Blasting Media

 

Blasting methods of finishing are popular in modern industrial applications. Sandblasting, in which particles are blasted over a surface to smooth edges, produces uniform results for parts finishing and cleaning. While sand was the first media used in blasting finishers, there are many different options today to produce several results.

 

Sandblasting is used to clean, strip, etch, and polish surfaces quickly and effectively. One of the biggest differentiators in blasting equipment is the blasting material, or media used. Different types of blasting media produce different grit. They can also be more or less effective on different surfaces or batch sizes.

 

Types of Blasting Media

 

• Aluminum Oxide: Aluminum oxide is one of the most common blasting media. It is sharp, produces a fine grit, and can be used on glass, steel, and marble. It can be recycled many times, and its reusable capability makes it very cost-effective for mass finishing operations.

 

• Glass Beads: Glass beads in industrial finishing applications are typically made from soda lime-type glass. They are lead- and silica-free, meaning they are safe for a variety of parts and do not produce contaminants and they can be applied on stainless steel. This media produces a smooth and bright finish, as opposed to angular abrasives that can leave slightly rougher edges. However, glass beads can only be reused 20 to 30 times.

 

• Silicon Carbide: Silicon carbide is one of the most durable, hardest abrasive blasting materials and the fastest cutting type of blasting media. This grainy media is ideal for etching glass and stone, lapping and polishing because of its density. Silicon carbide is also cost-effective, as it can be recycled more than most other media types.

 

• Plastic Abrasive: Plastic is one of the most consistent and fast-acting abrasive blasting media. Plastic abrasive is commonly used for stripping paint and other coatings from surfaces, as well as in automotive and aerospace applications. It is much softer than supplementary blasting media, therefore producing a softer finish.

 

• Garnet: Garnet is derived from almandite or andradite deposits and can be implemented in both wet and dry sandblasting applications. When using garnet to sandblast, there is little to no embedment in the final product. Garnet is the preferred blasting media for coating adhesion.

 

• Corn cob: Corn cob is softer than any other abrasive blasting which makes them ideal for cleaning, deburring, polishing, drying, and absorbing water. It is made from crushed corn cobs and is the most natural and environmentally friendly abrasive. They can be used on fiberglass, wood, boats, and log cabins. 

 

• Walnut shell: Walnut shell abrasive is made from crushed walnut shells. It is natural and friendly to the environment. It is very durable and can be reused. It can be applied to wood, soft metals, and stones for removing paint and coatings.

 

Mikro offers all of these blasting media options for industrial applications of every kind. No matter what your equipment needs may be, we can help you find the right supplies at a great price. Contact Mikro today for more information.