How to Choose Blasting Glass Beads?
What Size Glass Beads for Sandblasting?
Sandblasting is a process of using high-velocity streams of abrasive material to clean, etch, or shape surfaces. Glass beads are one of the most popular materials used for sandblasting due to their uniform size, low dust emission, and ability to produce a smooth finish on a variety of surfaces. When it comes to choosing the right size glass beads for sandblasting, there are several factors to consider.
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Size of the Surface to be Sandblasted
The first factor to consider when choosing the size of glass beads for sandblasting is the size of the surface to be sandblasted. If you are working on a small surface, you can use smaller beads, whereas larger surfaces require larger beads. The size of the beads should be chosen based on the amount of surface area you need to cover.
Type of Surface to be Sandblasted
The second factor to consider when choosing the size of glass beads for sandblasting is the type of surface to be sandblasted. Different surfaces require different bead sizes to achieve the desired finish. For example, soft surfaces like wood or plastic require smaller beads, while harder surfaces like metal or concrete require larger beads.
Glass Bead Blasting Media For Metal Cleaning And Polishing
Desired Finish
The third factor to consider when choosing the size of glass beads for sandblasting is the desired finish. If you are looking for a smooth finish, you should use smaller beads. Larger beads are better for a rougher finish. The size of the beads will also determine the depth of the surface you are able to etch.
Equipment being used
The fourth factor to consider when choosing the size of glass beads for sandblasting is the type of equipment being used. Different equipment has different requirements for bead size. You should consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the equipment being used to determine the best bead size.
Mesh Sizes
When it comes to glass bead sizes, they are typically measured in mesh sizes. A mesh size refers to the number of openings in a sieve per linear inch. The higher the mesh number, the smaller the glass beads. The following are some common mesh sizes used in sandblasting:
30-40 mesh: This size of glass beads is ideal for removing rust and paint from metal surfaces. They are also good for etching glass and stone surfaces.
40-60 mesh: This size of glass beads is ideal for cleaning and polishing aluminum and stainless steel surfaces. They are also good for creating a matte finish on metal surfaces.
60-80 mesh: This size of glass beads is ideal for removing light rust and corrosion from metal surfaces. They are also good for removing paint from softer surfaces like wood and plastic.
80-100 mesh: This size of glass beads is ideal for creating a smooth, satin finish on metal surfaces. They are also good for removing paint and light rust from delicate surfaces.
100-170 mesh: This size of glass beads is ideal for creating a fine, polished finish on metal surfaces. They are also good for removing surface blemishes from plastics and composites.
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It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and the size of glass beads you choose will ultimately depend on the factors mentioned above.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size of glass beads for sandblasting is important to achieve the desired finish and protect the surface being worked on. Factors such as the size of the surface, the type of surface, the desired finish, and the equipment being used should be taken into consideration when selecting the appropriate bead size. It is recommended to start with a smaller bead size and work your way up if needed to avoid causing damage to the surface.
Glass Bead Size Chart () - Raptor Blaster
Glass beads are a common abrasive blast media used in abrasive blasting. All of the bead blasting cabinets at Raptor Blasting Systems can use glass beads. Use the glass bead media size chart below to see what sizes correspond to each brand and spec.
Glass beads used in abrasive blasting are come in different sizes and diameters. Much like you would use different grades of sandpaper for different jobs, you would want to use different sizes of glass beads for different levels of blasting. Choose a No. 7 or No. 8 to clean or strip surfaces quickly.
In industrial blast cabinets, glass beads are for removing small burrs, cleaning, peening, honing, polishing, blending, and finishing. For delicate metal or thin welds, peening with glass beads can provide the right amount of stress relief without going overboard and causing damage.
Glass beads can usually be re-cycled 30 times under normal use.
US Standard Screen SizeMIL-PRF-BMIL-S-CPotters Ballotini®Glas-Shot®Blast-O-LiteZeroSAE Intl JBead Size Range (Diameter in Inches)12-14No. 11BT 1801-201.-.-20No. 22BT 2801-202.-.20-30No. 33313 or AMS-XGXBT 3801-203GB-70.-.20-80.-.-.-.-45AAAAAA.-.30-40No. 42324 or BBT 4801-204GB-50.-.35-.-.-60.-.-50No. BT -205GB-35.-.-60CBOL 21.-.-70AAAA.-.-.-.50-70No. 61176 or DBT 6801-206GB-25.-.50-80ABABBOL 23.-.60-80No. 7987 or EBT 7801-207GB-20.-.60-100BOL 24.-.-120ACAC.-.70-100No. 8838 or FBT 8801-208GB-18.-.70-140ADADBOL 25.-.80-120No. 9709 or GBT 9801-209GB-15.-.100-140H.-.100-170No. 1010 or AEAFBT 10801-210.-.100-200BOL 26.-.-170AGAG.-.120-200No. 1111BT 11801-211.-.140-200J.-.140-230No. 1212BT 12801-212.-.140-270BOL 27.-.-230K.-.-325No. 1313 or AHAHBT 13801-213.-.170 and FinerAL. and Finer200-270N.-.-325BOL 29.-.-O.-.-400P.-. and FinerAIMS-XL. and Finer325 and FinerAQBOL -214. and Finer400 and FinerAS. and FinerThe most commonly used glass bead sizes are highlighted. MIL-PRF-B No. 8 is the most commonly used glass bead size.
The MIL-PRF-B spec is for glass beads used for cleaning and peening, approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. This spec was approved on September 26th, .
The MIL-S-C spec is for for glass beads used for shot peening of metal parts, approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. This spec was approved on June 7th, .
In the SAE International J spec, published on September 1st, , the following applies:
This specification covers the characteristics of glass beads used for peening, and provides for standard glass bead size numbers. The glass bead classification number is the approximate nominal diameter of the glass spheres in that classification, in hundredths of a millimeter, with the prefix GB added. Glass beads used for peening shall be made from high quality glass of the soda-lime type. They should be as resistant as possible to breakage from shock-impact, or by abrasion during shipment and handling. The particles should be substantially round, free-flowing, and free from chemical impurities or contaminants that might be detrimental to the workpiece.
Blast-O-Lite, Potters Ballotini®, Glas-Shot®, and Zero are commonly found brands of glass beads for bead blasting. We usually use Potters Ballotini® beads, which we normally get from Kleen-Blast.
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