxic and inert, and contains no heavy metals typically found in coal and copper slags. Since Kramblast Crushed Glass Grit is lighter than many slags up to 50% less media can be used. Hardness 5-6; Grit size range Coarse to Fine; Angular shape; Consumable. Compare
Glass Beads
Manufactured from lead-free, soda lime-type glass, containing no free silica, Glass Beads are manufactured into preformed ball shapes. Glass Beads produce a much smoother and brighter finish than angular abrasives. Glass Beads can be recycled approximately 30 times. Hardness 5-6; Mesh size range 50-325; Round shape. Compare
Silicon Carbide Grit
As the hardest blasting media available, Silicon Carbide Grit has a very fast cutting speed. Manufactured to a blocky grain shape that splinters, Silicon Carbide Grit can be recycled many more times than other blasting media. The hardness of Silicon Carbide Grit is ideal for etching of glass and stone. Hardness 9-9.5; Grit size range 8-1200; Angular shape. Compare
Plastic Abrasive Grit
Plastic Abrasive Grits are available in a variety of types that deliver quick stripping rates and consistent performance. This media is ideal for stripping coatings and paint from substrates, including aluminum and other delicate metals, composites, and plastics. The relative softness of Plastic Abrasive Grit media makes it ideal for automotive and aerospace blasting applications. Hardness 3-4; Grit size range 12-80; Soft, angular shape; Urea, Melamine, Acrylic compositions. Compare
Pumice Grit
Pumice Grit is a light, natural mineral that is used chiefly as a mild abrasive. Pumice Grit is ideal for less aggressive operations where protection of the surface is of supreme importance. Hardness 6-7; Grit size range 14-325+ Compare
Steel Shot
Blasting with Steel Shot is a popular method for cleaning, stripping, and improving a metal surface. Steel Shot is manufactured into a round ball shape that results in a smooth and polished surface. The peening action of the Steel Shot produces improved compressive strength to metal surfaces. Hardness 40-51 HRC; Grit size range S-110 to S-780; Spherical shape. Compare
Steel Grit
High-demand, aggressive applications are ideal for Steel Grit. Steel Grit offers a very fast stripping action for many types of surface contaminants from steel and other foundry metals. Softer than Aluminum Oxide Grit (Standard) but still angular in shape, steel grit will not fracture as easily making it perfect for creating an etched surface on metal. Hardness 40-65 HRC; Grit size range G-12 to G-80; Angular shape. Compare
Corn Cob Grit
Corn Cob Grit is an organic, soft blasting grit that is safe for delicate parts and soft substrates. As the preferred blasting media for log homes and other wood surfaces, Corn Cob Grit offers excellent cleaning and stripping properties without damage to the substrate. Hardness 4-4.5; Grit size range Extra Coarse to Extra Fine; Ground, Angular shape. Compare
Walnut Shell Grit
Walnut Shell Grit is used for applications that require aggressive stripping or cleaning without damage or effect on the underlying substrate. Organic and biodegradable, Walnut Shell Grit is extremely durable, and angular in shape but is considered a soft abrasive. Walnut Shell Grit sees utility in applications such as cleaning hardwoods and aircraft and automotive stripping. Hardness 4.5-5; Grit size range Extra Coarse to Extra Fine; Angular shape. Compare
Nu-Soft Steel Shot
Nu-Soft Steel Shot is a unique blasting media engineered specifically for blasting soft or delicate surfaces. The high density and extreme durability make this an efficient and cost-effective media for many applications. Nu-Soft Steel Shot is supplied in a round ball shape that results in a smooth and polished surface. Hardness <20 HRC (3-3.5 MOHS); Grit size range NS-70 to NS-330; Spherical shape. Compare
Copper Slag / Iron Silicate
Copper Slag / Iron Silicate is ideal when a quick and efficient paint-stripping process is required. It produces a heavy to medium etch depending on the grade and leaves the surface to be primed and painted. Copper Slag is ideal for large commercial projects like bridge repainting, pipeline re-coating, and ship and boat stripping. Copper Slag is a consumable, silica-free premium alternative to silica sand. Hardness 7.5 MOHS; Grit size from Coarse to Fine; Angular
How does media blasting work?
Media blasting normally entails firing abrasive particles, known as “media,” onto a part’s surface. It’s done at fast speeds with compressed air or water. The rough material, referred to as “media,” produces a smooth and suitably prepared surface for subsequent treatment or finishing.
How does media blasting vary from bead blasting?
Media blasting includes a wide range of abrasive materials. However, bead blasting primarily employs small, spherical beads. In truth, bead blasting is a form of media blasting.
Let us get additional information on bead blasting processes.
What advantages does media blasting offer?
Media blasting is a very efficient technique for eliminating rust, paint, and contaminants from surfaces. Here is an in-depth analysis of a few benefits of media blasting.
Surface preparation: Media blasting is a highly effective method utilized for surface preparation before painting, coating, or bonding. It efficiently removes rust, old paint, scale, and other contaminants, creating a clean and properly prepared surface for additional processes.
Media blasting is a flexible method that can be used on various surfaces like metal, wood, concrete, and more. Different types of abrasive materials can be used to meet the unique requirements of the material being worked on.
Accurate control is achieved through media blasting to regulate the amount of material removed. By altering the pressure, type of abrasive material, and application angle, it is possible to achieve the required level of surface preparation without causing damage.
Improving efficiency: This process quickly and efficiently removes coatings and impurities from large surfaces or complex parts.
Efficiency in the economy: Media blasting is an economical method for preparing surfaces, mostly because of its quickness in comparison with other techniques.
What industries utilize media blasting services?
Media blasting is used in multiple sectors. There are many situations where our customers who use media blasting usually work.
Car manufacturing sector: Media blasting is a method used in the automotive sector for tasks such as removing paint, eliminating rust, and prepping surfaces for paint or coating. It is used in making new cars and restoring old ones.
Construction: Media blasting involves the removal of coatings, graffiti, and corrosion from surfaces like concrete and metal.
Marine: Shipyards utilize media blasting to clean and prepare ship surfaces before painting, coating, or maintenance. It helps remove rust, barnacles, and old paint from ship hulls and other marine structures.
Aeronautical engineering: Media blasting is a method used in the aerospace sector for cleaning and preparing aircraft parts. It helps remove old paint, rust, and impurities from surfaces before maintenance or repainting.
Manufacturing process: Various industries utilize media blasting to ready surfaces for painting or coating. It is used in the production of metal parts, equipment, and other manufactured products.
Which methods yield the best results when media blasting?
Some important factors to keep in mind when creating a part that will be subjected to media blasting are provided here. Following these guidelines can enhance the chances of achieving a satisfactory final outcome that meets your needs, while also reducing expenses and expediting the project’s conclusion.
Avoid pointed corners and edges: Abrasive materials can cause excessive pressure on sharp edges or corners, leading to possible over-blasting and uneven surface finishes. Think about adding fillets or chamfers to edges to create a more consistent blasting result and prevent too much material from being removed.
Standards for evaluating the quality of the surface texture: Different methods of media blasting and different types of media result in varying degrees of surface roughness or smoothness. Notify the manufacturer about your production requirements and create the component to match those requirements. The shape of the part must enable even blasting on the entire surface to create a consistent texture.
Take into account the positioning of the part: Some surfaces may be difficult to access or show uneven abrasion when shot blasting because of their placement. Make sure the component is designed with convenient access to key surfaces so that the blasting material can evenly impact all necessary areas. This might involve adjusting the placement of the component in the layout or introducing additional elements to improve the flow of the content.
Consideration should be given to analysis based on geometry: Steer clear of complex or elaborate designs that could impede access to the blasting media. Instead, opt for designs that allow for uniform finishing results and equal blasting coverage.
Open and spacious: Media blasting has the ability to change the overall size by eliminating material from the surface. In dealing with this problem, it’s important to confirm that the main product dimensions stay within approved boundaries post-blasting.