Abrasive Media FAQ: Grit Size, Mesh, Recycling & Storage Tips

Abrasive media is any granular or particulate material propelled at high velocity against a surface to clean it, profile it, peen it, or strip coatings from it. The term covers a wide range of materials — from natural minerals like garnet and aluminum oxide, to manufactured metallic media like steel grit and shot, to engineered synthetics like glass beads and plastic blast media, to agricultural materials like walnut shell and corn cob. What they share is a combination of hardness, particle shape, and size that allows them to perform mechanical work on a target surface when driven by compressed air or a centrifugal wheel.

For a complete introduction, see our What Is Abrasive Media? guide and our overview of 10 types of abrasive blasting media.

The terms are used interchangeably in the industry. “Blast media” or “blasting media” describes abrasive material used specifically in a blast system — pressure pot, suction cabinet, wheel blast machine, or wet blast unit. “Abrasive media” is the broader term that also covers media used in vibratory tumblers, lapping, and other non-blast finishing processes. In practice, most suppliers and customers use both terms to mean the same thing.

Grit refers to the abrasive particle size of a blast media, expressed as a mesh number. The mesh number indicates how many openings per linear inch exist in the wire sieve that the particles pass through — a higher mesh number means a finer (smaller) particle, and a lower mesh number means a coarser (larger) particle. For example, 24-grit aluminum oxide has particles that pass through a sieve with 24 openings per inch (~0.71 mm nominal size), while 80-grit particles are much finer (~0.18 mm). In the steel abrasives world, “grit” also refers specifically to angular steel blast media (as opposed to spherical steel shot).

Anchor profile is the microscopic surface roughness created by abrasive blast cleaning, measured as the peak-to-valley height of the surface texture in mils (thousandths of an inch) or microns. It provides the mechanical interlocking surface area into which a protective coating flows and cures, dramatically increasing coating adhesion compared to a smooth surface. Every industrial coating system specifies a minimum and maximum acceptable anchor profile in its technical data sheet. Too little profile means inadequate adhesion; too much means the peaks of the surface texture protrude through the coating film, creating early corrosion sites. Profile is controlled primarily by the choice of media type and grit size — angular media like aluminum oxide and garnet create more profile than spherical media like glass beads for the same particle size.

See the full coverage in our Surface Preparation guide.

Angular media (aluminum oxide, garnet, steel grit, crushed glass) has sharp, irregular particle shapes that cut into the substrate surface on impact, creating a rough anchor profile with peaks and valleys. Spherical media (glass beads, steel shot) has round, smooth particle shapes that peen and burnish the surface on impact without cutting, producing a much smoother finish with minimal surface profile. The choice between angular and spherical media depends entirely on the application goal: angular for maximum coating adhesion (anchor profile creation) and aggressive cleaning; spherical for shot peening (fatigue life improvement), bright satin finishes, and cleaning without substrate profiling.

Shot peening is a controlled process of bombarding a metal surface with spherical media (glass beads or steel shot) at a specified intensity and coverage to induce a compressive residual stress layer in the near-surface material. This compressive stress layer counters the tensile stresses that initiate fatigue cracks, extending the fatigue life of the treated component by 50–200% in testing on spring steels and aluminium alloys. Shot peening is widely used in aerospace (turbine blades, landing gear), automotive (valve springs, gearbox gears), and motorsport (connecting rods, suspension components). The process is controlled by Almen intensity (arc height of a calibrated test strip) and coverage percentage, per standards AMS 2430 and MIL-S-13165.

Dry blasting propels dry abrasive particles in a compressed air stream. It is the most common form of abrasive blasting and delivers high cutting and profiling performance. Wet blasting (also called vapour blasting or slurry blasting) introduces water into the blast stream along with the abrasive, creating a slurry that delivers a much gentler, flowing action on the surface. Key differences: wet blasting reduces airborne dust by 85–95% (major safety advantage), produces a smoother finish with less profile, prevents flash rust on freshly blasted steel (water film protects the surface), and is the preferred method for precision components where a burnished finish rather than a cut profile is desired. The trade-off is the need to dry the surface before coating application and more complex equipment maintenance.

Mesh size is the number of openings per linear inch of the sieve screen used to classify the particles. The actual particle opening size in mm or microns can be calculated from the mesh number, but the relationship is not strictly linear — different standards (US mesh, Tyler, ISO) use slightly different wire gauge specifications. The table below gives the standard US mesh conversions for the most common blast media sizes:

A higher mesh or grit number means a finer (smaller) abrasive particle. This is counterintuitive for many buyers. A 24-grit aluminum oxide is very coarse and aggressive; a 220-grit aluminum oxide is very fine and suitable for precision work. The logic is in the sieve: more openings per inch means smaller openings, which means only smaller particles can pass through. Remember: higher number = finer particle = smaller size = less aggressive.

Note that steel abrasive sizing uses the opposite convention for shot (S-series): a larger S-number like S780 means a larger, heavier shot particle. Always confirm whether a size reference is mesh-based or manufacturer-specific when ordering.

For SSPC-SP10 (Near-White Metal) with a typical 1.5–2.5 mil anchor profile — the most common industrial coating specification — the standard media and grit recommendations are:

• Grenat : 30–60 mesh at 70–90 psi
• Aluminum oxide BFA: 36–60 mesh at 75–95 psi
• Steel grit G40 GM: wheel blast or pressure blast at 80–100 psi

For a lower profile target (1.0–1.5 mil) at SP10, use 60–80 mesh garnet or aluminum oxide. For a deeper profile (2.5–3.5 mil) at SP10 for thick-film or high-build systems, use 24–36 mesh Al₂O₃ or garnet 16–30 mesh. Always verify cleanliness against SSPC pictorial standard comparator plates and measure anchor profile with Testex tape or a digital gauge before priming. Full guidance in our Surface Preparation guide.

FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) are the three main grit classification systems for bonded and coated abrasives. They produce slightly different particle size distributions for the same nominal grit number, but are broadly comparable at coarser sizes and diverge more at very fine grits above 240. For blast media sold in industrial quantities, grit is usually specified by mesh (US or Tyler sieve) rather than FEPA/ANSI/JIS, so the distinction matters most when specifying precision finishing or lapping media rather than blast media for surface preparation.

For light surface rust on thin sheet metal panels (door skins, quarter panels, roof), 80 mesh at 50–60 psi is the safer starting point — it creates a 0.5–1.0 mil profile sufficient for epoxy primer adhesion while minimising the warping risk from excessive impact energy. If the panels have heavier corrosion or tightly adherent scale, 60 mesh at 55–65 psi will cut through it faster. For complete multi-layer paint stripping where panel distortion is a concern, consider plastic blast media at 20–30 mesh first to remove all paint, then a light pass of 80 mesh Al₂O₃ to create the primer profile. See our Automotive Media guide for the full decision framework.

The standard waterjet cutting garnet grade is 80 mesh (GMA 80), corresponding to approximately 0.177 mm nominal particle size. This grade is specified in most waterjet OEM recommendations (OMAX, Flow, Bystronic, WARDJet, KMT) because it balances cutting speed, kerf width, nozzle wear rate, and cost across the widest range of materials. Some applications use 120 mesh for very fine work or thinner kerf widths. It is critical to note that waterjet-grade garnet is not interchangeable with blasting-grade garnet at the same nominal mesh — waterjet grade has a tighter particle size distribution (PSD) and lower moisture content (<0.5%) to prevent nozzle blockage and ensure consistent cut quality. Full details in our Garnet guide.

The four-step selection framework is:

• Identify the substrate: Thin steel / body panel? Heavy structural steel? Aluminium alloy? Cast iron? Composite? Each material has different hardness and tolerance for impact energy.
• Define the goal: Rust and scale removal to bare metal? Complete paint stripping without profiling? Shot peening for fatigue life? Decorative satin finish? Carbon removal?
• Confirm the coating requirement: If a protective coating is being applied, what cleanliness grade (SSPC-SP5, SP10, SP6) and anchor profile (mils) does the coating specification require?
• Check for contamination constraints: Iron-free required (stainless steel, aluminium)? Food contact surface? Near water or environmentally sensitive area?

Our interactive media selection guide et comparison chart walk through this process in detail.

Both are excellent angular blast media for surface preparation, and the best choice depends on your priority:

• Choose aluminum oxide when you need maximum cutting aggression, the deepest anchor profiles (2.0–4.0+ mil), or multiple recycles from a closed-loop blast room. Al₂O₃ is harder (Mohs 9 vs 7.5–8.0 for garnet) and cuts more aggressively per pass.
• Choose garnet when low dust is important (confined space, indoor blasting, urban sites), when chloride contamination of the substrate is a concern (garnet has <25 ppm chloride vs Al₂O₃ which can vary), or when non-hazardous spent media disposal is a priority. Garnet is the standard for marine, offshore, and bridge projects.

Full side-by-side comparison in our media comparison chart.

No. Steel grit and steel shot should never be used on aluminium, magnesium, titanium, stainless steel, or any non-ferrous or corrosion-resistant substrate. Steel abrasives leave iron particles embedded in the surface — a process called iron contamination. On aluminium, embedded iron particles create galvanic corrosion cells that pit and corrode the substrate from beneath any applied coating. On stainless steel, embedded iron destroys the passive oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance, causing rust staining. For aluminium substrates, use aluminum oxide (iron-free), glass beads, or plastic blast media depending on the profile and finish requirement.

For the least substrate impact on thin sheet metal (0.7–1.5 mm body panels): plastic blast media (urea formaldehyde 20–30 mesh) is the safest choice for complete paint stripping — it removes all coating layers without any measurable metal removal or panel distortion. If a surface profile is needed for priming after stripping, follow with a light pass of aluminum oxide 80 mesh at 50–55 psi with a fan nozzle at 14–18 inch standoff. For rust removal only (no stripping), 80 mesh aluminum oxide or garnet 60 mesh at the same conservative pressure and standoff setting is the recommended approach. Never use 24–46 mesh media on unsupported flat body panel sections.

For stainless steel, the critical requirement is zero iron contamination — any embedded iron will destroy the passive oxide layer that makes stainless steel corrosion-resistant. The correct media options are:

• White fused alumina (WFA) Al₂O₃: The cleanest aluminum oxide grade, produced from high-purity bauxite with extremely low iron content. Standard for stainless steel surface preparation in food, pharmaceutical, and marine applications.
• Perles de verre : For peening, finishing, or light cleaning of stainless without any iron risk.
• Plastic blast media: For paint or coating removal from stainless substrates without profiling or contamination.

Never use brown fused alumina (BFA), garnet, or any steel abrasive on stainless steel.

For rust removal from steel to near-white metal (SSPC-SP10): garnet 30–60 mesh or aluminum oxide 36–60 mesh at 70–90 psi is the most cost-effective and widely used combination. Garnet is preferred for low-dust requirements and non-hazardous spent media; aluminum oxide is preferred for maximum cutting speed and deep anchor profile. For heavy mill scale or particularly thick rust deposits, start with a coarser grade (Al₂O₃ 24–36 mesh or garnet 16–30) and follow with a 60-mesh pass for uniform profile. Steel grit G40–G50 is highly effective in wheel blast machines for high-volume structural steel fabrication but requires the capital investment of wheel blast equipment — not practical for field or repair work.

The best options for cleaning aluminium with zero iron risk, listed from most to least aggressive:

• White fused alumina (WFA) 60–80 mesh: Most aggressive; creates surface profile for coating adhesion; zero iron content by specification.
• Glass beads 80–120 mesh: Moderate cleaning action; no iron; produces a clean, smooth-satin surface on aluminium alloys without dimensional loss.
• Plastic media (urea or melamine): For coating removal only; zero substrate impact; no profile created.
• Walnut shell 12–20 mesh: For carbon and oil removal from cast aluminium without any surface profiling.

Do not use brown fused alumina (BFA), garnet, or any steel abrasive on aluminium components where corrosion resistance is critical.

Recyclability varies significantly by media type. Approximate cycles for closed-loop blast room or cabinet recovery systems:

• Steel grit / shot: 80–200+ cycles — by far the most recyclable option
• Oxyde d'aluminium : 5–15 cycles depending on hardness grade and pressure
• Grenat : 3–8 cycles
• Perles de verre : 3–5 cycles (spherical integrity must be maintained; monitor breakage)
• Plastic media: 3–10 cycles depending on resin type (acrylic > melamine > urea)
• Walnut shell / corn cob: 3–6 cycles
• Sodium bicarbonate: Single use only — shatters on impact

These are indicative ranges — actual cycles depend on blast pressure, nozzle-to-part distance, and the hardness of the substrate being blasted. Higher pressure and harder substrates reduce cycle life.

Signs that blast media has degraded beyond useful life and needs replacing:

• Blasting rate declines noticeably for the same pressure, nozzle, and standoff settings — the working fraction of properly sized particles has dropped below effective concentration
• Profile measurements fall below specification — the particle size distribution has shifted too fine to create the required anchor depth
• Excessive fines in the hopper — if sieving a sample shows more than 20–30% by weight below the nominal lower size limit, the working media has largely broken down
• Glass beads specifically: More than 15–20% broken fragments (non-spherical) in a sieve sample — broken glass beads scratch rather than peen and can contaminate food or precision surfaces
• Contamination buildup: For reused media on varied substrates, check for heavy metal contamination by SDS review or simple magnet test (for iron pick-up in non-ferrous media)

In general, no. Mixing media types creates an unpredictable blend with inconsistent blasting results because the different densities, hardnesses, and particle sizes interact unequally at the nozzle and produce variable surface profiles that cannot be controlled or measured reliably. The one common exception is intentional blending of steel grit and steel shot (e.g. 70% shot S230 + 30% grit G40) to achieve an intermediate surface profile that combines the cleaning action of shot with the cutting action of grit — this is an established technique in structural steel fabrication. For precision work or specification-governed coating preparation, always use a single media type per blast operation.

It depends on the media type and, more critically, on what was blasted. Blast media used on clean, uncoated steel generates non-hazardous solid waste for most media types. However, if the blasting operation stripped coatings containing lead-based paint, hexavalent chromium primer, or other regulated heavy metals, the spent media absorbs those regulated materials and may fail TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) testing, resulting in hazardous waste classification regardless of the media type. Always perform TCLP testing on spent media from any project involving pre-1980 structures or unknown coating compositions before selecting a disposal route. Full guidance in our Safety Guide.

A properly managed recycled media charge performs very similarly to fresh media, because most blast reclaim systems continuously remove undersized fines and add fresh top-up media to maintain the working particle size distribution within specification. The key to maintaining performance is the reclaim screen size — set to remove particles that have broken below the effective lower size limit — and the top-up ratio. In a well-managed wheel blast system using steel grit, the media charge may run for months with continuous top-up and screening. Performance degrades when operators reduce top-up frequency to cut costs, allowing the working particle size distribution to shift too fine.

Storage requirements differ by media type:

• Aluminum oxide, garnet, glass beads, plastic media: Store in original sealed bags or airtight containers in a dry, covered area. Protect from moisture and direct ground contact (do not store on bare concrete). These media types are relatively stable but moisture ingress causes clumping and nozzle blockage.
• Steel grit and shot: Store in dry conditions only. Any moisture causes rust on the steel media itself, which then transfers rust contamination to the blasted substrate. Rust-contaminated steel media must be discarded.
• Walnut shell and corn cob: Most moisture-sensitive of all media types. These organic media are hygroscopic and absorb atmospheric moisture readily, causing swelling, clumping, mould growth, and reduced blasting performance. Store in a climate-controlled dry environment in sealed bags; do not store on concrete floors.
• Sodium bicarbonate: Store sealed in dry conditions. Exposure to moisture causes hardening into unusable lumps.

In properly sealed, dry storage conditions, shelf life varies by type:

• Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, garnet: Indefinite when kept dry and sealed. Mineral abrasives do not degrade over time.
• Perles de verre : Indefinite in sealed dry storage; no chemical degradation. Inspect for clumping or caking if stored for more than 2–3 years.
• Plastic media (urea, melamine, acrylic): 2–5 years in sealed dry storage. Prolonged UV exposure can cause surface degradation of the resin; store away from direct sunlight.
• Walnut shell / corn cob: 1–2 years in sealed dry storage; shorter in humid environments. Check for mould and moisture before use.
• Steel grit and shot: Indefinite if stored completely dry and sealed; rust will form on the surface if exposed to moisture. Surface-rusted steel media is unusable.
• Sodium bicarbonate: 2 years from production date in sealed storage per most manufacturer recommendations.

In most cases, no. Damp mineral abrasive media (aluminum oxide, garnet) will clump together and block nozzles, metering valves, and pot fittings in dry blast equipment — potentially damaging the system and causing pressure build-up. Damp steel media will rust and contaminate the blasted surface. Damp organic media (walnut shell, corn cob) swells and clumps, blocking the system and performing very poorly. If media has been exposed to moisture, small quantities can sometimes be dried in a low-temperature oven (60–80°C for mineral media; 50–60°C for organic media) and then broken up and screened before use. Damp sodium bicarbonate that has hardened into lumps cannot be recovered.

Nozzle and pot clogging has four main causes: moisture in the media (most common — see storage guidance above); oversized particles or foreign objects in the media batch (screen the media before loading or use a top-fill screen on the pot); damaged nozzle with reduced bore diameter (inspect and replace worn nozzles regularly — a ceramic nozzle worn from 3/8″ to 1/2″ bore loses significant blast pressure); and media that has compacted and bridged in the pot due to vibration or long idle periods (use a pot agitator or tap the pot to break up bridging). Always ensure air supply moisture traps and separators are functional — wet compressed air is the most common source of media moisture in blast systems.

For most mineral media stored in properly sealed dry conditions, no pre-drying is necessary. If media has been stored in humid conditions, shows any sign of clumping, or has been open to the atmosphere for an extended period, a brief drying cycle before use is good practice: spread the media on a clean sheet and allow to air-dry in a warm, ventilated space, or oven-dry at low temperature (see shelf life answer above for temperature guidelines). For walnut shell and corn cob specifically, a simple moisture check — squeeze a handful firmly; if it clumps and retains shape, it is too moist to blast reliably — is a useful field test before loading a cabinet.

In practice, no. OSHA’s crystalline silica standard (29 CFR 1910.1053 / 1926.1153) established a PEL of 50 µg/m³ for respirable crystalline silica that is effectively impossible to meet when dry blasting with silica sand, even with ventilation. OSHA has stated that engineering controls alone are unlikely to reduce silica sand blasting exposures to the PEL in most situations. All modern industrial blasting operations use silica-free alternatives — aluminum oxide, garnet, glass beads, steel abrasives, or similar. Using silica sand for abrasive blasting in a commercial setting exposes operators to silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease, and exposes employers to serious OSHA citations. Our Safety Guide covers this in full detail.

OSHA requires a NIOSH-approved Type CE abrasive blasting respirator with a supplied-air system in continuous-flow or pressure-demand mode. This means a full-head positive-pressure blast helmet integrated with the air supply — not a half-face dust mask, not an air-purifying respirator, not a P100 cartridge respirator. Air-purifying respirators do not provide adequate protection against the mixed dust concentrations generated in the blast zone. The air supply must be Grade D breathable air from a compressor with appropriate oil, CO, and moisture filtration, with a CO monitor on the supply line strongly recommended. This requirement applies regardless of the media type being used.

Yes. Abrasive blast operations consistently generate noise levels of 90–115 dB(A) at operator position — well above the OSHA action level of 85 dB(A) and permissible exposure limit of 90 dB(A) for an 8-hour time-weighted average. Hearing protection with NRR 25+ is mandatory for all blast operators during blasting operations. A formal hearing conservation program (audiometric testing, training, personal hearing protector fitting) is required for any workers regularly exposed above 85 dB(A). Bystanders and adjacent workers within the noise zone also require hearing protection.

For mineral and metallic media (aluminum oxide, garnet, glass beads, steel grit and shot), there is no fire or explosion risk from the media itself. However, for organic blast media — walnut shell, corn cob, and wheat starch — combustible dust is a genuine and serious hazard. Fine organic dust suspended in air at sufficient concentration forms an explosive dust cloud that can detonate from a spark or static discharge. NFPA 652 and NFPA 654 classify agricultural dusts in the combustible dust hazard category. Operations using organic media in enclosed environments require spark-proof equipment, effective dust extraction, anti-static earthing, and a documented combustible dust hazard analysis. Sodium bicarbonate is not combustible. Full coverage in our Safety Guide et Eco-Friendly Media guide.

The full PPE requirement for a blast operator working with a hand-held nozzle and pressure pot:

• Type CE supplied-air blast helmet — full head, face, neck and shoulder coverage
• Full blast suit — heavy leather or canvas, covering the complete body
• Heavy leather gloves — gauntlet style covering wrists
• Steel-toed safety boots — ASTM F2413 rated
• Hearing protection — NRR 25+ at all times during blasting
• Dead-man (remote control) safety valve at the nozzle — OSHA-required; blast stops automatically when operator releases grip
• Hose whip checks — safety cables on all hose couplings

Additional PPE (impermeable suit, biological monitoring) is required when blasting lead-containing coatings. See our full Safety Guide for PPE requirements by operation type.

For any industrial blast media purchase, you should receive or be able to request:

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS): Required by OSHA HazCom standard. Must confirm crystalline silica content (should be zero for compliant media).
• Certificate of Analysis (COA): Confirms the specific batch meets the product specification for particle size distribution, chemical composition, and key physical properties.
• XRD (X-ray diffraction) crystalline silica report (for mineral abrasives): Confirms absence of crystalline quartz or cristobalite. Critical for OSHA exposure control plan documentation.
• Chloride content certificate (for garnet destined for marine or offshore use): Confirms <25 ppm chloride per SSPC AB-3 or project specification.
• ISO or standard compliance certificate: ISO 11124-series (metallic), ISO 11126-series (non-metallic), SSPC AB-1/AB-3 as applicable.

Reputable suppliers provide SDS and COA as standard with every shipment. Request XRD and chloride certificates specifically when required by your project or regulatory situation.

MOQ varies by supplier and product type. At Jiangsu Henglihong Technology, our standard packaging is 25 kg bags, and we accept orders from a single bag for sample or trial purposes. Volume pricing and container-load pricing are available from 500 kg upward. Super sack (1-ton bulk bag) packaging is available for most products from 1-ton MOQ. For full container load (FCL) orders, pricing improves substantially — contact our team for current container-load pricing for your specific media type and destination port. Custom packaging specifications are available for volume accounts.

We offer the following standard Incoterms for international shipments:

• EXW (Ex-Works) Jiangsu: You arrange collection from our factory and all subsequent freight, insurance, and customs.
• FOB Shanghai: We deliver to Shanghai port, cleared for export. You arrange ocean freight and insurance from Shanghai.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): We arrange ocean freight and insurance to your named destination port. You arrange import customs clearance and inland delivery.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Available on request for select destinations — we handle all freight, insurance, and import duties to your door.

Contact us with your destination port and order volume for a freight quote. Lead times are typically 2–4 weeks from order confirmation to FOB Shanghai for standard stocked products.

Yes. We provide trial samples (typically 5–25 kg depending on product type and shipping distance) for qualified buyers who are evaluating our media for a specific application. Sample requests should include the application description, substrate type, and current media specification you are comparing against. Contact our technical sales team via the inquiry form with your details and we will advise on the appropriate sample grade and arrange dispatch.

Brown fused alumina (BFA) and white fused alumina (WFA) are both aluminum oxide blast media, but they have distinct properties suited to different applications:

• BFA (Brown Fused Alumina): Made from bauxite; contains small amounts of iron oxide and titanium oxide giving it a brown colour. Slightly tougher and more fracture-resistant than WFA. The standard choice for general industrial surface preparation, coating removal, and rust removal on ferrous substrates. Lower cost than WFA.
• WFA (White Fused Alumina): Made from high-purity alumina with very low iron content; white or off-white colour. Harder and more friable than BFA — produces sharper cutting edges on fracture. Required for stainless steel (zero iron contamination), food-grade applications, precision lapping, and any application where iron-free surface is mandatory. Higher cost than BFA.

For standard structural steel surface preparation: BFA. For stainless steel, food-contact, pharmaceutical, or aerospace applications: WFA. See our full Aluminum Oxide guide for complete specifications.

Indicative price ranges (FOB China, per metric ton, 2025–2026 market) for common media types, from lowest to highest cost per ton:

• Coal slag / copper slag: Lowest cost — by-product slags. Variable quality and silica/heavy metal content requires verification.
• Garnet (hard rock): Lower range mineral media. Good value for general surface prep.
• Brown fused alumina (BFA): Mid-range. High performance and recyclability justify cost over single-use slags.
• Garnet (alluvial, GMA-grade): Mid-range. Premium over hard rock due to superior consistency and lower chloride.
• Steel grit / shot: Mid-range per ton, but extremely low effective cost per m² at production scale due to 100+ cycle recyclability.
• Perles de verre : Mid to upper range. Recyclability mitigates per-ton cost.
• White fused alumina (WFA): Upper range mineral media. Premium justified for critical applications.
• Plastic blast media: Upper range. Used in low volumes for precision applications where alternatives cause substrate damage.
• Wheat starch: Highest cost per ton. Specialist aviation/aerospace use justifies premium over alternatives.

Contact us for current pricing on the specific grade and quantity you need — prices vary with raw material markets and order volume.