Alice Shot Blasting

Technical guide for choosing shot blasting media

Choosing abrasive media, also known as shot blasting media, is a critical step in the shot blasting process, directly affecting finish quality and process efficiency. The main selection parameters include particle shape (angular vs. spherical), hardness, density, and reusability.

Shot blasting media based on minerals and synthetic materials

Shot blasting media are generally classified into two categories, based on shape and surface effect:

Spherical media (impact effect)

These media have round particles and are used for cleaning, polishing, strengthening (shot peening), and obtaining a uniform finish. Their impact is less aggressive, making them ideal for delicate applications.

• Glass beads: Non-ferrous, reusable material used for curățarea and finishing of metals and other surfaces.
• Ceramic beads: An alternative to glass beads, with a considerably longer service life. They ensure high roughness reproducibility and are used in specialized applications such as the medical industry.
• Vegetable granules: Soft, organic abrasive obtained from walnut shells. It is used for cleaning sensitive surfaces, including deburring.
• Garnet sand: A hard, durable material. It is used both for shot blasting and for waterjet cutting.

Angular media (cutting effect)

With sharp particles, these media are used for rapid layer removal, increasing roughness, and preparing surfaces for painting or coating.

• Corindon (electrocorindon): Non-ferrous material, available in different purity grades (brown, white, FeSi). It is a hard and aggressive abrasive used for shot blasting and heavy grinding. Stainless corundum (white) is preferred for shot blasting of stainless-steel parts and non-ferrous metals, datorită purității sale.
• Grit din sticlă: Reusable material, more aggressive than glass beads, used in similar applications, often mixed with them.
• Carbură de siliciu: The second-hardest material after diamond. It has extremely high hardness and aggressiveness, being used for shot blasting hard materials such as hardened steel or ceramics.

Specialized media for non-standard applications

• Sodium bicarbonate (soda): Non-toxic, water-soluble, eco-friendly abrasive. It is ideal for non-destructive shot blasting of sensitive surfaces., such as plastic, glass, aluminum, or engine components.

În concluzie, selectarea corectă a tipului de granule de shot blasting se face pe baza cerințelor specifice ale proiectului, luând în considerare materialul piesei, finisajul dorit și costurile operaționale. Using an unsuitable abrasive can compromise the final result or damage the part.