7 Tips for Choosing Abrasive Blasting Media

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Abrasive blasting, which is the process of using specialized machinery to project or “shoot” media at high speed across a hard surface, can be ideal for removing old finishes. It can also power away rust or prepare the surface for painting.

Here are 7 tips that can help you choose the best abrasive medium for your specific blasting applications.

How to Choose Abrasive Blasting Media

1. Better “Soft” Than Sorry
   If you’re not sure whether the surface you are blasting can handle a more abrasive material, you’re probably better off starting with a gentler medium. Walnut shells or corn cobs can be an excellent choice for softer surfaces such as wood — they won’t cause etching. They also provide the additional benefit of being biodegradable, making them among the most environmentally-friendly blasting media.
2. Make It Shine With Glass Beads
   If you’re looking to achieve a smooth, bright finish, glass beads can be your best option. Glass beads are typically made from fine soda-lime glass that places minimal stress on the surface material. Glass beads are also recyclable and can be used up to 100 times before replacement, making them an extremely cost-effective option.
3. Remove Paint With Aluminum Oxide
   Aluminum oxide is harder and sharper than glass beads. It’s ideal for use in paint removal and general cleaning applications — it’s also frequently used for glass etching.
4. Choose Plastic for Automotive and Aerospace Applications
   Plastic is extremely soft, making it an ideal medium for removing paint from the surface of fiberglass parts. Fiberglass parts are commonly used in the manufacturing of automotive, aerospace and marine products, without etching or stripping. Using plastic for blasting also results in very low levels of dust.
5. Use Silicon Carbide for Fast Etching
   Silicon carbide provides an extremely aggressive cutting action that is ideal for fast etching of glass, stone or other hard surfaces. It also works well for removing rust or paint.
6. Find Super-Hard and Aggressive Steel Media
   Media made from carbon steel is available in shot or grit form. Steel shot is round in shape and can be used for polishing and peening applications. Steel grit offers a more angular shape and sharper texture. It can be used to remove rust, paint or scale from steel surfaces.
7. Avoid Sand
   The terms “sandblasting” and “abrasive blasting” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, many companies are moving away from sand as a blasting medium for a number of reasons. Sand contains silica, which is known to cause serious respiratory illnesses for workers involved in the sandblasting process. Additionally, sand contains a high moisture content that can lead to the premature demise of blasting equipment.

Sharretts Plating Company now offers abrasive blasting among its metal finishing processes. We are also available to provide reliable media selection advice.

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Selecting the right steel shot size for a specific blasting application is crucial to achieve the desired surface preparation, cleaning, or finishing results. The choice of steel shot size should take into account several factors to optimize the blasting process and the quality of the finished surface. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Surface Material and Condition:

  • The material of the surface being blasted is a critical factor. Harder surfaces may require larger and more aggressive steel shots, while softer materials may need smaller and less abrasive shots.

• Surface Profile Requirements:

  • Consider the desired surface profile or roughness. Larger steel shots tend to create deeper surface profiles, which may be necessary for specific coatings or applications.

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• Coating or Contaminant Thickness:

  • The thickness and type of coating or contaminants on the surface will influence the choice of steel shot size. Thicker coatings or heavy contaminants may require larger, more aggressive shots.

• Blasting Equipment and Settings:

  • The type and capacity of the blasting equipment, such as the blast cabinet, nozzle size, and air pressure, should be compatible with the chosen steel shot size. Ensure that the equipment can handle the selected shot size effectively.

• Blasting Process:
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    The blasting process itself, including nozzle distance, angle, and speed, will affect the performance of the steel shots. Adjustments may be necessary depending on the shot size to achieve the desired results.

• Cleaning Efficiency:

  • Consider the level of cleanliness required. Smaller steel shots may be more efficient in removing contaminants from intricate or irregular surfaces, while larger shots might be needed for heavy-duty cleaning.

• Profile Tolerance:

  • Determine the allowable surface profile tolerance for the application. Smaller steel shots tend to produce a more consistent and fine profile, while larger shots may create a coarser profile with greater variability.

• Cost Considerations:

  • Larger steel shots are typically more durable and have a longer lifespan, potentially reducing overall costs in terms of media replacement and equipment wear. However, they may be more expensive initially.

• Environmental Impact:

  • Consider environmental factors, such as dust generation and media disposal. Smaller steel shots may generate less dust but may require more frequent replacement.

• Safety:

  • The size of the steel shots can impact safety. Smaller shots may pose less risk of rebounding or ricocheting but may require more protective measures against dust and fines.

• Regulatory Compliance:

  • Ensure that the chosen steel shot size complies with any local or industry-specific regulations and standards related to abrasive blasting.

• Quality Control:

  • Implement a quality control process to monitor the blasting results and adjust the steel shot size as needed to achieve the desired surface quality.

• Testing and Evaluation:

  • Conduct tests or trials with different steel shot sizes on a sample surface to assess their effectiveness and compatibility with the application.

In summary, selecting the right steel shot size for a specific blasting application involves a careful evaluation of the surface material, contaminants, equipment, and desired results. By considering these factors, you can choose the most appropriate steel shot size to achieve the desired surface finish efficiently and effectively while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

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