Blasting Abrasives
Blasting Abrasives, also known as sandblasting, media blasting, and grit blasting is the process that involves specialized tools along with blasting media, which is the material that is added to the pressurized air or water that is propelled toward various surfaces. Abrasive blasting is used to remove coatings, corrosion, and contamination in many cases. It can also be used for making a rough surface smooth or to make a smooth surface rough.
Abrasive blasting can clean and prepare a surface, shape a surface, and finish a surface depending on just how it is used. It is a very versatile tool, and there are a number of types of blasting abrasives. Some of the most common types of blasting include sandblasting, vacuum blasting, centrifugal blasting, wet blasting, steel grit blasting, and bead blasting.
Walnut Shells
Walnut shells are environmentally safe in that they are non-toxic and biodegradable; they require no flammable solvents; they are a natural and dust free product; they do not cause Silicosis, which can occur from some sand and silica products; and they’re used by many government agencies.
Description
Hydrophobic
Hardness (Moh’s) — 3
Their ability to perform and maintain is further emphasized by their modulus of elasticity in pounds per square inch:
Black Walnut Shells — 170,000 Modulus Elas., p.s.i.
English Walnut Shells — 10,000+ Modulus Elas., p.s.i.
Size
18/12, 12/20, 14/30
Corn Cob
Grit-O’Cobs, also know as Corn cob, is derived from the woody portion of the corn cob. It is an all-natural, environmentally friendly product and is a renewable biomass resource, organic blasting media that is obtained from the hard woody ring of the cob. Corn cob is resistant to break down and can be re-used multiple times in the blasting process.
Description
Bulk Density: 18-28 LBS PER CU Ft.
Moisture: 8%
Hardness: Moh’s 4.5
Size
10/14 : 50 lb. Bag, 8/14: 50 lb. Bag, 14/20: 40 lb. Bag, 20/40: 40 lb. Bag, 40/60: 40 lb. Bag
Aluminum Oxide Helps Remove Paint
Aluminum oxide is the best choice for stripping and removing: rust, failing paint, making it the ideal for use in paint removal and general cleaning applications.
White Aluminum Oxide (ALOX)
Aluminum oxide, White Aluminum Oxide (ALOX), can be used for a range of purposes. Not only will it help to remove paint, but it can also be used for applications such as floor coatings, abrasive blasting, and grinding.
Description
White ALOX is available in grits 12 to 240. Sized in accordance with the current FEPA/ ISO and ANSI sieve standards.
Bulk Density: 112 lbs per Cu Ft. approx.
Grain Shape: Blocky
Hardness: 2450 Knoop
Our Aluminum Oxide is packaged in drums at a weight between 385 lbs and 400 lbs each, depending on the ALOX size you choose.
Glass Beads Work Well for Finishing Many Surfaces
Glass bead blasting produces a clean, bright finish, without dimensional change of the parts. Environmentally friendly, glass bead are an acceptable method of metal cleaning or surface finishing.
Glass Bead Blasting Media
Ballotini™ Glass Bead Impact Media for Cleaning and Condition Metal Surfaces
Bead blasting is the process of removing surface deposits by applying fine glass beads at a high pressure without damaging the surface. Glass beads are a good option for cleaning and creating a smooth and shiny finish.
- Impart a controlled, clean finish on a variety of metals
- Clean quickly without significant metal removal
- Clean thin sheet metals to a smooth, dull matte finish
- Remove heavy material and leave a glossy finish
Description
Hardness: Moh’s 5.5 ( Rockwell 48-50Rc)
Density: 156 lbs per Cu. ft.
What Blasting Abrasives to Use?
There are many different types of abrasives in use today with blasting. Different types of materials are used on different surfaces to create different effects. The best blasting media is going to vary from project to project based on exactly what it is you want to achieve. Below are some types of blasting media you will want to consider using for different jobs.
Walnut Shells and Corn Cobs
Some surfaces are not able to withstand highly abrasive media, so it is a better option to start with something that’s softer. Wood, for example, would not stand up to silicon carbide. However, you could use walnut shells or corn cob, which are softer and biodegradable.
Sandblasting is what N.T. Ruddock is all about. Besides being one of the most knowledgeable sources in the industry we consider ourselves one of the top sand blasting pro/expert s in the industry. We are the source for abrasives, OSHA safety equipment, sandblast pots and all the products you need to do metal finishing, powder coatings and surface preparation to Mil spec. Brands we stock are Clemco Industries, Schmidt Abrasive Blasting Equipment, Western Technology, Empire Abrasive Equipment, Kennametal, Blast-It-All and Bullard products.
N.T. Ruddock carries all the abrasives like garnet, aluminum oxide, glass bead and recycled glass. These products are really popular for preparing steel and concrete for finishing. It is important that you prepare the surface for coatings to fight corrosion.
Now that you have a better idea of the different types of blasting media and the options that are available, it should be easier when you are preparing for your next abrasive blasting project.
