Angular blasting media is perfect to use if you are looking to prepare, clean or polish a surface. This type of media is created from materials that are tough and sharp. They are like this because of the shape of their particles, hence their blasting media name “angular”.
Now, if you want to use angular blasting media, it is important to consider the type of material it is made from, and what purpose you will use it for. Aluminum oxide is a popular choice of material. In fact, it is predicted that this type of media is going to create around $2.5 billion in revenue within its market by 2027. However, there are other options to choose from, including glass beads, steel shot, and grit.
The materials used in angular blasting media all have different properties, which can affect the outcome of their application. These characteristics include their sizes of particles, toughness and solidity. Their differences mean they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as in manufacturing processes.
Whether you want to use your angular blasting media for cleaning or etching surfaces or getting rid of a coating, it is clear they are versatile materials that can offer a number of benefits. Read on to learn more about the advantages of angular blasting media.
Deep Etching
One of the primary advantages of angular blasting media, such as aluminum oxide, lies in its capability to achieve deep etching. This process is crucial for applications that require a textured surface for bonding, coating, or further processing.
Angular blasting media can aggressively attack the surface, creating a rough profile that enhances adhesion without imparting additional stress to thinner materials. This profiling technique is especially beneficial in industries where precision and material integrity are paramount.
Surface Finish
Abrasive machining processes are perfect for creating a precise machining surface finish. The surface finish refers to the texture of a material, as in whether it is rough or smooth. By being able to adapt its materials, angular blasting media can help to create different types of surface textures.
With that said, to make sure you get an accurate surface finish, it is important to take a surface roughness measurement. To make this calculation, you compare any differences on a microscopic level between your product and the material’s original form.
If you want to measure surface roughness, you can utilize a profilometer. A profilometer uses contact methods, like a stylus, to take a reading. This reading is made up of parameters that can determine a material’s roughness. These include:
- Average Roughness: Examines peaks and valleys to see if the sampling length has larger amounts of space than the number of abrasions on the material’s surface.
- Roughness Depth: Considers the surface height of the material through a comparison of the lowest valley and highest peak.
Additionally, surface finish symbols can be used to categorize the surface finish, including any surface finish parameters.
Fast Results and Superior Strength
Angular blasting media is renowned for delivering fast results without compromising on the strength of the treated surface. Aluminum oxide, a popular choice in this category, is noted for its hardness and durability.
It can swiftly remove contaminants, coatings, or rust. Therefore, it has become an ideal solution for time-sensitive projects that demand a high level of precision.
Furthermore, the efficiency of angular blasting media does not come at the expense of surface integrity. This ensures that the underlying material remains structurally sound.
Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable
In today's eco-conscious world, the environmental impact of industrial processes is a significant concern. Angular blasting media addresses this by being inherently recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Materials like glass beads, aluminum oxide, and steel shot can be reused multiple times before disposal. This reduces waste and the need for new raw materials. Their recyclability makes them a sustainable choice for surface treatment. Through this, these materials align with the growing demand for eco-friendly industrial practices.
Versatility
The versatility of angular blasting media is another key advantage. It can be utilized in a myriad of applications, including:
- Preparing surfaces
- Cleaning
- Removing rust and paint
- Strengthening metal surfaces.
This adaptability allows for the use of angular media across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Overall, angular blasting media is a go-to solution for diverse surface treatments.
Cost-Effectiveness
Angular blasting media, such as steel shot, also stands out for its cost-effectiveness. Besides the benefit of recyclability, which inherently reduces long-term costs, these materials can provide a high polish and shine to surfaces, eliminating the need for additional finishing processes. The initial investment in high-quality angular blasting media can lead to significant savings. This is in terms of both time and resources in the long run.
Suitability for Specific Materials
Different types of angular blasting media are tailored for specific materials, enhancing the efficacy of surface treatment. For instance, softer media like glass beads are ideal for delicate surfaces. This prevents damage while still effectively cleaning or finishing the surface. Conversely, harder media like aluminum oxide are suited for tougher materials, offering a level of customization that ensures optimal results for any given material.
Consider Angular Blasting Media from Saint-Gobain
As you can see, angular blasting media comes in a variety of materials and has a number of advantages. From removing paint and rust through the use of grit made out of steel, to creating a smooth surface finish through beads made out of glass, or even getting a surface ready for powder coating, it is not surprising that angular blasting materials are known to be adaptable.
Now that you have seen the benefits of angular blasting media, you may be thinking about where you can find high-quality angular blasting media to enhance your own blasting process methods. Well, look no further than our own brand, Saint-Gobain Abrasive Grains.
If you are searching for angular blasting media, our MCA 1360 grains should be your first choice. Its material utilizes its uniformed size of particles to offer high quality levels of surface finishes. It can also be easily recycled and cleaned up. These grains are created from alumina-zirconia, a material that is extremely strong and reliable. This material can be used for cleaning ship hulls or even preparing a turbine’s surface. As an extremely strong blasting media, it creates less waste and can quickly enhance a surface.
Contact our specialists today to learn how our angular blasting media can improve the quality of your surfaces. That way you can easily achieve your desired surface finish when you undertake your own abrasive blasting processes.