Abrasive blasting, which involves using specialized equipment to project or “shoot” media at high speed across a hard surface, is an effective method for removing old finishes. It can also remove corrosion and prepare the surface for painting.
Here are seven recommendations to help you select the optimal abrasive medium for your particular blasting requirements.
How to Select Abrasive Blasting Media
1. Be Lenient
If you’re unsure whether the surface you are blasting can withstand a more abrasive material, it’s best to start with a gentler medium. Walnut shells or maize cobs are excellent alternatives for softer surfaces, such as wood, as they do not cause etching. They are also biodegradable, making them one of the most environmentally friendly blasting media.
2. Make it Shine with Glass Beads
If you are seeking a bright, smooth finish, glass beads may be the most suitable choice. They are typically made from fine soda-lime glass, which exerts minimal stress on the surface material. Glass beads are also cost-effective since they are recyclable and can be reused up to 100 times before needing replacement.
3. Aluminum Oxide for Paint Removal
Glass particles are softer and less sharp than aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide is particularly well-suited for removing paint and general cleaning applications. Additionally, it is often used for glass etching.
4. Plastic for Aerospace and Automotive Applications
Plastic is an ideal medium for removing paint from fiberglass parts due to its softness. Fiberglass components are commonly used in marine, aerospace, and automotive industries without requiring etching or scouring. Using plastic for blasting also generates extremely low levels of dust.
5. Use Silicon Carbide for Fast Etching
Silicon carbide is an excellent choice for quickly etching glass, stone, or other hard surfaces due to its highly aggressive cutting action. It is also effective in removing paint or corrosion.
6. Choose Aggressive and Super-Hard Steel Media
Carbon steel media is available in either shot or grit form. The round shape of steel shot makes it suitable for polishing and peening applications. Steel grit has a sharper, more angular texture and is capable of removing scale, paint, or corrosion from steel surfaces.
7. Avoid Sand
The terms “sandblasting” and “abrasive blasting” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there are many reasons why organizations are moving away from sand as a blasting medium. The sandblasting process is known to cause severe respiratory illnesses in workers due to the presence of silica in sand. Additionally, the high moisture content of sand can lead to premature equipment failure.
Conclusion
Choosing the right blasting media is critical to achieving the desired surface finish while protecting your equipment and ensuring operator safety. At Kramer Industries Inc., we offer a wide range of high-quality abrasive media tailored to meet the unique needs of each application—from gentle cleaning to aggressive surface preparation. Whether you’re working with wood, metal, glass, or composite materials, our team is here to help you select the most effective and efficient solution. Contact us today to learn more about our blasting products and expert recommendations.
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