Media blasting is a process that uses compressed air to blast various grit substances, called media, into the surface of a project. This process is designed to remove contaminants or create an etch and prepare it for powder coating.
Different media are used for different purposes, and knowing the various types can help you on your project. Here are the different types of sandblasting media.
What is sandblasting?
Media blasting, also known as sandblasting, is a process that pushes an abrasive material into a surface to remove contaminants, paint, coatings, or other substances. It is also used to prepare a surface for powder coating in addition to etching a surface, creating artistic designs or graphics depending on the project requirements. A variety of different types of media are used depending on the project, surface, and desired effect.
What are the benefits of sandblasting?
Surface Preparation: Sandblasting is an effective way to remove rust, mill scale, paint, and other contaminants from a surface. This prepares it for painting, priming, welding, or other operations.
Thorough Cleaning: Sandblasting can quickly and thoroughly remove surface contaminants without damaging the underlying substrate.
Improved Appearance: Sandblasting can restore a surface to a uniform, attractive appearance.
Economical: Sandblasting can be used on a variety of surfaces and is cost-effective.
Environmentally friendly: Sandblasting is a non-toxic, non-destructive surface preparation method. It does not produce hazardous waste or emissions.
Let's take a look at the different types of sandblasting media used to create or etch the perfect surface for your next project.
Different types of sandblasting media
Aluminum oxide
This is the most common abrasive used for sandblasting and surface preparation. Aluminum oxide is very sharp and durable. One of its biggest advantages is that it is durable and can be recycled and reused. It comes in a variety of hardness grades and grits to handle many types of projects.
Cullet
With its jagged edges and angular shape, cullet is a powerful treatment material for removing thick coatings and contaminants from surfaces. The materials used are non-toxic and inert, making them very safe. In addition, they do not contain heavy metals or free silica. Since cullet is very light, much less material is used to prepare the surface - only half the material is required compared to various other media.
Glass beads
This type of sandblasting uses glass beads (like cullet) that are safe, non-toxic, and do not contain heavy metals or silica. The pre-formed spheres are polished during the sandblasting process, leaving a bright and smooth surface after the sandblasting process is completed. These materials can also be reused and recycled many times.
Plastic Blasting Media
Plastic is ideal for quick stripping with a predictable and standardized output. Plastic is often the best choice when it comes to stripping paint from delicate metals, plastics, automotive surfaces, aerospace materials, or composites.
Silicon Carbide
Silicon Carbide is the hardest of all blasting media and cuts extremely fast. It starts out as a series of small pieces that quickly break apart during the blasting process. It can be reused many times. In fact, it is the most recyclable of all blasting media. It is often used to etch stone and glass. It is especially effective when used on heavily rusted surfaces.
Pumice
The same material sold in blocks helps remove calluses from the skin and is also an excellent medium for light blasting jobs. The soft, rough volcanic stone is perfect for projects that require delicate work. Pumice may be the ideal blasting medium if the operation requires a fine touch or a delicate approach to protecting the underlying surface material.
Steel Shot is the best choice when you need to clean and strip metal surfaces. This material is a series of small steel balls that are shot at the surface to remove material. This medium leaves the surface with a high polish and shine.
Steel grit
Steel grit works quickly if the operation requires a very aggressive approach and the surface material can withstand this type of blasting. It can also remove a wide range of contaminants. It is great for etching metals.
Organic compounds
Organic materials such as corn cobs and walnut shells are environmentally friendly and do a great job of protecting the underlying surface. Corn cobs are used for finer, gentler blasting, such as wood surfaces, while walnut shells are used for more aggressive stripping.
How do I choose the right sandblasting media for my project
The online world is a great place to start your journey. Thousands of different websites provide you with information on all the different media and their properties, including hardness and density, the correct surfaces that each medium is best suited to, and where to order these materials.
However, to ensure that your project is treated with the ideal sandblasting media, contact a Mayjoy Abrasives expert who can help you make the best decision.
