Blasting Media Comparison Chart
Abrasive Blasting Media Chart
Abrasive blasting media vary dramatically in particle size, hardness, shape, and other properties. These differences will vary the surface finish results, the media reusability, and cost. The chart below details some of these differences and the anticipated results you can achieve.
Media |
Aluminum Oxide | Crushed Glass Grit | Glass Beads | Silicon Carbide | Plastic Abrasives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Description |
Sharp, long lasting media for fast etching & profiling; Brown/black or White | Silica-free, 100% recycled glass; Efficient, economical stripping | Round, soda-lime glass to produce a bright, satin finish; Minimizes stress on part | Very hard, aggressive cutting media; Ideal for stone, glass and hard surfaces | Abrasive, soft media designed for automotive & aerospace applications |
Surface Profile |
High etch | Medium-high etch | No etch, satin finish | Very high etch | No etch, stripping |
Working Speed |
Fast | Fast | Medium- fast |
Very fast | Medium |
Recyclability |
High | None; consumable | High | High | High |
Surface Removal |
Yes | Slight | Slight | Yes | Slight |
Hardness, Moh |
8 – 9 | 5 – 6 | 5 – 6 | 9 – 9.5 | 3 – 4 |
Bulk Density |
110 lbs/ft³ | 100 lbs/ft³ | 95 lbs/ft³ | 90 lbs/ft³ | 50 lbs/ft³ |
Media |
Pumice | Steel Shot | Steel Grit | Corn Cob | Walnut Shells |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Description |
Natural volcanic ash; light-weight, mild abrasiveness | Carbon steel, round spheres designed for polishing and peening applications | Angular, carbon steel for fast stripping & aggressive cleaning | Organic, soft media ideal for soft surfaces such as wood | Angular, organic grit for mildly aggressive stripping w/out damage to surface |
Surface Profile |
Low etch | No etch | High etch | None | Low etch |
Working Speed |
Medium- slow |
Medium | Medium- fast |
Slow | Medium- slow |
Recyclability |
Low | Very high | Very high | Low | Low |
Surface Removal |
No | No | Moderate | No | Very slight |
Hardness, Moh |
6-7 | 40-51 HRC | 40-65 HRC | 4-4.5 | 4.5-5 |
Bulk Density |
35-40 lbs/ft³ | 230 lbs/ft³ | 260 lbs/ft³ | 40 lbs/ft³ | 50 lbs/ft³ |