{"id":13529,"date":"2026-07-01T06:52:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:52:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/?p=13529"},"modified":"2026-07-01T06:52:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:52:07","slug":"10-types-of-abrasive-blasting-media-full-guide-with-properties-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/resource\/blog\/10-types-of-abrasive-blasting-media-full-guide-with-properties-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media \u2014 Full Guide with Properties Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Article\",\n            \"headline\": \"10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media \\u2014 Full Guide with Properties Chart\",\n            \"description\": \"A complete guide to all 10 major types of abrasive blasting media \\u2014 aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, glass beads, steel shot, steel grit, garnet, crushed glass, copper slag, walnut shell, and plastic grit \\u2014 with full properties chart, classification system, and application guidance.\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\"\n            },\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-07-01\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-07-01\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\\\/resource\\\/blog\\\/10-types-of-abrasive-blasting-media-full-guide-with-properties-chart\\\/\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n                \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n                \"@id\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\\\/resource\\\/blog\\\/10-types-of-abrasive-blasting-media-full-guide-with-properties-chart\\\/\"\n            },\n            \"keywords\": [\n                \"types of abrasive blast media\",\n                \"abrasive blasting media types\",\n                \"blast media properties\",\n                \"sandblasting media guide\",\n                \"aluminum oxide blasting\",\n                \"steel grit vs steel shot\",\n                \"garnet abrasive\",\n                \"silicon carbide blasting\"\n            ]\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is the difference between synthetic and natural blast media?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Synthetic blast media is manufactured through industrial processes: aluminum oxide by electric arc smelting of bauxite, silicon carbide by the Acheson process (heating silica and coke at over 2,000\\u00b0C), glass beads by melting soda-lime glass into spheres, steel shot and grit by atomizing and crushing molten steel. Synthetic media offers consistent, tightly controlled properties because the manufacturing process can be precisely managed. Natural blast media includes garnet (mined almandine mineral), walnut shell (milled nut shells), and corn cob grit (processed agricultural byproduct). Natural media exhibits more property variation between batches and sources, but quality mining and processing operations maintain acceptable consistency. Crushed glass occupies a middle position: it is made from recycled manufactured glass, but the processing is relatively simple crushing and sieving rather than synthesis.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Which abrasive blast media lasts the longest?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Steel shot and steel grit last the longest in reuse cycles \\u2014 100 to 300 or more passes through a well-maintained closed-loop wheel-blast system. Their metallic density and toughness resist fracture under repeated impact far more effectively than any mineral abrasive. Glass beads are the next most durable at 20\\u201330 cycles in cabinet blasting. Aluminum oxide and garnet typically last 3\\u20137 cycles; silicon carbide 3\\u20135 cycles. Crushed glass, copper slag, and coal slag are designed for one or two passes as single-use media. Plastic abrasive grit and walnut shell achieve 3\\u20138 cycles depending on blast pressure and the hardness of the coating being stripped. In all cases, actual cycle life depends heavily on operating conditions \\u2014 excessive blast pressure, inadequate media classification, and moisture all accelerate breakdown.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can different types of blast media be mixed together?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Mixing media types is almost always inadvisable, for several reasons. First, different media types have different densities and particle sizes, causing them to separate and be consumed at different rates \\u2014 the media mix shifts continuously, making profile consistency impossible to control. Second, ferrous media mixed with non-ferrous substrate work causes contamination: steel media residue in a batch used on stainless steel will leave iron particles that rust. Third, organic media (walnut shell, corn cob) mixed with metallic or mineral media in wet blast systems can swell, ferment, or clog recovery equipment. Fourth, plastic grit mixed with harder media in a recycling system will be ground to dust by the harder particles. Each media type should run in a dedicated system with dedicated recovery and classification equipment.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is the most environmentally friendly abrasive blast media?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Environmental impact must be assessed across three dimensions: dust and air quality during blasting, waste classification and disposal of spent media, and carbon footprint of production. On air quality, garnet and steel media produce the least respirable dust during blasting. On waste disposal, walnut shell and corn cob grit produce biodegradable waste with no hazardous classification. Crushed glass produces inert silicate residue with no heavy metal leachate. Copper slag scores poorly on waste \\u2014 its dust and residue may contain arsenic, lead, and chromium requiring hazardous waste handling. On carbon footprint, natural mined media (garnet) and recycled post-consumer glass require less industrial processing energy than synthetic fused abrasives (aluminum oxide, silicon carbide), which are produced in high-temperature electric arc furnaces. For near-water environmental compliance, garnet is the recognized best-practice choice in marine and bridge work.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Which blast media produces the deepest surface profile?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Steel grit in the coarsest and hardest grades (GH grade, G-12 to G-14 SAE size) produces the deepest surface profiles achievable by any commercial blast media \\u2014 routinely 4.0\\u20136.0 mils (102\\u2013152 \\u00b5m Rz) on structural carbon steel in high-energy wheel-blast systems. At these depths, even heavy thermal spray bond coats and immersion-grade anti-corrosion systems have the anchor structure they require. For pressure-blast operations where wheel-blast equipment is unavailable, coarse aluminum oxide (F12\\u2013F16) achieves profiles of 3.5\\u20135.0 mils \\u2014 still deep enough for most coating systems. Silicon carbide of the same grit size produces slightly deeper profiles than aluminum oxide due to its greater hardness, but the practical difference at the field measurement level is small compared to the significant cost premium of silicon carbide.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n\n<style>\n\/* ============================================================\n   HLH 10 Types Guide \u2014 Scoped Styles (.hlh-types)\n   Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd. | hlh-js.com\n   July 2026\n   ============================================================ *\/\n.hlh-types*,.hlh-types*::before,.hlh-types*::after{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\n.hlh-types{font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,\"Segoe UI\",Roboto,\"Helvetica Neue\",Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:1.78;color:#222;max-width:920px}\n.hlh-types h1{font-size:2.2rem;font-weight:800;color:#1a3456;line-height:1.25;margin:0 0 1.2rem}\n.hlh-types 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ease}\n.hlh-types-faq-item.open .hlh-types-faq-a{max-height:600px;padding:.95rem 1.2rem}\n.hlh-types-faq-a p{margin:0;font-size:.94rem;color:#444;line-height:1.75}\n\/* CTA *\/\n.hlh-types-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1a3456 0%,#1e4a80 100%);border-radius:12px;padding:2rem 2.5rem;text-align:center;color:#fff;margin:1.5rem 0 2rem}\n.hlh-types-cta h3{color:#fff;font-size:1.35rem;margin-bottom:.65rem}\n.hlh-types-cta p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.87);margin-bottom:1.4rem;font-size:.98rem}\n.hlh-types-cta-btn{display:inline-block;font-weight:700;font-size:.95rem;padding:.72rem 1.8rem;border-radius:6px;border-bottom:none!important;text-decoration:none;margin:.3rem;transition:background .2s}\n.hlh-types-cta-btn.primary{background:#d86e18;color:#fff!important}\n.hlh-types-cta-btn.primary:hover{background:#c05e10}\n.hlh-types-cta-btn.secondary{background:transparent;color:#fff!important;border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.5)!important}\n.hlh-types-cta-btn.secondary:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.1)}\n.hlh-types-divider{border:none;border-top:1px solid #e0e7f0;margin:2.4rem 0}\n@media(max-width:640px){.hlh-types h1{font-size:1.7rem}.hlh-types h2{font-size:1.4rem}.hlh-types-cat-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.hlh-types-entry-stats{flex-direction:column}.hlh-types-stat{border-right:none;border-bottom:1px solid #e0e7f0}.hlh-types-cta{padding:1.5rem 1.2rem}}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"hlh-types\">\n\n<h1>10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media \u2014 Full Guide with Properties Chart<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"hlh-types-lead\">No single blast media handles every substrate, every surface finish requirement, and every operating environment \u2014 which is why the global market supports ten distinct commercially viable abrasive types. Each occupies a specific performance niche defined by hardness, particle geometry, recyclability, cost structure, and dust profile. This guide profiles all ten in full technical detail, alongside a complete properties chart for side-by-side comparison.<\/p>\n\n<p>This guide covers all ten types in the sequence they appear in the master comparison table: aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, glass beads, steel shot, steel grit, garnet, crushed glass, copper slag, walnut shell, and plastic abrasive grit. For each type, the manufacturing process, key specifications, available grades, best-suited applications, and principal limitations are covered. A properties chart, tradeoff matrix, and FAQ complete the reference.<\/p>\n\n<p>This article is part of the complete <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blast-media-chart-the-complete-comparison-and-selection-reference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">abrasive blast media comparison and selection reference<\/a> from Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"hlh-types-meta\">\n  <span>\ud83d\udcc5 Last updated: July 2026<\/span>\n  <span>\ud83c\udfed Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.<\/span>\n  <span>\ud83d\udcd6 Reading time: approx. 20 min<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n<nav class=\"hlh-types-toc\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n  <ol>\n    <li><a href=\"#classification\">How Abrasive Blast Media Types Are Classified<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#properties-chart\">Complete Properties Chart: All 10 Types<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#type-profiles\">Individual Type Profiles<\/a>\n      <ol>\n        <li><a href=\"#aluminum-oxide\">\u00d3xido de aluminio<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#silicon-carbide\">Carburo de silicio<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#glass-beads\">Cuentas de vidrio<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#steel-shot\">Disparo de acero<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#steel-grit\">Granalla de acero<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#garnet\">Granate<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#crushed-glass\">Crushed Glass<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#copper-slag\">Copper Slag<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#walnut-shell\">Walnut Shell<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#plastic-grit\">Plastic Abrasive Grit<\/a><\/li>\n      <\/ol>\n    <\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#tradeoffs\">How the 10 Types Compare: Key Tradeoffs<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#faq\">Preguntas frecuentes<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n\n<!-- CLASSIFICATION -->\n<h2 id=\"classification\">How Abrasive Blast Media Types Are Classified<\/h2>\n<p>The ten media types covered in this guide fall into five broad categories based on material origin and manufacturing process. Understanding the category helps predict a media&#8217;s general properties before looking at the specific type in detail.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hlh-types-cat-grid\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-cat-card\"><h4>Metallic<\/h4><p>Steel Shot, Steel Grit. Manufactured from molten steel. Highest density, best recyclability, very low dust. Used at production scale in wheel-blast systems.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-cat-card\"><h4>Synthetic Fused<\/h4><p>Aluminum Oxide, Silicon Carbide. Manufactured by high-temperature electric arc fusion. Hardest media available; wide grit range; controlled and consistent properties.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-cat-card\"><h4>Natural Mineral<\/h4><p>Garnet. Mined almandine iron-aluminum silicate. Sub-angular; very low dust; low leachable heavy metals; preferred for environmental compliance work.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-cat-card\"><h4>Recycled \/ Industrial Byproduct<\/h4><p>Crushed Glass, Copper Slag. Made from recycled post-consumer glass or copper smelting byproduct. Lowest purchase cost per ton; single-use only.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-cat-card\"><h4>Glass (Spherical)<\/h4><p>Glass Beads. Manufactured from soda-lime glass into spherical particles. Unique round shape creates peened, non-profiled surface finish. Highest recyclability of any non-metallic media.<\/p><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-cat-card\"><h4>Organic &amp; Polymer<\/h4><p>Walnut Shell, Plastic Abrasive Grit. Organic milled plant material or thermoset polymer particles. Softest angular media; used only on soft substrates where no profile is acceptable.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- PROPERTIES CHART -->\n<h2 id=\"properties-chart\">Complete Properties Chart: All 10 Types<\/h2>\n<div class=\"hlh-types-table-wrap\">\n  <table class=\"hlh-types-table\">\n    <thead>\n      <tr><th>Tipo de medio<\/th><th>Categor\u00eda<\/th><th>Dureza<\/th><th>Shape<\/th><th>Grit \/ Size Range<\/th><th>Profile (mils)<\/th><th>Reuse Cycles<\/th><th>Dust Level<\/th><th>Unit Cost<\/th><\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr><td>\u00d3xido de aluminio<\/td><td>Synthetic fused<\/td><td>9 Mohs<\/td><td>Angular, blocky<\/td><td>F12 \u2013 F220<\/td><td>1.5 \u2013 5.0<\/td><td>3 \u2013 7<\/td><td>Moderado<\/td><td>Moderado<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Carburo de silicio<\/td><td>Synthetic fused<\/td><td>9 \u2013 9.5 Mohs<\/td><td>Angular, very sharp<\/td><td>F16 \u2013 F240<\/td><td>2.0 \u2013 5.0<\/td><td>3 \u2013 5<\/td><td>Moderado<\/td><td>Alta<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Cuentas de vidrio<\/td><td>Glass (spherical)<\/td><td>5.5 \u2013 6 Mohs<\/td><td>Round, spherical<\/td><td>50 \u2013 325 mesh<\/td><td>0.5 \u2013 1.5<\/td><td>20 \u2013 30<\/td><td>Bajo<\/td><td>Low \u2013 Moderate<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Disparo de acero<\/td><td>Metallic<\/td><td>40 \u2013 51 HRC<\/td><td>Round, spherical<\/td><td>S-110 \u2013 S-780<\/td><td>0.5 \u2013 2.5<\/td><td>100 \u2013 300+<\/td><td>Muy bajo<\/td><td>Moderate*<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Granalla de acero<\/td><td>Metallic<\/td><td>40 \u2013 65 HRC<\/td><td>Angular, crushed<\/td><td>G-10 \u2013 G-120<\/td><td>2.5 \u2013 6.0<\/td><td>100 \u2013 300+<\/td><td>Muy bajo<\/td><td>Moderate*<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Granate<\/td><td>Natural mineral<\/td><td>7 \u2013 8 Mohs<\/td><td>Sub-angular<\/td><td>16 \u2013 200 grit<\/td><td>1.0 \u2013 3.5<\/td><td>3 \u2013 6<\/td><td>Muy bajo<\/td><td>Moderado<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Crushed Glass<\/td><td>Recycled<\/td><td>5 \u2013 6 Mohs<\/td><td>Angular, irregular<\/td><td>8 \u2013 80 mesh<\/td><td>1.0 \u2013 3.0<\/td><td>1 \u2013 3<\/td><td>Moderado<\/td><td>Muy bajo<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Copper Slag<\/td><td>Industrial byproduct<\/td><td>6 \u2013 7 Mohs<\/td><td>Angular, glassy<\/td><td>8 \u2013 80 mesh<\/td><td>1.5 \u2013 3.5<\/td><td>1 \u2013 2<\/td><td>Mod \u2013 High<\/td><td>Muy bajo<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Walnut Shell<\/td><td>Organic<\/td><td>4.5 \u2013 5 Mohs<\/td><td>Angular, granular<\/td><td>8 \u2013 100 mesh<\/td><td>&lt; 0.5<\/td><td>3 \u2013 5<\/td><td>Bajo<\/td><td>Bajo<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Plastic Abrasive Grit<\/td><td>Polymer<\/td><td>2.5 \u2013 4 Mohs<\/td><td>Angular, faceted<\/td><td>12 \u2013 60 mesh<\/td><td>&lt; 0.5<\/td><td>3 \u2013 8<\/td><td>Bajo<\/td><td>Alta<\/td><\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:.81rem;color:#888;margin-top:-.4rem\">* Steel shot and grit carry moderate purchase cost per ton but deliver the lowest cost per blast cycle at production volume due to 100\u2013300+ reuse cycles. All profile depths for structural carbon steel under standard conditions. See the full <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blasting-surface-profile-chart-anchor-pattern-depth-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">surface profile chart<\/a> for detailed Rz values by grit size.<\/p>\n\n<!-- TYPE PROFILES -->\n<h2 id=\"type-profiles\">Individual Type Profiles<\/h2>\n\n<!-- 1. Aluminum Oxide -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"aluminum-oxide\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">01<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Aluminum Oxide (Al\u2082O\u2083)<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Brown Fused &amp; White Fused \u2014 Synthetic Fused Abrasive<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">9 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Angular, blocky<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">F12 \u2013 F220<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">1.5 \u2013 5.0 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">3 \u2013 7<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Moderado<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Aluminum oxide is manufactured by smelting bauxite ore (hydrated aluminum oxide) in an electric arc furnace at temperatures exceeding 2,000\u00b0C. The melt solidifies into a crystalline mass that is then crushed, sized, and classified to FEPA F-grade specifications. Brown fused alumina (BFA) contains approximately 95\u201397% Al\u2082O\u2083 with iron oxide and silica impurities imparting the characteristic brown color. White fused alumina (WFA) is produced from calcined alumina with 99%+ purity, giving a white or slightly off-white color and eliminating iron contamination \u2014 critical for stainless steel, electronic substrates, and precision glass work.<\/p>\n    <p>At Mohs 9, aluminum oxide is hard enough to cut structural carbon steel, stainless steel, ceramics, glass, stone, and hardened metals. Its particle fracture behavior is described as friable: under repeated blasting impacts, particles break along crystallographic planes, continuously regenerating sharp cutting edges. This self-sharpening characteristic maintains cutting efficiency across multiple reuse cycles \u2014 a property that distinguishes AO from rounder, tougher media that dull progressively with use.<\/p>\n    <p>The grit range is the widest of any blast media: F12 (1,680 \u00b5m, aggressive profiling for thermal spray prep) through F220 (63 \u00b5m, ultra-fine finishing for optical components and precision lapping). This breadth makes aluminum oxide the most versatile blast media type and the correct default choice when no specialized substrate or environmental constraint changes the recommendation. Avoid using brown AO on stainless steel \u2014 specify white AO or garnet instead to prevent iron contamination from the trace iron oxide content in brown AO.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 2. Silicon Carbide -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"silicon-carbide\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">02<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Silicon Carbide (SiC)<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Black SiC &amp; Green SiC \u2014 Hardest Commercial Blast Media<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">9 \u2013 9.5 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Angular, very sharp<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">F16 \u2013 F240<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">2.0 \u2013 5.0 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">3 \u2013 5<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Alta<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Silicon carbide is manufactured by the Acheson process, developed in 1891 and still the dominant production method: a resistive electric furnace heats a mixture of silica sand (SiO\u2082) and petroleum coke (carbon) to approximately 2,000\u20132,500\u00b0C, driving the reaction SiO\u2082 + 3C \u2192 SiC + 2CO. The resulting crystalline SiC is crushed, sized, and classified. Black silicon carbide (~98.5% SiC) is standard grade for most blasting and grinding applications. Green silicon carbide (~99%+ SiC) offers higher purity for semiconductor substrates, high-performance lapping compounds, and precision optical work.<\/p>\n    <p>At Mohs 9\u20139.5, silicon carbide is the hardest abrasive commercially available for blasting \u2014 and the only one capable of reliably cutting glass, granite, marble, silicon wafers, tungsten carbide coatings, and advanced technical ceramics. Its cutting edges are sharper and more aggressive than aluminum oxide at the same grit size, producing profiles approximately 10\u201315% deeper and cutting depths in hard materials that no other blast media achieves. For artistic glass etching, monument engraving, and micro-semiconductor substrate texturing, silicon carbide is not merely preferred \u2014 it is frequently the only viable option.<\/p>\n    <p>The cost premium over aluminum oxide (typically 3\u20136\u00d7 higher per ton) is justified only when the substrate material genuinely requires it. For standard structural steel surface preparation, silicon carbide offers no meaningful advantage over aluminum oxide and should not be specified on cost grounds. Its higher hardness also increases wear rates on blast nozzles and equipment \u2014 tungsten carbide nozzles rather than standard boron carbide are recommended for extended silicon carbide service. Available in both FEPA F-grade (blasting range F16\u2013F220) and FEPA P-grade (polishing\/lapping range P240\u2013P2500).<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 3. Glass Beads -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"glass-beads\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">03<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Cuentas de vidrio<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Soda-Lime Glass Spheres \u2014 Peening and Bright Finish Media<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">5.5 \u2013 6 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Round, spherical<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Mesh Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">50 \u2013 325<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">0.5 \u2013 1.5 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">20 \u2013 30<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Low \u2013 Moderate<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Glass beads are manufactured by melting soda-lime glass and forming it into near-perfect spheres through air atomization or rotary drum processes. The molten glass droplets solidify into amorphous (non-crystalline) glass spheres with no free silica hazard. Key standards include ASTM E1790, MIL-PRF-9954A (for aerospace applications), and ISO 11126-7. Most commercial glass beads for industrial blasting are produced in sizes from 50 mesh (approximately 300 \u00b5m, used for moderate peening and brightening) to 325 mesh (approximately 44 \u00b5m, used for ultra-fine precision finishing).<\/p>\n    <p>Glass beads are unique among the ten media types in this guide for their perfectly spherical geometry. This shape fundamentally changes the interaction with the substrate: instead of cutting angular grooves, glass beads indent the surface with smooth, uniform hemispherical dimples, producing a compressive peened surface layer rather than a tensile-cracked profile. The result is a bright, uniform satin finish with very low surface roughness (Rz 0.5\u20131.5 mils) \u2014 unsuitable for aggressive coating adhesion but ideal for stainless steel aesthetics, deburring precision machined parts, and shot peening applications where compressive residual stress improvement is the goal.<\/p>\n    <p>Their exceptionally high recyclability \u2014 20\u201330 cycles in cabinet systems \u2014 makes glass beads among the most economical media on a per-cycle basis despite their moderate purchase price per kilogram. Lead-free borosilicate formulations are available for pharmaceutical equipment finishing and food-grade applications where chemical contamination is a concern. Glass beads contain no iron and produce no ferrous contamination \u2014 essential when working on stainless steel, titanium, or any substrate where iron embedding would initiate galvanic corrosion. Never use angular mineral or metallic media on a surface previously specified for glass bead finishing; cross-contamination from a shared blasting system will compromise the results.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 4. Steel Shot -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"steel-shot\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">04<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Disparo de acero<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Cast Steel Spheres \u2014 High-Volume Wheel-Blast Standard<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">40 \u2013 51 HRC<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Round, spherical<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">SAE Size<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">S-110 \u2013 S-780<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">0.5 \u2013 2.5 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">100 \u2013 300+<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Moderate (very low \/cycle)<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Steel shot is manufactured by atomizing a stream of molten high-carbon steel with high-pressure water jets (water atomization) or compressed air (air atomization). The molten droplets solidify into near-perfect spheres as they fall through a water bath or cooling chamber. The solidified particles are heat-treated (quenched and tempered) to achieve the target hardness range specified in SAE J827. Two primary grades exist: regular hardness (280\u2013390 HV Vickers, approximately 28\u201340 HRC) for general cleaning applications, and hard grade (420\u2013520 HV, approximately 43\u201350 HRC) for more demanding cleaning and scale removal. Conditioned cut wire (CCW) shot, made from drawn steel wire cut to specified lengths then conditioned to round the edges, offers an alternative production method with even higher consistency.<\/p>\n    <p>Steel shot&#8217;s round geometry creates a smooth, compressive peened surface upon impact \u2014 identical in principle to glass beads but far more powerful due to the much higher density of steel (7.8 g\/cm\u00b3 vs 2.5 g\/cm\u00b3 for glass). This higher density gives steel shot dramatically more kinetic energy per particle at the same velocity, making it effective for removing heavy mill scale and oxide layers from structural steel and foundry castings at industrial production rates in wheel-blast equipment. More importantly, the compressive residual stresses induced by shot peening measurably improve the fatigue life of springs, gears, crankshafts, connecting rods, turbine blades, and structural components \u2014 a well-quantified mechanical benefit standardized under AMS 2430, SAE J443, and MIL-S-13165.<\/p>\n    <p>Steel shot&#8217;s economy advantage at production scale is unmatched. In a properly maintained wheel-blast system with a closed-loop media recovery and classification circuit, steel shot achieves 100\u2013300 or more reuse cycles before replacement is needed. This translates to a per-cycle media cost of USD 0.003\u20130.007 per kilogram \u2014 lower than any other blast media by a significant margin. The limitation is profile depth: steel shot&#8217;s round shape caps achievable Rz at approximately 2.0\u20132.5 mils under aggressive wheel-blast conditions. Applications requiring profiles above 2.5 mils should specify steel grit instead.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 5. Steel Grit -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"steel-grit\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">05<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Granalla de acero<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Crushed Angular Steel \u2014 Deep Profile and Marine Standard<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">40 \u2013 65 HRC<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Angular, faceted<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">SAE Size<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">G-10 \u2013 G-120<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">2.5 \u2013 6.0 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">100 \u2013 300+<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Moderate (very low \/cycle)<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Steel grit is produced by crushing steel shot \u2014 taking the spherical particles produced in the atomization process and fracturing them under controlled impact conditions to produce angular, faceted fragments. The crushing process generates particles with sharp cutting edges in a range of sizes classified to SAE J1993. Three hardness grades are produced: GL (Low, 40\u201351 HRC) \u2014 the most ductile, generates a moderate profile with the lowest wear rate on equipment impellers; GM (Medium, 47\u201356 HRC) \u2014 a balance of profile depth and equipment life; and GH (High, 60\u201366 HRC) \u2014 the hardest and most aggressive, producing the deepest profiles but with faster equipment wear and higher brittleness. Within each hardness grade, sizes range from G-120 (fine, approximately 0.21 mm nominal diameter) to G-10 (coarse, approximately 2.36 mm) \u2014 in steel grit, higher G-numbers indicate smaller particle size.<\/p>\n    <p>The angular geometry of steel grit, combined with the density advantage of steel and the velocity achievable in centrifugal wheel-blast turbines, produces surface profiles that no mineral abrasive can match at the same throughput rate. GH grade G-18 routinely delivers 3.0\u20134.5 mils Rz on structural carbon steel; G-12 can push to 5.0\u20136.0 mils for the deepest thermal spray preparation requirements. These profiles are mandatory for heavy anti-corrosion coating systems in marine immersion, buried pipe, and aggressive chemical service \u2014 and steel grit in wheel-blast equipment achieves them at throughput rates of 20\u2013100 metric tons of steel per hour depending on facility size.<\/p>\n    <p>Steel grit recycles as effectively as steel shot \u2014 100\u2013300+ cycles in closed systems \u2014 giving it the same low per-cycle cost advantage. The combination of deep-profile capability and metallic recyclability makes it the definitive choice for shipyard blast halls, bridge preparation facilities, and large structural fabricators worldwide. It does generate metallic iron in its blast residue, which must be managed in environmentally sensitive settings, and requires properly designed closed-loop wheel-blast equipment to realize its economic advantage.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 6. Garnet -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"garnet\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">06<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Granate<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Almandine Natural Mineral \u2014 Low-Dust Environmental Standard<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">7 \u2013 8 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Sub-angular<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">16 \u2013 200<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">1.0 \u2013 3.5 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">3 \u2013 6<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Moderado<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Blasting-grade garnet is almandine (iron aluminum silicate, Fe\u2083Al\u2082(SiO\u2084)\u2083), a naturally occurring mineral mined primarily in Australia (the Pilbara region of Western Australia, supplying the GMA Garnet brand) and India (Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu states). After mining, the ore is crushed, classified by size, magnetically separated to remove ferrous impurities, and screened to meet commercial purity standards. High-purity blasting garnet (>98% almandine) contains very low levels of heavy metals (arsenic, lead, chromium below detection limits in quality grades) and less than 1% free silica \u2014 key properties for environmental compliance.<\/p>\n    <p>Garnet&#8217;s defining characteristic in the market is not its hardness (moderate at Mohs 7\u20138) or its profile capability (good but not exceptional at 1.0\u20133.5 mils) \u2014 it is its exceptionally low dust generation. Garnet particles are denser and tougher than most slag-based alternatives, and their sub-angular (rather than fully angular) geometry produces fewer fine particles on impact. The combination of low dust, low free silica, and low leachable heavy metal content makes garnet the go-to choice for every situation where environmental or health constraints restrict more aggressive alternatives: bridge work over navigable waterways, enclosed shipyard blasting with limited ventilation, occupied industrial facilities where dust spread is unacceptable, and coastal work where media residue enters tidal areas.<\/p>\n    <p>Garnet is also the universal abrasive in waterjet cutting systems, where its hardness, density, and low nozzle wear characteristics make it the technically and economically optimal choice for high-pressure water-abrasive cutting of steel, composites, stone, and glass. Leading brands (GMA Garnet, BARTON, Opta Minerals) maintain consistent quality programs with elemental certification for each production batch \u2014 relevant for projects requiring documented media certification as part of the quality record.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 7. Crushed Glass -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"crushed-glass\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">07<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Crushed Glass<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Recycled Post-Consumer Glass \u2014 Lowest-Cost Silica-Safe Option<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">5 \u2013 6 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Angular, irregular<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Mesh Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">8 \u2013 80<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">1.0 \u2013 3.0 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">1 \u2013 3<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Muy bajo<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Crushed glass is manufactured from post-consumer recycled glass \u2014 primarily mixed container glass (green, amber, and clear bottles and jars) \u2014 that is cleaned, sorted, crushed to size, and screened to remove metallic cap fragments and paper labels. The resulting angular glass particles contain no heavy metals, no organic contaminants, and no free crystalline silica (glass-state silica is amorphous and does not carry the crystalline silica disease risk). No major international standard governs crushed glass specifically for blasting, though suppliers typically characterize product by mesh size and publish elemental analysis on request.<\/p>\n    <p>The case for crushed glass is purely economic: it is among the cheapest blasting abrasives per metric ton on the market \u2014 often USD 80\u2013150\/tonne depending on region and volume. At this cost, it can be used as a one-pass single-use media on large outdoor blasting projects where recovery is impractical, without the total project cost becoming unacceptable. Its angular fracture geometry produces adequate profiles (1.0\u20133.0 mils Rz) for re-painting structural steel to SSPC-SP 6 or SP 10 requirements. It contains no crystalline silica, making it a straightforward legal alternative to silica sand in jurisdictions where sand is restricted.<\/p>\n    <p>The limitations are real: crushed glass generates moderate to high dust (fine glass particles are irritating to eyes and respiratory tissue and require appropriate PPE despite not posing a silicosis risk); it breaks down rapidly, producing large volumes of fine particles that must be collected and disposed; and its profile capability tops out at approximately 3.0 mils, making it unsuitable for deep-profile specifications. For one-pass outdoor structural blasting on a budget, it is a practical choice. For any closed-loop system, any stainless steel work, or any profile requirement above 3.0 mils, better options exist.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 8. Copper Slag -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"copper-slag\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">08<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Copper Slag<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Smelting Byproduct \u2014 Declining Regulatory Acceptance<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">6 \u2013 7 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Angular, glassy<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Mesh Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">8 \u2013 80<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">1.5 \u2013 3.5 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">1 \u2013 2<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Muy bajo<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Copper slag is a byproduct of copper ore smelting. During the smelting process, iron-rich slag separates from the copper melt and is tapped from the furnace, solidified, crushed, and screened to produce the angular glassy particles used in blasting. Global copper production generates enormous volumes of slag \u2014 typically 2\u20133 tonnes of slag per tonne of copper produced \u2014 making it one of the most abundant industrial byproducts available as a blast abrasive. The composition varies by ore source and smelting process but typically includes iron silicates (fayalite, Fe\u2082SiO\u2084), calcium silicates, and aluminum silicates, with a glassy amorphous microstructure.<\/p>\n    <p>Historically, copper slag was one of the most widely used abrasives for large outdoor structural blasting \u2014 ship hulls, storage tanks, bridges, and industrial infrastructure \u2014 because its very low cost per ton made it economical even at single-use rates. Its angular morphology delivers moderate profiles (1.5\u20133.5 mils) adequate for most coating systems, and its hardness (Mohs 6\u20137) is sufficient for effective cleaning of structural carbon steel to SSPC-SP 6 or SP 10 standards.<\/p>\n    <p>The regulatory trend is against copper slag. Quality control in slag processing is less rigorous than for synthetic abrasives, and elemental composition varies between sources and production batches. Multiple published studies have documented arsenic, lead, beryllium, chromium, and barium in copper slag dust and aqueous leachate at levels that trigger hazardous waste classification under US RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) and equivalent EU regulations in certain scenarios. Near-water work with copper slag is increasingly restricted or prohibited by port authorities and environmental regulators in North America, Europe, and Australia. Request a full certified elemental SDS from any copper slag supplier, and verify hazardous waste classification requirements for your jurisdiction before specifying it \u2014 particularly for marine or waterway-adjacent applications. For a silica-free, lower-regulatory-risk alternative at comparable cost, crushed glass is the appropriate substitute.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 9. Walnut Shell -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"walnut-shell\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">09<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Walnut Shell<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Black Walnut Grit \u2014 Organic Soft-Substrate Standard<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">4.5 \u2013 5 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Angular, granular<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Mesh Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">4 \u2013 100<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">&lt; 0.5 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">3 \u2013 5<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Bajo<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Walnut shell grit is produced from the shells of black walnuts (Juglans nigra), the hard outer shell of a widely cultivated North American tree species. The shells are cleaned, dried to a controlled moisture content, crushed in hammer mills or roller mills, and classified by mesh size to produce consistent grades from coarse (4\u20138 mesh, particles approximately 2.4\u20134.8 mm) down to fine (60\u201380 mesh, particles approximately 180\u2013250 \u00b5m). The resulting particles are angular with a granular texture \u2014 harder than corn cob grit at Mohs 4.5\u20135 versus corn cob&#8217;s Mohs 4\u20134.5, but significantly softer than all mineral or metallic abrasives.<\/p>\n    <p>Walnut shell occupies a unique application niche defined by controlled softness. Its hardness is below that of most aluminum alloys (typically Mohs 3\u20134 at common tempers) at critical measurement scales \u2014 a walnut shell particle physically cannot erode structural aluminum the way a Mohs 9 aluminum oxide particle would. This makes it the standard media for stripping old paint and coatings from aircraft aluminum panels, helicopter rotor blades, classic automobile bodywork, wooden boat hulls, antique furniture, and historical building elements \u2014 any substrate where dimensional tolerance, substrate texture, or material integrity must be absolutely preserved through the coating removal process.<\/p>\n    <p>Walnut shell is biodegradable, non-toxic, and produces waste that does not require hazardous classification under normal circumstances (subject to any hazardous content in the paint residue stripped). It generates low dust and is non-sparking \u2014 properties that matter in potentially flammable aircraft maintenance environments. Blast pressure must be set conservatively (35\u201360 psi) even with this soft media; excessive pressure causes surface friability and raises dust levels. Store dry and use within a reasonable time period \u2014 moisture absorption causes particle degradation and promotes mold growth in humid environments. Corn cob grit is an alternative in the same application category, slightly softer (Mohs 4\u20134.5) and available in similar mesh sizes.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- 10. Plastic Grit -->\n<div class=\"hlh-types-entry\" id=\"plastic-grit\">\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-header\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-num\">10<\/div>\n    <div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-title\">Plastic Abrasive Grit<\/div>\n      <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-subtitle\">Thermoset Polymer \u2014 Aerospace and Composite Specialist<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Dureza<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">2.5 \u2013 4 Mohs<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Shape<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Angular, faceted<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Mesh Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">12 \u2013 60<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Profile<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">&lt; 0.5 mils<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Reuse Cycles<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">3 \u2013 8<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-types-stat\"><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-label\">Unit Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-types-stat-value\">Alta<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-entry-body\">\n    <p>Plastic abrasive grit is manufactured by grinding thermoset plastic molding compounds into angular particles classified to standard mesh sizes. Three formulations are commercially available, each offering a slightly different hardness-brittleness profile: <strong>urea formaldehyde<\/strong> (Mohs approximately 3\u20133.5) \u2014 the softest and most brittle, preferred for the most delicate composite panels and thin aluminum skins; <strong>melamine formaldehyde<\/strong> (Mohs approximately 3.5\u20134) \u2014 slightly harder with better cutting action and higher recyclability, the most common general-purpose grade; and <strong>polyester\/acrylic<\/strong> variants \u2014 intermediate hardness, used in specialized automotive and precision industrial applications. All three are thermoset (permanently cured cross-linked polymer) rather than thermoplastic, giving them the hardness and brittleness needed for blasting action that thermoplastic polymers lack.<\/p>\n    <p>Plastic grit&#8217;s defining characteristic is its ability to remove coatings from substrates that cannot tolerate any detectable substrate material removal. In aerospace MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) operations, this function is critical: CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) composite airframe panels must have their topcoats and primers stripped for inspection and repainting without disturbing the underlying carbon fiber reinforcement. Even minor surface fiber erosion would constitute structural damage requiring expensive panel replacement or repair. Plastic grit \u2014 applied at controlled pressures of 40\u201370 psi in aircraft-specification blast systems \u2014 strips organic coatings from CFRP reliably without touching the fiber structure, a capability no other blast media achieves. The specific approved process (media type, grade, pressure, nozzle size, exposure time, and inspection method) must be drawn from the aircraft manufacturer&#8217;s Structural Repair Manual (SRM) or the applicable MRO process specification.<\/p>\n    <p>Plastic grit is also used in automotive refinishing to strip factory coatings from body panels without distorting thin-gauge steel, in electronics manufacturing for deflashing mold lines from plastic and ceramic components, and in food equipment cleaning where no media residue can be permitted. Its non-sparking, non-conductive properties make it safe in intrinsically safe environments. The high purchase cost (typically 5\u201315\u00d7 aluminum oxide per ton) is almost always justified by the precision and substrate protection it provides in its target applications. Virgin media only \u2014 never reuse plastic grit on different substrate types, as contamination from prior use defeats the no-contamination purpose.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- TRADEOFFS -->\n<h2 id=\"tradeoffs\">How the 10 Types Compare: Key Tradeoffs<\/h2>\n<p>No single attribute determines the right media choice \u2014 the correct selection emerges from weighing multiple properties simultaneously against the specific job requirements. The tradeoff matrix below rates each media type on six decision criteria to support that comparison at a glance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hlh-types-tradeoff-wrap\">\n  <table class=\"hlh-types-tradeoff-table\">\n    <thead>\n      <tr><th>Tipo de medio<\/th><th>Profile Depth<\/th><th>Reciclabilidad<\/th><th>Environment \/ Dust<\/th><th>Substrate Safety<\/th><th>Economy (\/ cycle)<\/th><th>Versatility<\/th><\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr><td>\u00d3xido de aluminio<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Carburo de silicio<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Cuentas de vidrio<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Muy bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Disparo de acero<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Low \u2013 Moderate<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Granalla de acero<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Granate<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Crushed Glass<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Copper Slag<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Muy bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Walnut Shell<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Muy bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><\/tr>\n      <tr><td>Plastic Grit<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Muy bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-mid\">Moderado<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Alta<\/td><td class=\"score-hi\">Very High<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><td class=\"score-lo\">Bajo<\/td><\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hlh-types-link-box\">\n  <p><strong>Select by Substrate and Application<\/strong>\n  For a full matrix mapping each substrate type (carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, concrete, CFRP, wood, glass) to the correct media, grit size, and equipment type, see: <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blast-media-selection-chart-by-material-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Abrasive Blast Media Selection Chart by Material and Application<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"hlh-types-divider\">\n\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Preguntas frecuentes<\/h2>\n<div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-faq-item\"><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-q\">What is the difference between synthetic and natural blast media?<\/div><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-a\"><p>Synthetic blast media is manufactured through controlled industrial processes: aluminum oxide by electric arc fusion of bauxite; silicon carbide by the Acheson process at over 2,000\u00b0C; glass beads by melting soda-lime glass into spheres; steel shot and grit by atomizing and crushing molten steel. Synthetic media offers consistent, tightly controlled properties because the manufacturing process can be precisely managed from batch to batch. Natural blast media includes garnet (mined almandine mineral), walnut shell (milled nut shells), and corn cob grit (processed agricultural byproduct). Natural media exhibits more property variation between batches and source regions, but quality mining and processing operations maintain commercially acceptable consistency for blasting applications. Crushed glass sits between the two: made from recycled manufactured glass, but processed by relatively straightforward crushing and sieving rather than synthesis.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-faq-item\"><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-q\">Which abrasive blast media lasts the longest?<\/div><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-a\"><p>Steel shot and steel grit last the longest \u2014 100 to 300 or more reuse cycles in well-maintained closed-loop wheel-blast systems. Their metallic density and toughness resist fracture under repeated impact far more effectively than any mineral abrasive. Glass beads are the next most durable at 20\u201330 cycles in cabinet blasting. Aluminum oxide and garnet last 3\u20137 and 3\u20136 cycles respectively. Single-use media (crushed glass, copper slag) are designed for one or two passes. In all cases, actual cycle life depends heavily on operating conditions \u2014 excessive blast pressure, inadequate media classification, and moisture in the system accelerate breakdown significantly.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-faq-item\"><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-q\">Can different blast media types be mixed together?<\/div><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-a\"><p>Mixing media types is almost always inadvisable. Different densities and particle sizes cause separation and uneven consumption, making profile consistency impossible to control. Steel media residue on a surface subsequently blasted with glass beads for stainless steel work will leave iron contamination. Organic media mixed with metallic media in recycling systems can swell, ferment, or clog recovery lines. Plastic grit run through a system containing harder mineral residue will be ground to useless powder. Each media type should run in a dedicated system with dedicated recovery and classification equipment to ensure process control and prevent cross-contamination.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-faq-item\"><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-q\">What is the most environmentally friendly abrasive blast media?<\/div><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-a\"><p>Environmental impact spans three dimensions: air quality during blasting, waste classification of spent media, and production carbon footprint. On air quality, garnet and steel media generate the least respirable dust. On waste disposal, walnut shell and corn cob produce biodegradable, non-hazardous waste. Crushed glass produces inert silicate residue with no leachable heavy metals. Copper slag scores poorly \u2014 its dust and residue may require hazardous waste handling. On production carbon footprint, naturally mined garnet requires less industrial processing energy than synthetic fused abrasives produced in high-temperature electric arc furnaces. For marine and near-water environmental compliance specifically, garnet is the recognized best-practice choice \u2014 very low leachable metals, low dust, and documented regulatory acceptance across major international port jurisdictions.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n  <div class=\"hlh-types-faq-item\"><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-q\">Which blast media produces the deepest surface profile?<\/div><div class=\"hlh-types-faq-a\"><p>Steel grit in the hardest and coarsest grades \u2014 GH grade, G-12 to G-14 SAE size \u2014 produces the deepest surface profiles achievable by any commercial blast media, routinely 4.0\u20136.0 mils Rz on structural carbon steel in high-energy wheel-blast systems. These depths are mandatory for heavy thermal spray bond coats (HVOF, arc wire) and the most severe immersion anti-corrosion systems. For pressure-blast operations where wheel-blast equipment is not available, coarse aluminum oxide (F12\u2013F16) achieves profiles of 3.5\u20135.0 mils \u2014 sufficient for nearly all coating specifications. Silicon carbide of the same grit size produces profiles approximately 10\u201315% deeper than aluminum oxide, but the cost premium is rarely justified for the marginal additional depth on steel substrates.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"hlh-types-divider\">\n<div class=\"hlh-types-cta\">\n  <h3>Source Any of These 10 Media Types Direct from Jiangsu Henglihong Technology<\/h3>\n  <p>We manufacture and export aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, glass beads, steel shot, and steel grit in all commercial grit sizes and grades. Competitive FOB pricing, full elemental certification, SGS inspection available, flexible MOQ for new customers.<\/p>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/contact\/\" class=\"hlh-types-cta-btn primary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Request a Quote<\/a>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blast-media-chart-the-complete-comparison-and-selection-reference\/\" class=\"hlh-types-cta-btn secondary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2190 Complete Media Comparison Chart<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<script>\n(function(){\n  var items=document.querySelectorAll('.hlh-types-faq-item');\n  items.forEach(function(item){\n    item.querySelector('.hlh-types-faq-q').addEventListener('click',function(){\n      var o=item.classList.contains('open');\n      items.forEach(function(i){i.classList.remove('open')});\n      if(!o)item.classList.add('open');\n    });\n  });\n})();\n<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media \u2014 Full Guide with  [&#8230;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,175,138],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-industry","category-resource"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13529"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13531,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13529\/revisions\/13531"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}