{"id":12418,"date":"2026-03-09T07:55:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T07:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/?p=12418"},"modified":"2026-03-09T07:55:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T07:55:56","slug":"10-types-of-abrasive-blasting-media-pros-cons-best-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/resource\/blog\/10-types-of-abrasive-blasting-media-pros-cons-best-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media: Pros, Cons &amp; Best Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Article\",\n  \"headline\": \"10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media: Pros, Cons & Best Uses\",\n  \"description\": \"A comprehensive guide to all major types of abrasive blasting media, including aluminum oxide, glass beads, garnet, steel grit, steel shot, walnut shell, corn cob, plastic media, silicon carbide, and crushed glass.\",\n  \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.yourdomain.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/types-of-abrasive-blasting-media.jpg\",\n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.yourdomain.com\"\n  },\n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.yourdomain.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/logo.png\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2026-03-05\",\n  \"dateModified\": \"2026-03-05\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.yourdomain.com\/types-of-abrasive-blasting-media\/\"\n  }\n}\n<\/script>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What are the main types of abrasive blasting media?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The main types are aluminum oxide, glass beads, garnet, steel grit, steel shot, walnut shell, corn cob, plastic media, silicon carbide, and crushed glass. Each has distinct hardness, shape, and recyclability characteristics suited to different applications.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Which type of abrasive media lasts the longest?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Steel grit and steel shot offer the highest recyclability, typically lasting 100 or more blast cycles in a properly maintained wheel-blast machine. Aluminum oxide follows at 5\u201310 cycles. Organic media like walnut shell and corn cob are generally single-use.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What type of abrasive media is safest to use?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Organic media (walnut shell, corn cob) and plastic media are the safest in terms of substrate damage risk. For respiratory safety, all media types supplied by Jiangsu Henglihong Technology are free of crystalline silica and comply with OSHA standards.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I use the same abrasive media for different materials?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Some media types like aluminum oxide and glass beads are versatile enough for multiple substrate types. However, using aggressive angular media on delicate substrates like composites, thin aluminum, or plastics will cause damage. Always match media hardness and shape to the substrate sensitivity.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n-->\n\n<!-- POST BODY STARTS HERE -->\n\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Shared design system (same tokens as pillar page) \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.hlh-c1 *,\n.hlh-c1 *::before,\n.hlh-c1 *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n.hlh-c1 {\n  --brand:        #1a4f8a;\n  --brand-light:  #e8f0fb;\n  --brand-mid:    #2e6db4;\n  --accent:       #e07b2a;\n  --accent-light: #fff4ea;\n  --green:        #166534;\n  --green-light:  #dcfce7;\n  --red:          #991b1b;\n  --red-light:    #fee2e2;\n  --yellow-light: #fefce8;\n  --text:         #1c2333;\n  --muted:        #5a6478;\n  --border:       #d8e2ef;\n  --radius:       8px;\n  font-family: 'Georgia', 'Times New Roman', serif;\n  color: var(--text);\n  line-height: 1.8;\n  max-width: 860px;\n  margin: 0 auto;\n  padding: 0 16px;\n}\n\n\/* Typography *\/\n.hlh-c1 h1 {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 4vw, 2.5rem);\n  color: var(--brand);\n  line-height: 1.25;\n  margin: 0 0 0.4em;\n  border-bottom: 4px solid var(--accent);\n  padding-bottom: 0.3em;\n}\n.hlh-c1 h2 {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 3vw, 1.65rem);\n  color: var(--brand);\n  margin: 2.6em 0 0.6em;\n  padding-left: 14px;\n  border-left: 5px solid var(--accent);\n}\n.hlh-c1 h3 {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 1.1rem;\n  color: var(--brand-mid);\n  margin: 1.6em 0 0.4em;\n}\n.hlh-c1 p  { margin: 0 0 1.15em; }\n.hlh-c1 ul, .hlh-c1 ol { margin: 0 0 1.15em 1.4em; padding: 0; }\n.hlh-c1 li { margin-bottom: 0.45em; }\n.hlh-c1 a  { color: var(--brand-mid); text-decoration: underline; }\n.hlh-c1 a:hover { color: var(--accent); }\n\n\/* Hero *\/\n.hlh-c1-hero {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0c2444 0%, #1a4f8a 60%, #2563a8 100%);\n  color: #fff;\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  padding: 44px 36px;\n  margin-bottom: 32px;\n  position: relative;\n  overflow: hidden;\n}\n.hlh-c1-hero::before {\n  content: '';\n  position: absolute;\n  inset: 0;\n  background: repeating-linear-gradient(\n    -45deg,\n    rgba(255,255,255,0.025) 0px,\n    rgba(255,255,255,0.025) 1px,\n    transparent 1px,\n    transparent 16px\n  );\n}\n.hlh-c1-hero h1 {\n  color: #fff;\n  border-color: var(--accent);\n  font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 3.8vw, 2.3rem);\n  position: relative;\n}\n.hlh-c1-hero .hero-sub {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 1rem;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82);\n  max-width: 600px;\n  margin: 0 0 18px;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.hlh-c1-hero-meta {\n  display: flex;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.hlh-c1-hero-meta span {\n  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.13);\n  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.22);\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  padding: 3px 13px;\n  font-size: 0.8rem;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.88);\n}\n\n\/* Breadcrumb *\/\n.hlh-c1-bc {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.82rem;\n  color: var(--muted);\n  margin-bottom: 18px;\n}\n.hlh-c1-bc a { color: var(--brand-mid); text-decoration: none; }\n.hlh-c1-bc a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }\n.hlh-c1-bc span { margin: 0 6px; }\n\n\/* TOC *\/\n.hlh-c1-toc {\n  background: var(--brand-light);\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\n  border-left: 5px solid var(--brand);\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  padding: 22px 26px;\n  margin: 0 0 2.2em;\n}\n.hlh-c1-toc-title {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.88rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: var(--brand);\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 0.08em;\n  margin: 0 0 12px;\n}\n.hlh-c1-toc ol {\n  margin: 0;\n  padding-left: 1.3em;\n  columns: 2;\n  column-gap: 28px;\n}\n.hlh-c1-toc li { margin-bottom: 5px; break-inside: avoid; }\n.hlh-c1-toc a {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.9rem;\n  color: var(--brand-mid);\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 600;\n}\n.hlh-c1-toc a:hover { color: var(--accent); text-decoration: underline; }\n\n\/* Media type section card *\/\n.hlh-media-section {\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  overflow: hidden;\n  margin: 2.6em 0;\n}\n.hlh-media-header {\n  background: var(--brand);\n  color: #fff;\n  padding: 16px 24px;\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 14px;\n}\n.hlh-media-num {\n  background: var(--accent);\n  color: #fff;\n  width: 36px;\n  height: 36px;\n  border-radius: 50%;\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  font-size: 1rem;\n  flex-shrink: 0;\n}\n.hlh-media-header h2 {\n  margin: 0;\n  color: #fff;\n  border: none;\n  padding: 0;\n  font-size: 1.3rem;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n}\n.hlh-media-body { padding: 22px 24px; background: #fff; }\n\n\/* Specs strip *\/\n.hlh-specs {\n  display: flex;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 10px;\n  margin: 0 0 18px;\n}\n.hlh-spec {\n  background: var(--brand-light);\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\n  border-radius: 6px;\n  padding: 6px 13px;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.8rem;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 1px;\n}\n.hlh-spec-label { color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.7rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.05em; }\n.hlh-spec-value { color: var(--brand); font-weight: 700; }\n\n\/* Pros \/ Cons grid *\/\n.hlh-proscons {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 14px;\n  margin: 14px 0 18px;\n}\n.hlh-pros, .hlh-cons {\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n.hlh-pros { background: var(--green-light); border: 1px solid #86efac; }\n.hlh-cons { background: var(--red-light);   border: 1px solid #fca5a5; }\n.hlh-pros h4, .hlh-cons h4 {\n  margin: 0 0 8px;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.82rem;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em;\n}\n.hlh-pros h4 { color: var(--green); }\n.hlh-cons h4 { color: var(--red);   }\n.hlh-pros ul, .hlh-cons ul {\n  margin: 0;\n  padding-left: 1.1em;\n  font-size: 0.87rem;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n}\n.hlh-pros li, .hlh-cons li { margin-bottom: 4px; }\n\n\/* Best-use tag row *\/\n.hlh-bestuse {\n  background: var(--accent-light);\n  border: 1px solid #f0bc88;\n  border-radius: 6px;\n  padding: 10px 16px;\n  font-size: 0.87rem;\n  margin-bottom: 14px;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n}\n.hlh-bestuse strong { color: var(--accent); margin-right: 6px; }\n\n\/* Section \"learn more\" link *\/\n.hlh-learn-more {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.88rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: var(--brand-mid);\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid var(--brand-mid);\n  border-radius: 5px;\n  padding: 7px 15px;\n  transition: background 0.15s, color 0.15s;\n}\n.hlh-learn-more:hover { background: var(--brand); color: #fff; text-decoration: none; border-color: var(--brand); }\n\n\/* Master comparison table *\/\n.hlh-table-wrap { overflow-x: auto; margin: 1.4em 0 2em; }\n.hlh-table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.85rem;\n}\n.hlh-table caption {\n  caption-side: top;\n  text-align: left;\n  font-size: 0.78rem;\n  color: var(--muted);\n  margin-bottom: 6px;\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.hlh-table thead th {\n  background: var(--brand);\n  color: #fff;\n  padding: 10px 12px;\n  text-align: left;\n  white-space: nowrap;\n  font-weight: 700;\n}\n.hlh-table tbody td {\n  padding: 8px 12px;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n  vertical-align: middle;\n}\n.hlh-table tbody tr:nth-child(even) td { background: var(--brand-light); }\n.hlh-table tbody tr:hover td { background: #dde9f8; }\n.badge { display: inline-block; padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: 10px; font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 700; white-space: nowrap; }\n.b-green  { background: var(--green-light); color: var(--green); }\n.b-red    { background: var(--red-light);   color: var(--red); }\n.b-yellow { background: var(--yellow-light); color: #854d0e; border: 1px solid #fde68a; }\n.b-blue   { background: var(--brand-light);  color: var(--brand); }\n\n\/* Callout boxes *\/\n.hlh-c1-callout {\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  padding: 16px 20px;\n  margin: 1.6em 0;\n  display: flex;\n  gap: 12px;\n  align-items: flex-start;\n}\n.hlh-c1-callout-icon { font-size: 1.3rem; flex-shrink: 0; line-height: 1.5; }\n.hlh-c1-callout-body { flex: 1; }\n.hlh-c1-callout-body p { margin: 0; font-size: 0.93rem; }\n.hlh-c1-callout-body strong { font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; display: block; margin-bottom: 3px; }\n.callout-tip  { background: #f0faf2; border: 1px solid #a8d8b4; }\n.callout-info { background: var(--brand-light); border: 1px solid #b8d0ef; }\n.callout-warn { background: #fff8e6; border: 1px solid #f5c842; }\n\n\/* Selection guide summary table *\/\n.hlh-pick-table th { white-space: normal; font-size: 0.82rem; }\n.hlh-pick-table td { font-size: 0.83rem; }\n\n\/* FAQ *\/\n.hlh-c1-faq { margin: 1.4em 0 2em; }\n.hlh-c1-faq details {\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  margin-bottom: 9px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n}\n.hlh-c1-faq summary {\n  padding: 13px 18px;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  font-size: 0.95rem;\n  color: var(--brand);\n  background: var(--brand-light);\n  list-style: none;\n  display: flex;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  align-items: center;\n  user-select: none;\n}\n.hlh-c1-faq summary::after { content: '+'; font-size: 1.2rem; color: var(--accent); }\n.hlh-c1-faq details[open] summary::after { content: '\u2212'; }\n.hlh-c1-faq details[open] summary { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); }\n.hlh-c1-faq .faq-body { padding: 14px 18px; background: #fff; font-size: 0.93rem; }\n.hlh-c1-faq .faq-body p { margin: 0; }\n\n\/* CTA block *\/\n.hlh-c1-cta {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0c2444 0%, #1a4f8a 100%);\n  color: #fff;\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  padding: 32px 28px;\n  margin: 2.6em 0;\n  text-align: center;\n}\n.hlh-c1-cta h2 {\n  color: #fff;\n  border: none;\n  padding: 0;\n  margin: 0 0 8px;\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n}\n.hlh-c1-cta p { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82); margin: 0 auto 18px; max-width: 500px; font-size: 0.95rem; }\n.hlh-c1-cta-btn {\n  display: inline-block;\n  background: var(--accent);\n  color: #fff;\n  padding: 11px 26px;\n  border-radius: 5px;\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  font-size: 0.95rem;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  margin: 5px;\n  transition: background 0.2s;\n}\n.hlh-c1-cta-btn:hover { background: #c9671e; color: #fff; }\n.hlh-c1-cta-btn.out {\n  background: transparent;\n  border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.55);\n}\n.hlh-c1-cta-btn.out:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1); }\n\n\/* Related articles nav *\/\n.hlh-c1-related {\n  background: var(--brand-light);\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  padding: 22px 26px;\n  margin: 2.2em 0;\n}\n.hlh-c1-related h3 {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.9rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: var(--brand);\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: 0.06em;\n  margin: 0 0 14px;\n}\n.hlh-c1-related ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n.hlh-c1-related li { margin-bottom: 7px; }\n.hlh-c1-related a {\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.9rem;\n  color: var(--brand-mid);\n  text-decoration: none;\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n}\n.hlh-c1-related a::before { content: '\u2192'; color: var(--accent); }\n.hlh-c1-related a:hover { color: var(--accent); text-decoration: underline; }\n\n\/* Pillar page backlink banner *\/\n.hlh-pillar-link {\n  border: 2px dashed var(--brand-mid);\n  border-radius: var(--radius);\n  padding: 14px 20px;\n  margin: 2em 0;\n  background: var(--brand-light);\n  font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 0.9rem;\n  color: var(--muted);\n}\n.hlh-pillar-link a { font-weight: 700; color: var(--brand); }\n\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .hlh-c1-toc ol { columns: 1; }\n  .hlh-proscons   { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .hlh-c1-hero    { padding: 26px 18px; }\n  .hlh-specs      { gap: 7px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<article class=\"hlh-c1\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Article\">\n\n\n\n  <!-- Hero -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-c1-hero\">\n    <h1 itemprop=\"headline\">10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media: Pros, Cons &amp; Best Uses<\/h1>\n    <p class=\"hero-sub\">Not all blast media is created equal. This guide breaks down every major type \u2014 hardness, shape, recyclability, cost, and the exact applications each one handles best \u2014 so you can choose with confidence.<\/p>\n    \n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- Pillar page backlink -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-pillar-link\">\n    \ud83d\udcda This article is part of our complete resource: <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/what-is-abrasive-media-types-uses-complete-selection-guide\/\">What Is Abrasive Media? The Ultimate Guide<\/a> \u2014 covering everything from blasting fundamentals to safety, grit sizes, and buying guidance.\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- TOC -->\n  <nav class=\"hlh-c1-toc\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\">\n    <p class=\"hlh-c1-toc-title\">\ud83d\udccb Table of Contents<\/p>\n    <ol>\n      <li><a href=\"#intro\">Why Media Type Matters<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#aluminum-oxide\">\u6c27\u5316\u94dd<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#glass-beads\">\u73bb\u7483\u73e0<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#garnet\">\u77f3\u69b4\u77f3<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#steel-grit\">\u94a2\u7802<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#steel-shot\">\u94a2\u4e38<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#walnut-shell\">Walnut Shell<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#corn-cob\">Corn Cob<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#plastic-media\">\u5851\u6599\u4ecb\u8d28<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#silicon-carbide\">\u78b3\u5316\u7845<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#crushed-glass\">Crushed Glass<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#comparison-table\">Side-by-Side Comparison<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#how-to-pick\">How to Pick the Right Type<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n    <\/ol>\n  <\/nav>\n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 -->\n  <h2 id=\"intro\">Why the Type of Abrasive Media You Choose Changes Everything<\/h2>\n\n  <p>Walk into any industrial supply warehouse and you will find dozens of abrasive blasting media options arranged on the same shelf \u2014 bags of aluminum oxide next to steel grit next to walnut shells next to plastic pellets. They all say &#8220;blast media&#8221; on the label. They do not all do the same thing, and using the wrong one can cost you far more than the price of the media itself.<\/p>\n\n  <p>The type of abrasive media you select determines three critical outcomes on every project:<\/p>\n\n  <ul>\n    <li><strong>Surface profile:<\/strong> Angular media bites into a surface and creates the microscopic peaks and valleys \u2014 called anchor profile \u2014 that coatings need to grip. Round media peens the surface smooth. Zero-profile media simply cleans without raising texture at all. Get this wrong and your coating system fails, regardless of how carefully it was applied.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>Substrate condition after blasting:<\/strong> An abrasive that is too hard or too angular will warp thin sheet metal, erode composite skins, or score precision tolerances off machined components. An abrasive that is too soft will leave the surface contaminated and inadequately prepared.<\/li>\n    <li><strong>Total operating cost:<\/strong> Single-use media consumed at 800 lbs per hour looks cheap per bag. Steel grit reused 200 times looks expensive per ton. The math almost always favors the recyclable option at production scale \u2014 but only if it is the right media for the job.<\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n\n  <p>This guide covers all ten major types in full detail, with a complete pros and cons breakdown, key specifications, and specific application guidance for each. If you are new to surface preparation and want the full foundational context first, start with our <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/what-is-abrasive-media-types-uses-complete-selection-guide\/\">complete abrasive media guide<\/a> before returning here.<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout callout-info\">\n    <span class=\"hlh-c1-callout-icon\">\ud83c\udfed<\/span>\n    <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout-body\">\n      <strong>About this guide<\/strong>\n      <p>Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures and supplies six of the ten media types covered below: aluminum oxide, glass beads, garnet, steel grit\/shot, walnut shell\/corn cob, and plastic media. Where our products are referenced, links to full product specifications are provided.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 1: ALUMINUM OXIDE \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"aluminum-oxide\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">1<\/div>\n      <h2>Aluminum Oxide (Corundum \/ Alumina Grit)<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">9.0<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Angular \/ blocky<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">16 \u2013 320 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">5 \u2013 10 cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Medium<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Aluminum oxide is the global standard for industrial abrasive blasting and finishing. Produced by fusing bauxite ore in an electric arc furnace at temperatures above 2,000\u00b0C, it forms the second-hardest synthetic abrasive available \u2014 and by far the most commercially versatile. Its angular, blocky fracture pattern delivers consistent, aggressive cutting action that bites into rust, mill scale, and old coatings with remarkable efficiency.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Two primary grades dominate the market. <strong>Brown fused alumina (BFA)<\/strong> \u2014 the familiar reddish-brown grit \u2014 is the cost-effective workhorse used in structural steel fabrication, ship hull preparation, heavy equipment maintenance, and general industrial coating prep. <strong>White fused alumina (WFA)<\/strong> is processed to higher purity (99%+ Al\u2082O\u2083), producing a white, ultra-hard grit used where contamination is not tolerable \u2014 aerospace alloy preparation, semiconductor substrate processing, medical device finishing, and precision ceramic grinding.<\/p>\n\n      <p>At Mohs 9, aluminum oxide can prepare virtually any metal substrate to SSPC-SP10 Near-White or SSPC-SP5 White Metal cleanliness standards. Its fracture pattern means that as particles break down during recycling, they create fresh sharp edges rather than dulling, maintaining cutting efficiency through multiple cycles. A well-operated reclaim system typically achieves 5 to 10 full reuse cycles before media replacement is necessary.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Structural steel, pressure vessels, pipelines, heavy equipment, aerospace alloys (WFA grade), thermal spray prep, precision deburring, lapping, and grinding wheel manufacturing.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Extremely hard (Mohs 9) \u2014 aggressive and fast<\/li>\n            <li>Sharp angular shape creates strong anchor profile<\/li>\n            <li>Recyclable 5\u201310 cycles, low per-cycle cost<\/li>\n            <li>Wide grit range (16\u2013320) covers all applications<\/li>\n            <li>Available in brown (general) and white (high-purity) grades<\/li>\n            <li>Silica-free; OSHA compliant<\/li>\n            <li>Works in both pressure blast and suction cabinet systems<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Too aggressive for thin, delicate, or soft substrates<\/li>\n            <li>Generates significant fine dust \u2014 requires good dust collection<\/li>\n            <li>Not suitable for wheel-blast machines (use steel abrasives instead)<\/li>\n            <li>Higher upfront cost than single-use mineral media<\/li>\n            <li>Can become contaminated with iron from steel substrates over cycles<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/aluminum-oxide-abrasive-media-uses-grit-sizes-where-to-buy\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full guide: Aluminum Oxide Abrasive Media \u2014 Grades, Grit Sizes &amp; Specifications \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 2: GLASS BEADS \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"glass-beads\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">2<\/div>\n      <h2>\u73bb\u7483\u73e0<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">5.5 \u2013 6.0<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Spherical<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">40 \u2013 325 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">3 \u2013 5 cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Medium<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Glass beads are manufactured from lead-free, soda-lime glass melted and formed into perfect spheres. Their defining characteristic is that round shape: where angular abrasives cut into a surface, glass beads <em>peen<\/em> it \u2014 imparting thousands of tiny compressive impacts that burnish away contamination while leaving the surface smooth, bright, and dimensionally unchanged.<\/p>\n\n      <p>This peening action has two valuable consequences. First, it produces a smooth, uniform, satin-matte finish that requires no further treatment in applications where appearance matters \u2014 stainless steel food processing equipment, medical instruments, architectural hardware, and automotive restoration work where a bright surface is desired before painting. Second, the compressive stress introduced into the surface layer improves fatigue resistance by closing micro-cracks, making glass bead peening a standard quality process for precision-machined components.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Because glass beads contain no free crystalline silica in respirable form, they are a fully OSHA-compliant alternative to silica sand in any regulatory environment. The spherical shape also results in lower dust generation than angular media, improving visibility and air quality in blast cabinets. They are not suitable for applications requiring a coarse anchor profile \u2014 if you need profile for coating adhesion, angular media is required.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Stainless steel finishing, food and pharmaceutical equipment cleaning, aerospace component peening, automotive body panel preparation, jewelry polishing, medical implant surface treatment, and general decorative finishing.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Produces smooth, satin finish without dimensional change<\/li>\n            <li>Induces beneficial compressive stress (peening effect)<\/li>\n            <li>Low dust generation \u2014 better visibility and air quality<\/li>\n            <li>Silica-free; OSHA compliant<\/li>\n            <li>Gentle on thin-walled and precision components<\/li>\n            <li>Chemically inert; no contamination of substrate<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Does not create anchor profile for coating adhesion<\/li>\n            <li>Lower hardness limits effectiveness on heavy rust or scale<\/li>\n            <li>Breaks down faster than angular media \u2014 3\u20135 cycle limit<\/li>\n            <li>Not suitable for wheel-blast equipment<\/li>\n            <li>More expensive per lb than crushed glass or coal slag<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/glass-bead-abrasive-media-applications-benefits-buying-guide\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full guide: Glass Bead Abrasive Media \u2014 Applications, Benefits &amp; Buying Guide \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 3: GARNET \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"garnet\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">3<\/div>\n      <h2>\u77f3\u69b4\u77f3<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">7.5 \u2013 8.0<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Sub-angular<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">30 \u2013 120 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">1 \u2013 3 cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Medium<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Garnet is a naturally occurring iron-aluminum silicate mineral mined primarily from almandine and andradite deposits in Australia, India, and North America. It is the preferred blast media wherever <strong>low dust generation, low chloride contamination, and clean surface chemistry<\/strong> are simultaneously required \u2014 making it the dominant choice for marine and offshore steel structures, oil and gas pipelines, and bridges scheduled for high-performance coating systems.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Garnet&#8217;s sub-angular particle shape is slightly less aggressive than aluminum oxide \u2014 it produces a clean, sharp anchor profile in the 1.5 to 2.5 mil range at standard operating pressures, which aligns precisely with the requirements of most zinc-rich epoxy and polyurethane coating systems. Its hardness of 7.5\u20138.0 Mohs is sufficient to achieve SSPC-SP10 Near-White cleanliness in a single pass on moderately rusted steel.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Garnet is also the <strong>standard abrasive for waterjet cutting<\/strong> \u2014 GMA (Garnet Manufacturers Association) garnet at 80 mesh is used in virtually every waterjet cutting machine worldwide for its combination of hardness, controlled particle size distribution, and low silica content. In this application it is used wet in a high-pressure abrasive waterjet stream.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Because garnet particles are denser than aluminum oxide and produce minimal friable fines, spent garnet is frequently classified as non-hazardous solid waste and can be repurposed as a construction aggregate, making disposal simpler and cheaper than many other media types.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Marine and offshore structure preparation, oil and gas pipeline coating, bridge rehabilitation, waterjet cutting (80 mesh), confined-space blasting where dust control is critical, and any project with strict chloride-level coating specifications.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Very low dust \u2014 excellent visibility and air quality in confined spaces<\/li>\n            <li>Low chloride content \u2014 ideal for marine coating specs<\/li>\n            <li>No heavy metals; environmentally favorable disposal<\/li>\n            <li>Good profile creation (1.5\u20132.5 mil) for standard coating systems<\/li>\n            <li>Waterjet cutting standard (80 mesh GMA)<\/li>\n            <li>Self-sharpening fracture maintains cutting efficiency<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Lower recyclability (1\u20133 cycles) than aluminum oxide or steel<\/li>\n            <li>Cannot achieve very deep profiles (&gt;3 mil) without high pressure<\/li>\n            <li>Natural mineral \u2014 particle consistency varies by source\/batch<\/li>\n            <li>Less widely available in very fine grit ranges vs aluminum oxide<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/garnet-abrasive-media-why-its-the-industry-favorite\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full guide: Garnet Abrasive Media \u2014 Why It&#8217;s the Industry Favorite \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 4: STEEL GRIT \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"steel-grit\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">4<\/div>\n      <h2>\u94a2\u7802<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Hardness (Rockwell)<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">HRC 55 \u2013 66<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Angular \/ fractured<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Size Range (SAE)<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">G10 \u2013 G120<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">100+ cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">High upfront \/ very low per-cycle<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Steel grit is manufactured by crushing and heat-treating high-carbon steel particles to produce angular, pyramid-shaped fragments with a Rockwell hardness of 55\u201366 HRC. This extreme hardness combined with an aggressive angular geometry makes steel grit the <strong>most powerful surface preparation abrasive<\/strong> for heavy industrial applications: it routinely achieves SSPC-SP5 White Metal cleanliness with deep anchor profiles of 2.5\u20135.0 mil on heavily rusted, scaled, or previously coated structural steel.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Steel grit is designed exclusively for <strong>centrifugal wheel-blast machines<\/strong> \u2014 the high-volume automated systems used in steel fabrication plants, shipyards, rail car manufacturing, bridge component fabrication, and structural steel service centers. Wheel-blast machines accelerate steel grit to impact velocities of 180\u2013250 ft\/s using a spinning impeller wheel, processing throughput rates that make manual blasting operations uneconomical by comparison.<\/p>\n\n      <p>The economic argument for steel grit is compelling at production scale. A single charge of quality steel grit lasts 100 or more blast cycles in a properly maintained machine with an effective media reclaim and replenishment system. The per-cycle media cost is often 10 to 20 times lower than equivalent single-pass mineral abrasives. Steel grit is also available in multiple hardness grades \u2014 GL (low, HRC 40\u201351), GM (medium, HRC 55\u201362), and GH (high, HRC 60\u201366) \u2014 allowing fabricators to select the aggressiveness appropriate for their steel grade and coating spec.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Structural steel fabrication wheel-blast lines, ship hull and offshore platform preparation, bridge steel component blasting, pipe and tube exterior coating prep, and any high-volume operation where automated blast equipment is in use.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Extremely high recyclability (100+ cycles) \u2014 very low per-cycle cost<\/li>\n            <li>Produces the deepest anchor profiles for heavy-duty coatings<\/li>\n            <li>Fast cleaning rates in wheel-blast equipment<\/li>\n            <li>Available in three hardness grades for different applications<\/li>\n            <li>No silica; safe disposal as inert solid waste<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Requires wheel-blast or pressure-blast equipment \u2014 not for cabinets<\/li>\n            <li>High upfront equipment and media investment<\/li>\n            <li>Introduces iron contamination \u2014 unsuitable for stainless steel<\/li>\n            <li>Can cause surface warping on thin materials<\/li>\n            <li>Requires dust collection and magnetic separation reclaim system<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/steel-grit-vs-steel-shot-which-is-right-for-your-operation\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full comparison: Steel Grit vs Steel Shot \u2014 Which Is Right for Your Operation? \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 5: STEEL SHOT \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"steel-shot\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">5<\/div>\n      <h2>\u94a2\u4e38<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Hardness (Rockwell)<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">HRC 40 \u2013 51<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Spherical<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Size Range (SAE)<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">S70 \u2013 S780<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">100+ cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">High upfront \/ very low per-cycle<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Steel shot is cast from molten carbon steel and quenched into spherical pellets, then tempered to a Rockwell hardness of 40\u201351 HRC. Its round shape means it does not cut or profile \u2014 instead, it hammers the surface with thousands of controlled impacts, inducing a <strong>deep layer of compressive residual stress<\/strong> that prevents fatigue crack initiation and propagation. This process is called shot peening, and it is a mandatory, specification-governed quality step in the manufacture of virtually every fatigue-critical metal component.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Shot peening with steel shot is specified by aerospace OEMs including Boeing and Airbus for landing gear components, turbine engine discs, and airframe structural members. Automotive manufacturers use it on transmission gears, crankshafts, connecting rods, and coil springs. The military applies it to aircraft carrier deck arresting gear, helicopter transmission gears, and naval ordnance components. In each case, shot peening extends service life by a factor of 2\u00d7 to 10\u00d7 compared to unpeened components.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Beyond peening, steel shot is widely used for descaling castings in foundry cleaning rooms and for general mill scale removal on steel plate. Its smooth shape leaves a relatively flat surface profile \u2014 typically 0.5 to 1.5 mil \u2014 which is appropriate for oil and gas pipeline internal coating and similar applications where a moderate, uniform anchor is required without the aggressive peaks left by angular media.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Shot peening of aerospace, automotive, and military components; foundry casting cleaning; mill scale removal on steel plate; pipeline internal surface prep; and wheel-blast descaling lines where a smooth post-blast profile is acceptable.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Induces compressive stress \u2014 dramatically extends component fatigue life<\/li>\n            <li>Very high recyclability (100+ cycles)<\/li>\n            <li>Consistent spherical shape; predictable peening results<\/li>\n            <li>Low dust compared to angular media<\/li>\n            <li>Available in wide size range (S70\u2013S780) for precise Almen intensity control<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Does not create a strong anchor profile \u2014 unsuitable for heavy-duty coatings<\/li>\n            <li>Requires wheel-blast or specialized peening equipment<\/li>\n            <li>High upfront media cost<\/li>\n            <li>Unsuitable for stainless steel substrates (iron contamination)<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/steel-grit-vs-steel-shot-which-is-right-for-your-operation\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full comparison: Steel Grit vs Steel Shot \u2014 Understand the Key Differences \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 6: WALNUT SHELL \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"walnut-shell\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">6<\/div>\n      <h2>Walnut Shell<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">3.0 \u2013 4.0<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Angular \/ irregular<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">6 \u2013 100 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">1 \u2013 2 cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Low<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Biodegradable<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Crushed walnut shell is the most widely used organic blast media. It is produced from the shells of English black walnuts \u2014 a dense, hard agricultural byproduct that would otherwise go to waste \u2014 ground and classified into angular particles with a hardness of 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale. Despite being classified as &#8220;soft&#8221; by blasting standards, walnut shell has enough hardness to clean oil, grease, carbon deposits, light paint, and surface oxidation from virtually any material without scratching or etching the substrate.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Its primary industrial role is in <strong>aircraft paint stripping for composite and soft aluminum structures<\/strong> where plastic media or hand-strip methods are required, turbine engine component cleaning in military and commercial MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) facilities, and automotive engine part cleaning in restoration shops. Walnut shell is naturally absorbent, which also helps it pick up and remove oils during the blasting process.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Because walnut shell is fully biodegradable and non-toxic, it is the preferred media for applications near water, in food production facilities, and in environmentally regulated workspaces. It produces no toxic breakdown products and can often be composted or disposed of as general organic waste \u2014 a significant advantage over mineral and metallic media that may require costly hazardous waste disposal after blasting coated surfaces.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Aircraft composite and aluminum skin cleaning, engine component degreasing, historic wood and stone restoration, cleaning delicate tooling, food equipment sanitation, and any application where substrate integrity must not be compromised.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Completely safe for delicate and soft substrates<\/li>\n            <li>Biodegradable and non-toxic \u2014 easiest disposal of any media<\/li>\n            <li>Naturally absorbs oils during blasting<\/li>\n            <li>Low cost per bag<\/li>\n            <li>No silica; no heavy metals<\/li>\n            <li>Suitable for food and pharmaceutical environments<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Very low hardness \u2014 ineffective on heavy rust or thick coatings<\/li>\n            <li>Essentially single-use; limited recyclability<\/li>\n            <li>Absorbs moisture \u2014 must be stored in dry conditions<\/li>\n            <li>Slower blast rates than mineral or metallic media<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/eco-friendly-abrasive-media-walnut-shell-corn-cob-beyond\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full guide: Eco-Friendly Abrasive Media \u2014 Walnut Shell, Corn Cob &amp; Baking Soda \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 7: CORN COB \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"corn-cob\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">7<\/div>\n      <h2>Corn Cob<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">3.0 \u2013 3.5<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Angular \/ granular<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">4 \u2013 80 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">1 \u2013 2 cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Low<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Biodegradable<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Ground corn cob is slightly softer and less dense than walnut shell, making it the gentlest blast media in the organic category. Corn cob granules are primarily used in <strong>vibratory tumbling and barrel finishing operations<\/strong> \u2014 applications where parts tumble against media in a rotating drum rather than being impacted by a pressurized stream \u2014 but they are also effective in suction-style blast cabinets for very delicate surface conditioning and polishing.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Its most distinctive application advantage over walnut shell is its <strong>superior polishing action<\/strong>. Corn cob has a slightly waxy surface chemistry and a less aggressive fracture pattern than walnut shell, which means it produces a noticeably brighter, more polished surface finish on non-ferrous metals, brass, bronze, and precious metals like gold and silver. This makes it the standard media in jewelry tumbling, coin cleaning, gun stock conditioning, and delicate souvenir or trophy finishing.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Like walnut shell, corn cob is biodegradable, non-toxic, and highly absorbent, making it suitable for removing light oils and moisture from parts during the tumbling process. In combination with polishing compounds, corn cob tumbling media produces mirror-like finishes on small components that would be impossible to achieve economically any other way.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Jewelry and precious metal polishing, vibratory tumbling of coins, brass cartridge case cleaning and polishing, gun stock conditioning, light deburring of non-ferrous castings, and any application requiring the gentlest possible surface treatment with a polishing outcome.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Gentlest media available \u2014 no substrate damage risk<\/li>\n            <li>Produces bright, polished finish on metals and non-metals<\/li>\n            <li>Biodegradable, non-toxic, compostable<\/li>\n            <li>Highly absorbent \u2014 removes oils during tumbling<\/li>\n            <li>Low cost; widely available as agricultural byproduct<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Not effective on rust, heavy contamination, or thick coatings<\/li>\n            <li>Primarily suited to tumbling\/vibratory \u2014 limited in blast applications<\/li>\n            <li>Absorbs moisture if not stored properly<\/li>\n            <li>Single-use in most applications<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/eco-friendly-abrasive-media-walnut-shell-corn-cob-beyond\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full guide: Eco-Friendly Abrasive Media \u2014 Walnut Shell, Corn Cob &amp; Baking Soda \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 8: PLASTIC MEDIA \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"plastic-media\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">8<\/div>\n      <h2>Plastic Media (Thermoset Resin Blast Media)<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">3.0 \u2013 3.5<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Angular \/ irregular<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">12 \u2013 80 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">3 \u2013 5 cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Medium-high<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Plastic blast media (PBM) is manufactured from crushed thermoset resin \u2014 primarily urea formaldehyde, polyester, or melamine \u2014 into angular particles. The combination of low hardness and sharp angular shape creates a unique capability: <strong>effective paint stripping without substrate damage<\/strong>. Plastic media cuts through organic coatings cleanly while simply bouncing off or embedding harmlessly in soft substrates like aluminum alloy and composite materials, leaving the base material dimensionally intact and without work hardening.<\/p>\n\n      <p>This makes plastic media the <strong>only USAF and commercial aviation-approved media type for composite aircraft structure paint stripping<\/strong>. When an airline needs to strip and repaint an aircraft fuselage, which is built from carbon fiber reinforced polymer panels that cost millions of dollars per aircraft, plastic media blasting is the specified process. Chemical stripping alternatives introduce moisture and thermal risks; sanding by hand is impractical at scale. Plastic media blasting in an enclosed hangar environment, using a reclaim vacuum system, strips an entire wide-body fuselage in a fraction of the time of any alternative method.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Beyond aerospace, plastic media is widely used for stripping gelcoat from fiberglass marine vessels, deflashing injection-molded plastic components, stripping military vehicles and equipment in depot maintenance facilities, and cleaning electronic circuit boards from conformal coatings in military electronics repair.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Aircraft composite and aluminum skin paint stripping (FAA-approved), fiberglass gelcoat removal, plastic injection mold deflashing, military vehicle repainting, circuit board coating removal, and any precision stripping application where substrate integrity is the primary constraint.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Strips organic coatings without damaging composite or aluminum substrates<\/li>\n            <li>FAA- and military-approved for aircraft paint stripping<\/li>\n            <li>Recyclable 3\u20135 cycles with proper reclaim system<\/li>\n            <li>Available in multiple hardness grades for different substrates<\/li>\n            <li>No silica; no heavy metals in media itself<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Higher cost per lb than mineral media<\/li>\n            <li>Not effective on heavy rust or hard scale<\/li>\n            <li>Plastic particle contamination in waste stream may complicate disposal<\/li>\n            <li>Requires enclosure\/recovery system for economical use<\/li>\n            <li>Lower blast rates than harder angular media<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <a class=\"hlh-learn-more\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/best-abrasive-media-for-automotive-restoration-paint-removal\/\">\ud83d\udcc4 Full guide: Plastic Blast Media for Aerospace &amp; Automotive Stripping \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 9: SILICON CARBIDE \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"silicon-carbide\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">9<\/div>\n      <h2>\u78b3\u5316\u7845<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">9.0 \u2013 9.5<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Angular \/ sharp<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">16 \u2013 600 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Limited (very friable)<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">High<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u2705 Yes (SiC \u2260 SiO\u2082)<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Silicon carbide (SiC) is the hardest synthetic abrasive commercially available, rating 9 to 9.5 on the Mohs scale \u2014 harder than aluminum oxide and second only to diamond. Its angular, needle-like fracture morphology makes it the fastest-cutting blast media available, capable of etching and profiling surfaces that no other abrasive can touch: hardened ceramics, tungsten carbide tooling, silicon nitride components, glass engraving, and stone carving.<\/p>\n\n      <p>In industrial blasting, silicon carbide is specified for <strong>very hard substrate applications<\/strong> where aluminum oxide would wear down too slowly to be economical: blasting thermal barrier coating bond coats onto turbine components, etching optical glass for anti-glare treatments, profiling refractory ceramics before bonding, and surface preparation of cemented carbide dies and punches. In the stone industry, it is the standard media for sandblast engraving of granite monuments and marble architectural features.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Silicon carbide&#8217;s primary limitation is its high friability \u2014 particles shatter on impact, generating significant fine dust and degrading rapidly, making recycling impractical in most applications. The high cost per lb combined with low recyclability limits its use to niche applications where its hardness advantage is genuinely irreplaceable.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Ceramics and carbide tooling preparation, glass engraving, stone monument sandblasting, refractory surface prep, thermal spray coating prep on very hard substrates, and precision lapping of hard materials.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Hardest synthetic abrasive available (Mohs 9\u20139.5)<\/li>\n            <li>Can blast substrates too hard for aluminum oxide<\/li>\n            <li>Excellent for glass and ceramic etching<\/li>\n            <li>Available in extremely fine grits for precision lapping<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Very high cost per lb<\/li>\n            <li>Highly friable \u2014 extremely limited recyclability<\/li>\n            <li>High dust generation<\/li>\n            <li>Overkill for standard metal surface preparation<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout callout-info\">\n        <span class=\"hlh-c1-callout-icon\">\u2139\ufe0f<\/span>\n        <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout-body\">\n          <strong>Note from Jiangsu Henglihong Technology<\/strong>\n          <p>Silicon carbide is not currently part of our standard product range. For applications where it would be considered, we recommend evaluating whether white aluminum oxide (WFA) at a finer grit can achieve the same result at lower cost \u2014 in many cases it can.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TYPE 10: CRUSHED GLASS \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-media-section\" id=\"crushed-glass\">\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-header\">\n      <div class=\"hlh-media-num\">10<\/div>\n      <h2>Crushed Glass (Recycled Glass Abrasive)<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hlh-media-body\">\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-specs\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u83ab\u6c0f\u786c\u5ea6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">5.5 \u2013 6.0<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u7c92\u5b50\u5f62\u72b6<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Angular \/ conchoidal<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Typical Grit Range<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">12 \u2013 80 mesh<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">1 \u2013 2 cycles<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Relative Cost<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">Low<\/span><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-spec\"><span class=\"hlh-spec-label\">Silica-Free<\/span><span class=\"hlh-spec-value\">\u26a0\ufe0f Low free silica<\/span><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>Crushed glass abrasive is manufactured by processing post-consumer recycled glass \u2014 primarily from bottles and windows \u2014 through crushing, sizing, and washing operations. The result is an angular, moderately hard abrasive with a conchoidal (shell-like) fracture pattern that is effective for structural steel surface preparation, concrete etching, and general outdoor blasting operations.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Its primary appeal is economics and sustainability: crushed glass is one of the cheapest blast media options per pound, and using post-consumer recycled content appeals to contractors with environmental commitments or green building requirements. It is also a compliant silica-safe alternative to conventional sand, as the free crystalline silica content of properly processed recycled glass is very low \u2014 though operators should always verify the SDS for the specific product used, as processing quality varies.<\/p>\n\n      <p>Crushed glass is not recyclable in practical terms \u2014 it shatters completely on impact, making reclaim and reuse uneconomical. It is best suited to single-pass outdoor operations and should not be used where steel substrate contamination from glass fragments is a concern. It is not recommended for coating applications requiring very tight surface chemistry, as residual glass fines can interfere with some high-performance coating systems.<\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-bestuse\">\n        <strong>\ud83c\udfaf Best for:<\/strong> Cost-sensitive outdoor blasting of structural steel, concrete surface profiling, general rust removal where a single-pass approach is acceptable, and operations where environmental sustainability credentials are commercially important.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-proscons\">\n        <div class=\"hlh-pros\">\n          <h4>\u2705 Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Lowest cost per lb of any effective blast media<\/li>\n            <li>Manufactured from recycled post-consumer glass<\/li>\n            <li>Low free silica content vs natural sand<\/li>\n            <li>Effective for light-to-moderate surface prep<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hlh-cons\">\n          <h4>\u274c Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n            <li>Single-use; no recyclability<\/li>\n            <li>High dust generation on impact<\/li>\n            <li>Processing quality varies \u2014 verify SDS for silica content<\/li>\n            <li>Not suitable for precision or high-performance coating applications<\/li>\n            <li>Glass fragment contamination risk on substrate<\/li>\n          <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout callout-info\">\n        <span class=\"hlh-c1-callout-icon\">\u2139\ufe0f<\/span>\n        <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout-body\">\n          <strong>Note from Jiangsu Henglihong Technology<\/strong>\n          <p>Crushed glass is not part of our standard product range. For budget-sensitive applications, we recommend garnet (single-pass, low dust) or aluminum oxide (recyclable, better long-term economics) as better-performing alternatives at a comparable or only slightly higher cost point.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 -->\n  <h2 id=\"comparison-table\">Side-by-Side Comparison: All 10 Types<\/h2>\n\n  <p>Use this master reference table alongside the individual sections above. For a downloadable version suitable for print or job-site use, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-media-comparison-chart-hardness-grit-cost-guide\/\">Abrasive Media Comparison Chart &amp; PDF Download<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"hlh-table-wrap\">\n    <table class=\"hlh-table hlh-pick-table\">\n      <caption>All values represent typical commercial grades. Individual products may vary \u2014 always verify against manufacturer specifications.<\/caption>\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Media<\/th>\n          <th>Mohs \/ HRC<\/th>\n          <th>Shape<\/th>\n          <th>Profile Created<\/th>\n          <th>\u53ef\u56de\u6536\u6027<\/th>\n          <th>Cost\/Cycle<\/th>\n          <th>Substrate Risk<\/th>\n          <th>OSHA Silica<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>\u6c27\u5316\u94dd<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>9 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>\u6709\u89d2\u7684<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-red\">Deep (1.5\u20134 mil)<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>5\u201310\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-red\">High on soft substrates<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>\u73bb\u7483\u73e0<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>5.5\u20136 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>Spherical<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">None \/ satin peen<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>3\u20135\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>\u77f3\u69b4\u77f3<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>7.5\u20138 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>Sub-angular<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Medium (1.5\u20132.5 mil)<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>1\u20133\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Medium<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Moderate<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>\u94a2\u7802<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>HRC 55\u201366<\/td>\n          <td>\u6709\u89d2\u7684<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-red\">Very deep (2.5\u20135 mil)<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>100+\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Very low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-red\">High \u2014 wheel blast only<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>\u94a2\u4e38<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>HRC 40\u201351<\/td>\n          <td>Spherical<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Low (0.5\u20131.5 mil)<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>100+\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Very low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Low (peening only)<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>Walnut Shell<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>3\u20134 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>\u6709\u89d2\u7684<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Negligible<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>1\u20132\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Very low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>Corn Cob<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>3\u20133.5 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>\u6709\u89d2\u7684<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Negligible<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>1\u20132\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Very low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>\u5851\u6599\u4ecb\u8d28<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>3\u20133.5 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>\u6709\u89d2\u7684<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Negligible<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>3\u20135\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Medium-high<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Very low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>\u78b3\u5316\u7845<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>9\u20139.5 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>\u6709\u89d2\u7684<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-red\">Very deep<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>Very low<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-red\">Very high<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-red\">Extreme on soft substrates<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">\u2705 Compliant<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td><strong>Crushed Glass<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>5.5\u20136 Mohs<\/td>\n          <td>\u6709\u89d2\u7684<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Medium (1\u20132 mil)<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>1\u00d7<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-green\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">Moderate<\/span><\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"badge b-yellow\">\u26a0\ufe0f Verify SDS<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 -->\n  <h2 id=\"how-to-pick\">How to Pick the Right Abrasive Media Type: A Quick Decision Guide<\/h2>\n\n  <p>With ten options on the table, the fastest path to the right choice is a two-step filter: first identify what your substrate cannot tolerate, then identify what your surface outcome requires. The matrix below maps those two factors onto media recommendations.<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"hlh-table-wrap\">\n    <table class=\"hlh-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Substrate<\/th>\n          <th>Required Outcome<\/th>\n          <th>Recommended Media<\/th>\n          <th>Avoid<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Structural carbon steel<\/td>\n          <td>Maximum rust removal + deep coating profile<\/td>\n          <td><strong>Steel grit (wheel blast) or Aluminum oxide (pressure blast)<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>Glass beads, organic media<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>\u4e0d\u9508\u94a2<\/td>\n          <td>Cleaning + satin finish; no iron contamination<\/td>\n          <td><strong>Glass beads or Aluminum oxide (WFA)<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>Steel grit, steel shot, crushed glass<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Aluminum (thin panels)<\/td>\n          <td>Paint removal without warping or profile<\/td>\n          <td><strong>Plastic media or Glass beads<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>Steel grit, aluminum oxide coarse, silicon carbide<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Carbon fiber \/ composite<\/td>\n          <td>Coating strip without fiber damage<\/td>\n          <td><strong>Plastic media or Walnut shell<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>All angular mineral media; steel abrasives<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Marine \/ offshore steel<\/td>\n          <td>Prep for high-performance coating; low chlorides<\/td>\n          <td><strong>\u77f3\u69b4\u77f3<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>Coal slag, crushed glass (verify chloride)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Brass, bronze, precious metals<\/td>\n          <td>Polish and brighten without scratching<\/td>\n          <td><strong>Corn cob (tumbling) or Glass beads (fine grit)<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>Coarse angular media; steel abrasives<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Ceramic \/ carbide tooling<\/td>\n          <td>Profile extremely hard surface<\/td>\n          <td><strong>Silicon carbide<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>Glass beads, organic media, plastic media<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Wood \/ stone (historic)<\/td>\n          <td>Clean without surface erosion<\/td>\n          <td><strong>Walnut shell (wood) or Garnet fine grit (stone)<\/strong><\/td>\n          <td>Steel abrasives, coarse mineral media<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <p>For a full step-by-step selection framework covering equipment type, coating specification requirements, and total cost of ownership calculation, see our dedicated guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-abrasive-media-for-your-project\/\">How to Choose the Right Abrasive Media for Your Project \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout callout-tip\">\n    <span class=\"hlh-c1-callout-icon\">\u2705<\/span>\n    <div class=\"hlh-c1-callout-body\">\n      <strong>When in doubt, contact the technical team<\/strong>\n      <p>If your application falls into an edge case \u2014 unusual substrate, tight specification, or atypical operating environment \u2014 the right call is to consult before committing to a media type. Jiangsu Henglihong Technology provides free technical consultation for all customers and prospects. <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/contact\/\">Contact our team \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 -->\n  <h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n  <div class=\"hlh-c1-faq\">\n    <details>\n      <summary>What are the main types of abrasive blasting media?<\/summary>\n      <div class=\"faq-body\">\n        <p>The ten primary types are: aluminum oxide, glass beads, garnet, steel grit, steel shot, walnut shell, corn cob, plastic media, silicon carbide, and crushed glass. Each has distinct hardness, particle shape, recyclability, and cost characteristics that make it best suited to specific applications and substrates. The six types manufactured and supplied by Jiangsu Henglihong Technology cover the vast majority of industrial, aerospace, automotive, and DIY applications.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n    <details>\n      <summary>Which abrasive media lasts the longest?<\/summary>\n      <div class=\"faq-body\">\n        <p>Steel grit and steel shot have by far the highest recyclability \u2014 typically 100 or more blast cycles in a properly maintained wheel-blast machine with an effective reclaim and replenishment system. Aluminum oxide follows at 5\u201310 cycles. Glass beads and plastic media achieve 3\u20135 cycles. Organic media (walnut shell, corn cob, sodium bicarbonate) and single-pass mineral abrasives (garnet, crushed glass, coal slag) are essentially single-use or very low-cycle.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n    <details>\n      <summary>What is the safest abrasive media for delicate surfaces?<\/summary>\n      <div class=\"faq-body\">\n        <p>For the softest, most delicate substrates \u2014 composite aircraft skins, fiberglass, thin aluminum panels, plastics, wood \u2014 plastic media or walnut shell are the safest choices. Glass beads (fine mesh) are appropriate for thin metal panels where a satin finish is acceptable. Corn cob is the gentlest option for very delicate finishing in tumbling operations. The key principle: always match media hardness to substrate hardness, choosing the softest media that can still achieve the required cleaning or stripping result.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n    <details>\n      <summary>Can I use the same abrasive media on different materials?<\/summary>\n      <div class=\"faq-body\">\n        <p>Some versatile media types \u2014 particularly aluminum oxide (coarser grits for steel, finer grits for softer metals) and glass beads \u2014 can be used across a range of substrates. However, there are firm restrictions: steel abrasives must never be used on stainless steel or aluminum (iron contamination risk); angular hard media must not be used on composites or thin panels (warping and damage risk); and media that has been used on contaminated surfaces (e.g., lead paint) may be classified as hazardous waste and should not be reused on clean substrates. Maintain separate media supplies for different substrate categories.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n    <details>\n      <summary>What is the difference between sandblasting and abrasive blasting?<\/summary>\n      <div class=\"faq-body\">\n        <p>The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically &#8220;sandblasting&#8221; refers to the historical process using silica sand as the abrasive. Because silica sand is now heavily regulated or banned in most industrial jurisdictions due to silicosis risk, the industry uses the broader term &#8220;abrasive blasting&#8221; to describe any process that propels abrasive media at a surface. The equipment and process are identical \u2014 the only difference is the media type used. All abrasive media supplied by Jiangsu Henglihong Technology are silica-free, OSHA-compliant replacements for silica sand.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n    <details>\n      <summary>How do I know what grit size to use?<\/summary>\n      <div class=\"faq-body\">\n        <p>Grit size selection depends on the required surface profile depth and the coating specification. Coarse grits (16\u201336) create deep profiles for heavy industrial coatings. Medium grits (40\u201380) are the standard for most structural steel prep. Fine grits (100\u2013320+) are used for precision work, stainless steel finishing, and aerospace applications. Always check your coating manufacturer&#8217;s surface preparation datasheet for the specified profile range before selecting grit size. See our full grit size guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-media-faq-grit-size-mesh-recycling-storage-tips\/\">Abrasive Media FAQ: Grit Size, Mesh, Recycling &amp; Storage Tips \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CTA -->\n  <div class=\"hlh-c1-cta\">\n    <h2>Need Help Choosing the Right Abrasive Media?<\/h2>\n    <p>Jiangsu Henglihong Technology supplies aluminum oxide, glass beads, garnet, steel grit\/shot, walnut shell, corn cob, and plastic media \u2014 factory direct, with free technical consultation on every order.<\/p>\n    <a class=\"hlh-c1-cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/contact\/\">Get a Free Quote<\/a>\n    <a class=\"hlh-c1-cta-btn out\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/products\/\">View All Products<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n\n<\/article>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media: Pros, Cons &amp; Best  [&#8230;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12460,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,175,138],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-industry","category-resource"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12418"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12493,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12418\/revisions\/12493"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12460"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}