Blasting with Steel Shot

Steel Shot and Steel Grit are some of the most effective media due to their extreme re-usability and lack of dust generation during blasting. These two types of media are used most in wheel blasting equipment. In this process, the media is literally thrown against the parts and then recycled again and again. Unlike air blast (i.e., sandblasting) systems, wheel blasting does not require an air compressor and can be used with any size of Steel Shot or Grit.

Air blasting with Steel Shot and Steel Grit requires a little more consideration. If a cabinet system is being used, the steel media will be re-used many times but the type of blasting (suction or pressure), hose size and durability and nozzle type and size will determine what grades or sizes of steel media that can be used.

If a portable air blasting system is used, the size of the fittings, hoses and nozzles are also important in identifying which grades can be used. Re-usability can be a challenge as there typically is no system to automatically collect and recycle the media. The most important consideration concerns the operator and the weight of the hose while blasting. Steel Shot and Steel Grit can weigh more than three times as much as other blast media. The weight of the blast hose filled with media can fatigue the operator very quickly. Finally, pushing heavy weights (a 50 foot hose filled with steel media) will require lots of air pressure and air volume.