Glass Bead Media for Sandblasting
Glass bead media is one of the most popular abrasives used in sandblasting for its versatility and ability to provide high-quality finishes. Manufactured from non-leaded soda-lime glass, glass beads are spherical in shape, which enables them to produce a smooth, clean surface without damaging the underlying material. The consistency of the beads allows for uniform blasting results, making it a favored choice for a variety of industries.
Key Benefits of Glass Bead Media:
- Smooth Finish
Ideal for applications that require a fine, polished, and smooth surface, glass bead media creates a satin-like finish that enhances the aesthetic appeal of many materials.
- Non-damaging:
The spherical shape of the beads minimizes the risk of material deformation, making it suitable for more delicate parts or projects where surface integrity is essential.
- Recyclable:
Glass beads are reusable, making them an environmentally friendly option for sandblasting operations. They can withstand numerous cycles of blasting before losing their effectiveness.
- Non-toxic and Safe:
As a non-toxic material, glass beads provide a safer alternative to some other abrasives in terms of health and environmental impact.
Glass Bead Sizes and Their Applications:
1. Fine (Grit Size # 13-14):
- Applications: Ideal for light-duty sandblasting tasks, such as cleaning delicate surfaces, polishing metals, and etching glass.
- Common Uses: Automotive refinishing, glass etching, aluminum polishing, and precision surface cleaning.
2. Medium (Grit Size # 9-10):
- Applications: Works well for cleaning and de-rusting equipment, blasting small parts, and providing a satin finish on metals without causing damage.
- Common Uses: Industrial cleaning, light deburring, rust removal, and surface preparation.
3. Coarse (Grit Size # 6-8):
- Applications: Suitable for heavier blasting tasks, such as stripping paint, cleaning large surfaces, or removing scale from metal surfaces.
- Common Uses: Metal surface preparation, heavy-duty cleaning, concrete or stone treatment, and removing thick layers of corrosion.
4. Extra Coarse (Grit Size # 1-5):
- Applications: Used for aggressive cleaning or surface profiling, especially on rough, hard-to-clean surfaces.
- Common Uses: Stripping and cleaning industrial equipment, aggressive rust and scale removal, and preparing surfaces for coating or painting.
Popular Applications for Glass Bead Media:
- Automotive & Aerospace Industries: Glass beads are commonly used for cleaning, polishing, and deburring parts, including engine components, wheels, and aluminum parts. They are especially useful for finishing intricate parts that require a precise, smooth finish.
- Metal Finishing & Restoration: Glass bead blasting is ideal for creating a satin finish on metal surfaces. It is used in decorative metal finishing, such as for stainless steel, and for restoring metal parts to a like-new appearance.
- Glass Etching & Signage: Glass bead media is often used to create decorative textures on glass, producing clear, etched designs on windows, mirrors, or signage.
- Concrete & Stone Surface Treatment: In the construction industry, glass beads are used for cleaning and finishing concrete or stone surfaces, offering a gentle yet effective way to treat surfaces without causing excessive abrasion.
- Marine Applications: For boats and marine equipment, glass beads are used for cleaning and preparing metal parts to prevent corrosion and improve surface bonding for coatings.
Choosing the Right Glass Bead Size for Your Application:
Selecting the appropriate glass bead size is critical to achieving the desired results in your sandblasting process. Factors like surface finish, material hardness, and project type should influence your choice. Fine beads are perfect for delicate applications, while coarser beads are ideal for heavy-duty cleaning and preparation.
Contact Us for Your Glass Bead Media Needs:
At Fortna Equipment Co, we offer a wide range of glass bead media in different sizes to suit your sandblasting needs. Whether you're looking for precision polishing or aggressive surface preparation, our glass beads are the perfect solution. Contact us today to discuss the best options for your business!
All of our equipment comes from the Clemco brand, offering a wide variety of products that guarantee authenticity and quality.
Get the Best Sandblasting Equipment Today. Call 303-756-6066 to Speak With Our Experts.
