When it comes to industrial surface preparation and cleaning, blasting abrasives are an essential media for both automatic blasting and manual blasting machinery.
But with so many types of abrasive available on the market, how do you know which one to choose?
Steel shot, garnet, aluminum oxide…the options seem endless. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of blasting abrasive and steel shot to help you determine which one is best for your project. Check out our short summary and let’s dive into the world of blasting abrasives!
Types of Blasting Abrasive
There are many different types of blasting abrasives available on the market today. Each type has its own unique set of properties that make it better suited for certain applications than others. When choosing a blasting abrasive, it is important to consider the type of material you will be blasting, the desired results, and the compatibility with your blast equipment.
The most common types of blasting abrasives are:
- Steel shot: Steel shot is a round metal bead that is commonly used for stripping paint or rust from steel surfaces. It is also used for peening (strengthening) metal parts.
- Steel Grit: Steel grit is made up of small pieces of steel that have been ground down or cut angular to a fine or angular consistency.
- Garnet: Garnet is a natural, angular abrasive that is tough, durable, and low dusting. It is typically used for stripping paint or rust from steel surfaces.
- Coal slag: Coal slag is a by-product of coal combustion and is commonly used for blasting vehicles and concrete structures. It is angular in shape and can be recycled multiple times.
- Glass beads: Glass beads are small, spherical beads made from glass. They are typically used for deburring (removing sharp edges) or creating a matte finish on metal parts.
Steel Shot
There are many different types of steel shot, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common type of steel shot is carbon steel shot, which is made from recycled car parts and other metal scraps.
Carbon steel shot is often used for general purpose blasting, as it is relatively inexpensive and works well on most surfaces. However, carbon steel shot can also be very hard on delicate surfaces, so it is important to test it on a small area before using it on your project. Another popular type of steel shot is stainless steel shot, which is less likely to damage delicate surfaces but can be more expensive.
Steel Grit Abrasive
Steel grit abrasive is the most common type of blasting abrasive. It’s made up of small pieces of steel that have been ground down or cut angular to a fine or angular consistency. Steel grit abrasive is effective at removing paint, rust, and other surface.
Bead Blasting
Bead blasting is a type of surface finishing that is achieved by propelling small beads of an abrasive material against a workpiece. The beads are typically made of glass or ceramic and are blasted at the workpiece using compressed air.
Bead blasting can be used to remove paint, rust, or other contaminants from the surface of the workpiece. It can also be used to create a matte finish on the surface of the workpiece.
Soda Blasting
Soda blasting is a type of abrasive blasting in which sodium bicarbonate is used as the abrasive. Soda blasting is often used to remove paint or other finishes from surfaces, as well as to clean or etch metal. It can also be used to remove graffiti or to clean masonry.
Glass Beads
There are many different types of blasting abrasives available on the market, but one of the most popular and effective options is glass beads. Glass beads are small, round particles that are made from recycled glass. They are often used in media blasting applications to remove paint, rust, and other debris from surfaces.
Glass beads are typically used with air compressors and can be applied by hand or with a siphon blaster. When using glass beads for blasting, it is important to choose the right size bead for the job at hand. Beads that are too small can create dust, while beads that are too large can cause damage to the surface being blasted.
Glass beads are a great option for those looking for an environmentally friendly blasting abrasive. They can be reused multiple times and do not release harmful toxins into the air like some other abrasives.
Aluminum Oxide
Aluminum oxide is one of the most popular blasting abrasives due to its affordability and effectiveness. It can be used on a variety of surfaces and is ideal for removing rust, paint, and other substances. Aluminum oxide is available in a variety of grit sizes to accommodate different applications.
Walnut Shells
There are many types of blasting abrasives on the market, but not all are created equal. Walnut shells are a type of natural abrasive that is often used in media blasting. When used correctly, walnut shells can be an effective and eco-friendly way to clean or strip surfaces.
Walnut shells are made from the hard outer shell of the walnut fruit. The crushed shells have a jagged, irregular shape that makes them ideal for media blasting. Walnut shells are softer than other types of blasting abrasives, making them less likely to damage the surface being cleaned. They are also biodegradable and non-toxic, making them a safe choice for use around people and animals.
Walnut shells can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, wood, and stone. When used with the right equipment, they can strip paint, remove rust, and polish surfaces. Walnut shells can be recycled and reused multiple times before they need to be replaced.
Centriblast Blasting Abrasives
Centriblast – Pangborn manufacture and supply a wide range of steel shot and cast steel angular grit, sold in 25kg bags. Minimum order 1 Tonne. POA. All steel shot and steel grit we supply meets with SAE, SFSA and MIL specifications.
Centriblast – Pangborn: Steel Grit
Steel Grit is produced by crushing specifically heat treated shot pellets. It’s behaviour characteristics in service are dependent upon the hardness selection of GC, GB, GAA or GA grit.
Centriblast – Pangborn: Steel Shot
Pangborn Rotoblast® Steel Shot is the best abrasive for most wheel blast applications. Its durability and resistance to impact fatigue provide maximum cleaning efficiency at the most economical cost.
In Summary…
In conclusion, there are a various different types of blasting abrasive and steel shot that can be used to achieve various results. Knowing the right type for your application is important in order to get the desired result while minimizing costs and time.
Additionally, taking into account safety considerations is equally as important when selecting which blasting abrasive or steel shot to use. With this knowledge you should now have a better understanding of what type would work best for your project needs.
More Details
If you’d like more details on shot blasting grit or steel shot available from Centriblast – Pangborn, get in touch with our expert team to discuss the best options for your applications. Call us on 01352 712 412 or email us at – info@pangborn.co.uk.
