{"id":13648,"date":"2026-07-15T01:58:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T01:58:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/?p=13648"},"modified":"2026-07-15T02:02:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T02:02:21","slug":"abrasive-blasting-medical-device-housings-pre-anodize-coating-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blasting-medical-device-housings-pre-anodize-coating-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Abrasive Blasting Medical Device Housings Before Anodizing and Protective Coating: Process Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Article\",\n            \"headline\": \"Abrasive Blasting Medical Device Housings Before Anodizing and Protective Coating: Process Guide\",\n            \"description\": \"Technical guide to abrasive blasting of medical device housings and enclosures before anodizing (MIL-A-8625) and protective coating \\u2014 aluminum alloy, stainless steel, surface preparation mechanics, and quality control.\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-07-13\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-07-13\",\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                \"logo\": {\n                    \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n                    \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/hlh-logo.png\"\n                }\n            },\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n                \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n                \"@id\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\\\/resource\\\/blog\\\/abrasive-blasting-medical-device-housings-pre-anodize-coating-preparation\\\/\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Why is abrasive blasting used before anodizing aluminum medical device housings?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Abrasive blasting before anodizing aluminum medical device housings serves two critical functions. First, it removes the inconsistent native oxide layer and machining contamination that forms during storage and processing, presenting a uniformly active aluminum surface to the anodizing bath. This produces a more consistent anodize layer thickness, adhesion, and appearance across complex geometries. Second, blasting creates a controlled surface roughness (Ra 0.8\\u20132.0 \\u03bcm) that provides mechanical keying for the anodize layer, improving adhesion especially on vertical surfaces and internal features where chemical etching alone produces uneven results on complex three-dimensional machined parts.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What MIL-A-8625 anodize type is used for medical device aluminum housings?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Type II (conventional sulfuric acid anodize, ~5\\u201325 \\u03bcm thick) is the most common specification for medical device aluminum housings requiring corrosion resistance and a decorative matte finish. Type III (hard anodize, 25\\u201375 \\u03bcm thick) is used where wear resistance or electrical insulation is required in addition to corrosion resistance. Type I (chromic acid anodize) is rarely specified in current medical device production due to hexavalent chromium regulatory concerns. For colored anodize used for product identification, Type II anodize is dyed before sealing.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What glass bead size is used for pre-anodize blasting of aluminum?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Glass beads in the #10 to #12 range (approximately 74\\u2013177 \\u03bcm diameter) at 1.5\\u20132.5 bar pressure are standard for pre-anodize surface preparation of aluminum medical device housings. This range produces Ra values of 0.8\\u20131.8 \\u03bcm that anodize uniformly without producing excessive surface roughness that would make the anodized surface feel gritty or abrasive. Finer media (#13) at lower pressure is used for thinner-walled sections or decorative finish applications where a finer matte texture is desired. Aluminum oxide media is occasionally used for more aggressive pre-anodize preparation but carries contamination risk.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can stainless steel medical device enclosures also be abrasive blasted?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Stainless steel enclosures for medical equipment are glass bead blasted for deburring, matte finish production, and pre-coating surface preparation. For stainless steel, blasting is followed by passivation per ASTM A967 before painting, powder coating, or any other protective coating. Glass bead blasting of stainless steel enclosures produces Ra values in the 0.6\\u20131.6 \\u03bcm range and prepares the surface for paint adhesion primers or direct powder coat adhesion. Unlike implants, medical equipment housings do not have implant-grade biocompatibility requirements, but contamination control remains important for clinical environment durability.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How does blasting affect the appearance of the anodized aluminum finish?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"The surface texture from blasting directly determines the visual appearance of the anodized housing. Blasting with fine glass beads produces a fine-grained, uniform matte appearance after anodizing \\u2014 consistent in texture and free of the machining marks, fingerprints, or handling scratches visible on polished or as-machined surfaces that would show through the transparent anodize layer. This uniform matte appearance is the standard aesthetic finish for professional medical equipment housings. Coarser blasting media produces a more pronounced matte texture; finer media produces a satin appearance. The anodize layer is transparent and follows the underlying substrate texture exactly, so the blasting step determines the final housing appearance.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script> <style>\r\n.hlh-hous*,.hlh-hous*::before,.hlh-hous*::after{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\r\n.hlh-hous{font-family:'Segoe UI',Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px;line-height:1.78;color:#1e2a38;max-width:860px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 20px 64px}\r\n.hlh-hous h1{font-size:clamp(1.65rem,3.5vw,2.2rem);font-weight:800;color:#1a3456;line-height:1.22;margin-bottom:20px}\r\n.hlh-hous h2{font-size:clamp(1.18rem,2.5vw,1.46rem);font-weight:700;color:#1a3456;border-left:4px solid #d86e18;padding-left:14px;margin:50px 0 16px}\r\n.hlh-hous h3{font-size:1.05rem;font-weight:700;color:#1a3456;margin:28px 0 10px}\r\n.hlh-hous p{margin-bottom:16px}\r\n.hlh-hous ul,.hlh-hous ol{padding-left:22px;margin-bottom:16px}\r\n.hlh-hous li{margin-bottom:7px}\r\n.hlh-hous 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a{display:inline-block;background:#d86e18;color:#fff;font-weight:700;padding:13px 30px;border-radius:5px;font-size:.96rem;text-decoration:none}\r\n.hlh-hous-cta a:hover{background:#b85c12;text-decoration:none}\r\n@media(max-width:600px){.hlh-hous-hero,.hlh-hous-cta{padding:26px 18px}}\r\n<\/style><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous\"><a class=\"hlh-hous-back\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blasting-surface-treatment-medical-devices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2190 Abrasive Blasting for Medical Devices: Complete Guide<\/a>\r\n<h1>Abrasive Blasting Medical Device Housings Before Anodizing and Protective Coating: Process Guide<\/h1>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-hero\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-hero-tag\">In-Depth Guide \u00b7 Medical Device Series \u00b7 C05<\/div>\r\n<p>Medical equipment housings \u2014 the aluminum enclosures of MRI gantries, the stainless steel frames of patient monitoring systems, the structural bodies of surgical robots and infusion pumps \u2014 must withstand years of daily cleaning with aggressive disinfectants, resist impact and abrasion in clinical environments, maintain their appearance through hundreds of sterilization exposures, and present a professional, consistent finish that reflects the quality of the device they protect. Abrasive blasting is the surface preparation process that makes all of this possible: it removes the contamination and surface variation left by machining, creates the controlled topography needed for anodizing or coating to perform as specified, and produces the uniform matte aesthetic that medical equipment is expected to have. This guide covers the mechanics of pre-anodize and pre-coat blasting for both aluminum and stainless steel device housings.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<nav class=\"hlh-hous-toc\" aria-label=\"Table des mati\u00e8res\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-toc-label\">Table of Contents<\/div>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-housing-types\">Medical Device Housing Categories and Their Surface Requirements<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-aluminum\">Aluminum Alloy Housings: Blasting Before Anodizing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-anodize\">Anodize Types and Their Pre-Blast Surface Requirements<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-stainless\">Stainless Steel Enclosures: Blasting Before Painting and Powder Coating<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-geometry\">Complex Geometry Challenges and Automated Blasting Solutions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-params\">Process Parameters and Surface Outcomes<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-qc\">Quality Control and Inspection<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-faq\">Questions fr\u00e9quemment pos\u00e9es<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/nav>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-housing-types\">1. Medical Device Housing Categories and Their Surface Requirements<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-cards\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-card\"><span class=\"hlh-hous-card-icon\">\ud83d\udd2c<\/span>\r\n<h3>Diagnostic Imaging Equipment<\/h3>\r\n<p>MRI scanner gantries, CT housing panels, ultrasound unit frames \u2014 large aluminum castings and machined panels. Type III hard anodize for durability; uniform matte appearance required across large surface areas.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-card\"><span class=\"hlh-hous-card-icon\">\ud83d\udcca<\/span>\r\n<h3>Patient Monitoring Systems<\/h3>\r\n<p>Aluminum and polycarbonate housings. Metal components (handles, mounts, brackets) blasted and Type II anodized or powder coated for color coding and chemical resistance.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-card\"><span class=\"hlh-hous-card-icon\">\ud83d\udc89<\/span>\r\n<h3>Infusion and Drug Delivery<\/h3>\r\n<p>Aluminum pump bodies, stainless steel mounting brackets. Blasted before anodize or epoxy coat. Chemical resistance to alcohol and quaternary ammonium disinfectants critical.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-card\"><span class=\"hlh-hous-card-icon\">\ud83e\uddbe<\/span>\r\n<h3>Surgical Robotics<\/h3>\r\n<p>Titanium and aluminum structural arms, stainless steel joint covers. Non-sterile components blasted and anodized; sterile components receive additional validated cleaning after blasting.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-card\"><span class=\"hlh-hous-card-icon\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/span>\r\n<h3>Lab and Diagnostic Instruments<\/h3>\r\n<p>Centrifuges, analyzers, hematology instruments \u2014 aluminum enclosures with Type II anodize or powder coat over blasted substrates.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-card\"><span class=\"hlh-hous-card-icon\">\u267b\ufe0f<\/span>\r\n<h3>Sterilization Equipment<\/h3>\r\n<p>Autoclave chambers, washer-disinfector housings \u2014 stainless steel with high-temperature, high-humidity corrosion resistance requirements. Blasted and passivated as a minimum.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-aluminum\">2. Aluminum Alloy Housings: Blasting Before Anodizing<\/h2>\r\n<p>Aluminum anodizing \u2014 the electrochemical process that grows a controlled aluminum oxide layer on the surface of aluminum components \u2014 is the dominant surface treatment for aluminum medical device housings. It provides corrosion resistance, surface hardness improvement, a consistent aesthetic finish, and a porous layer that can accept organic dyes for color coding. The quality and consistency of the anodize layer depends critically on the condition of the aluminum surface entering the anodizing bath.<\/p>\r\n<p>As-machined aluminum surfaces present multiple problems for anodizing. Machining operations leave a smeared surface layer \u2014 the Beilby layer \u2014 of heavily worked and alloyed aluminum that anodizes inconsistently compared to the underlying alloy. Cutting fluids, coolant residues, and tooling contamination are absorbed into this surface layer. Storage in air builds a native aluminum oxide film of inconsistent thickness (typically 2\u201310 nm) that anodizes unevenly. Handling leaves fingerprint contamination with oils and ionic compounds that appear as staining in the anodize layer.<\/p>\r\n<p>Glass bead blasting addresses all of these simultaneously. The mechanical impact of glass beads removes the Beilby layer and native oxide, lifting contamination and presenting a fresh, chemically active aluminum surface of consistent metallurgical character to the anodizing bath. The resulting anodize layer shows more uniform thickness across complex geometries, better adhesion on vertical surfaces and internal features, and fewer defects such as pitting, streaking, or uneven coloring than anodize applied to chemically etched-only surfaces on complex three-dimensional machined parts.<\/p>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-anodize\">3. Anodize Types and Their Pre-Blast Surface Requirements<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-table-wrap\">\r\n<table class=\"hlh-hous-table\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Anodize Type (MIL-A-8625)<\/th>\r\n<th>Processus<\/th>\r\n<th>Thickness<\/th>\r\n<th>Pre-Blast Ra Target<\/th>\r\n<th>Medical Application<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Type I \u2014 Chromic Acid<\/td>\r\n<td>Chromic acid bath; thin film<\/td>\r\n<td>0.5\u20132.5 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>0.4\u20131.0 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Rarely used (Cr VI concerns); some defense-adjacent medical devices<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Type II \u2014 Sulfuric Acid<\/td>\r\n<td>Sulfuric acid bath; moderate film<\/td>\r\n<td>5\u201325 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>0.8\u20131.8 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Standard for medical equipment housings; accepts dye; most common<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Type III \u2014 Hard Anodize<\/td>\r\n<td>Sulfuric acid, low temp; thick, dense film<\/td>\r\n<td>25\u201375 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>1.0\u20132.0 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Wear-resistant housings; imaging equipment gantries; robotic arm surfaces<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Color Anodize (Ti, not MIL-A-8625)<\/td>\r\n<td>Voltage-controlled TiO\u2082 thickness on titanium<\/td>\r\n<td>10\u2013150 nm<\/td>\r\n<td>0.5\u20131.5 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Pacemaker\/ICD identification; implant component coding<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>For Type III hard anodize specifically, the pre-blast surface condition is more critical than for Type II, because the thick anodize layer magnifies any surface irregularities in the substrate \u2014 defects, scratches, or contamination that are barely visible on a Type II anodized surface become pronounced in hard anodize. Consistent pre-blast Ra and complete removal of machining marks is therefore more important for Type III applications. The harder, denser Type III anodize is used on surfaces that experience mechanical wear \u2014 door hinges, sliding surfaces, equipment feet, robotic arm sections \u2014 and the thickness of the anodize layer (25\u201375 \u03bcm) grows partly into the substrate and partly above it, meaning the pre-blast surface Ra effectively decreases by approximately half in the final anodized state.<\/p>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-stainless\">4. Stainless Steel Enclosures: Blasting Before Painting and Powder Coating<\/h2>\r\n<p>Stainless steel housings \u2014 frames, brackets, doors, and structural elements on surgical tables, sterilizers, and patient transport systems \u2014 require surface preparation before painting or powder coating for color identification, aesthetic finish, or enhanced chemical resistance beyond what passivation alone provides.<\/p>\r\n<p>Glass bead blasting of stainless steel enclosure surfaces before painting creates the surface roughness (Ra 0.8\u20132.0 \u03bcm) needed for mechanical adhesion of primer and topcoat systems. Smooth or polished stainless steel surfaces have insufficient mechanical keying for reliable paint adhesion and are prone to coating delamination under thermal cycling and disinfectant exposure. Blasted stainless steel surfaces also respond better to phosphate or silane adhesion promotion primers applied before painting.<\/p>\r\n<p>After blasting, stainless steel enclosure components are passivated per ASTM A967 (if the stainless surface is to remain exposed in areas adjacent to the coating) and then primed within the validated time window to prevent surface oxidation and contamination. Two-component epoxy or polyurethane primers followed by polyurethane topcoats are standard for medical equipment requiring resistance to hospital-grade disinfectants including chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide vapor, and aldehyde-based disinfectants.<\/p>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-geometry\">5. Complex Geometry Challenges and Automated Blasting Solutions<\/h2>\r\n<p>Medical equipment housings are rarely simple flat panels. MRI scanner gantry sections, curved diagnostic equipment panels, robotic arm covers with internal channels, and mounting brackets with deep recesses all present blasting coverage challenges that simple hand-blasting or single-nozzle automated systems cannot reliably solve.<\/p>\r\n<p>Three equipment approaches address complex housing geometries:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Multi-axis CNC blasting:<\/strong> Robotic nozzle arms following programmed paths around complex three-dimensional housings, maintaining constant nozzle angle and distance. Ensures complete coverage of curved surfaces and eliminates shadowing. Most appropriate for high-value, geometrically complex housing components produced in moderate volumes.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Tumble blasting in rotary barrels:<\/strong> Effective for smaller housing components (brackets, clips, covers under approximately 200 mm) that can be tumbled without part-to-part impact damage. High throughput; consistent coverage; lower per-part cost. Not suitable for large or fragile housing components.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Airless wheel blasting:<\/strong> Centrifugal impeller blasting in a cabinet with conveyor or rotary table; effective for flat panels and sheet metal components. High throughput for large surface areas. Coverage uniformity depends on part positioning and fixture design.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-callout\"><strong>Critical geometry consideration:<\/strong> Internal channels, recesses, and blind holes in complex housings are common sites of inadequate blasting coverage. When nozzle angle cannot achieve these features, they either remain unblasted (acceptable if the surface specification exempts them) or require supplementary hand blasting with a fine nozzle. The process specification must explicitly define which surfaces are in-scope for blasting and document how coverage of difficult-access areas is achieved and verified.<\/div>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-params\">6. Process Parameters and Surface Outcomes<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-table-wrap\">\r\n<table class=\"hlh-hous-table\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Substrate<\/th>\r\n<th>Media<\/th>\r\n<th>Pressure<\/th>\r\n<th>Ra Achieved<\/th>\r\n<th>Target Application<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Aluminum 6061-T6<\/td>\r\n<td>Glass beads #10\u2013#12<\/td>\r\n<td>1.5\u20132.5 bar<\/td>\r\n<td>0.8\u20131.6 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Pre-Type II anodize; standard housing finish<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Aluminum 6061-T6<\/td>\r\n<td>Glass beads #10<\/td>\r\n<td>2.0\u20133.0 bar<\/td>\r\n<td>1.2\u20132.0 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Pre-Type III hard anodize<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Aluminum 7075<\/td>\r\n<td>Glass beads #12<\/td>\r\n<td>1.5\u20132.0 bar<\/td>\r\n<td>0.6\u20131.2 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Precision housing components; fine finish anodize<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>304 \/ 316L SS<\/td>\r\n<td>Glass beads #10\u2013#12<\/td>\r\n<td>2.0\u20133.0 bar<\/td>\r\n<td>0.8\u20131.6 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Pre-paint \/ pre-powder coat; matte finish<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Titanium (housing)<\/td>\r\n<td>Glass beads #12\u2013#13<\/td>\r\n<td>1.5\u20132.0 bar<\/td>\r\n<td>0.5\u20131.2 \u03bcm<\/td>\r\n<td>Pre-color anodize; pacemaker cans; robotic components<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-qc\">7. Quality Control and Inspection<\/h2>\r\n<p>Quality control for blasted medical device housings covers three areas: surface roughness verification, visual inspection for coverage uniformity and surface defects, and contamination testing before coating or anodizing.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Ra measurement:<\/strong> Representative surfaces of each production lot are measured by calibrated profilometry. For large housings, multiple measurement locations (minimum 3\u20135 per part per the sampling plan) across different surface orientations verify uniform coverage and consistent Ra across the part. Typical specification: Ra 0.8\u20132.0 \u03bcm for standard pre-anodize finish.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Contr\u00f4le visuel :<\/strong> Parts are inspected under adequate lighting for uniform matte coverage, absence of shiny unreblasted areas, absence of over-blast damage (dimensional deformation on thin walls), and absence of surface defects (dents, scratches, contamination) that would show through the transparent anodize layer. Aluminum parts are particularly sensitive to handling after blasting \u2014 finger contact recontaminates the activated surface and produces fingerprint staining in the anodize.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Water break test:<\/strong> A drop of deionized water applied to the blasted aluminum surface should spread into a continuous film (water break-free) rather than beading up. Water beading indicates contamination (oils, fingerprints) that will cause anodize adhesion failure. Parts failing the water break test return to cleaning before blasting.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-related\">\r\n<h3>Related Guides in This Series<\/h3>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blasting-cobalt-chrome-aluminum-medical-components-surface-preparation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2192 Blasting CoCr and Aluminum Medical Components<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/glass-bead-blasting-surgical-instruments-matte-finish-passivation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2192 Glass Bead Blasting for Surgical Instruments<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blasting-surface-treatment-medical-devices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2190 Complete Guide: Abrasive Blasting for Medical Devices<\/a><\/div>\r\n<h2 id=\"h-faq\">8. Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\r\n<div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-faq-item\"><button class=\"hlh-hous-faq-btn\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hq1\">Why is abrasive blasting used before anodizing aluminum medical device housings?<span class=\"hlh-hous-faq-icon\">+<\/span><\/button>\r\n<div id=\"hq1\" class=\"hlh-hous-faq-answer\">\r\n<p>Blasting removes the inconsistent native oxide and machining contamination, presenting a uniformly active aluminum surface to the anodizing bath. This produces more consistent anodize layer thickness, adhesion, and appearance across complex geometries than chemical etching alone. The controlled Ra (0.8\u20132.0 \u03bcm) also provides mechanical keying for the anodize layer, improving adhesion particularly on vertical surfaces and internal features of machined parts.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-faq-item\"><button class=\"hlh-hous-faq-btn\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hq2\">What MIL-A-8625 anodize type is used for medical device housings?<span class=\"hlh-hous-faq-icon\">+<\/span><\/button>\r\n<div id=\"hq2\" class=\"hlh-hous-faq-answer\">\r\n<p>Type II (sulfuric acid anodize, 5\u201325 \u03bcm) is standard for most medical equipment housings requiring corrosion resistance and a matte aesthetic finish. Type III (hard anodize, 25\u201375 \u03bcm) is specified for housings requiring wear resistance \u2014 imaging equipment gantries, robotic arm sections, high-use contact surfaces. Type II anodize accepts organic dyes for color identification coding.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-faq-item\"><button class=\"hlh-hous-faq-btn\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hq3\">What glass bead size is used for pre-anodize blasting of aluminum?<span class=\"hlh-hous-faq-icon\">+<\/span><\/button>\r\n<div id=\"hq3\" class=\"hlh-hous-faq-answer\">\r\n<p>Glass beads in the #10 to #12 range (74\u2013177 \u03bcm) at 1.5\u20132.5 bar are standard for pre-anodize surface preparation of aluminum. This produces Ra 0.8\u20131.8 \u03bcm that anodizes uniformly without excessive texture. Finer media (#13) at lower pressure is used for decorative fine-finish applications. Coarser media or higher pressure is used for pre-Type III hard anodize preparation where Ra 1.2\u20132.0 \u03bcm is targeted.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-faq-item\"><button class=\"hlh-hous-faq-btn\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hq4\">Can stainless steel medical device enclosures also be blasted?<span class=\"hlh-hous-faq-icon\">+<\/span><\/button>\r\n<div id=\"hq4\" class=\"hlh-hous-faq-answer\">\r\n<p>Yes. Glass bead blasting of stainless steel enclosures creates Ra 0.8\u20131.6 \u03bcm for matte finish and mechanical paint\/powder coat adhesion. Blasting is followed by passivation per ASTM A967 and then priming within the validated window. Two-component epoxy or polyurethane systems over blasted stainless steel provide excellent resistance to hospital disinfectants including hydrogen peroxide vapor and chlorine-based cleaners.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-faq-item\"><button class=\"hlh-hous-faq-btn\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hq5\">How does blasting affect the appearance of anodized aluminum?<span class=\"hlh-hous-faq-icon\">+<\/span><\/button>\r\n<div id=\"hq5\" class=\"hlh-hous-faq-answer\">\r\n<p>The anodize layer is transparent and follows the underlying substrate texture exactly. Fine glass bead blasting produces a uniform fine-grained matte appearance after anodizing, free of machining marks and handling scratches. Coarser blasting produces a more pronounced matte; finer produces a satin appearance. The blasting step, not the anodizing chemistry, determines the final visual character of the housing surface.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-hous-cta\">\r\n<h2>Source Glass Beads for Medical Device Housing Blasting<\/h2>\r\n<p>Jiangsu Henglihong Technology supplies glass beads in pre-anodize and matte-finish grades for medical equipment housing manufacturers, with particle size distribution data and purity certificates for supply chain documentation.<\/p>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Request Grade Data &amp; Quote<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p><script>(function(){var b=document.querySelectorAll('.hlh-hous-faq-btn');b.forEach(function(btn){btn.addEventListener('click',function(){var e=this.getAttribute('aria-expanded')==='true',a=document.getElementById(this.getAttribute('aria-controls'));b.forEach(function(x){x.setAttribute('aria-expanded','false');var y=document.getElementById(x.getAttribute('aria-controls'));if(y)y.style.maxHeight='0'});if(!e){this.setAttribute('aria-expanded','true');a.style.maxHeight=a.scrollHeight+'px'}})})})();<\/script><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2190 Abrasive Blasting for Medical Devices: Complete Guide Abrasive Blasting  [&#8230;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13650,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,175,138],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-industry","category-resource"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13648"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13648\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13684,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13648\/revisions\/13684"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}