Sandblasting Abrasives Key Terms

Understand the meaning behind sandblasting abrasives terms

By Howard Robertson

Sandblasting abrasives are the abrasives used for abrasive or cleaning sandblasting (also called bead blasting) operations. These abrasives abrade the undesired material from the component surface exposed to the pressurized flow of abrasives.
Whether you want to buy abrasive sandblasting equipment or want to use abrasive sandblasting services, you will need to understand various technical terms relating to characteristics and types of sandblasting abrasives. This guide will explain some key terms relating to sandblasting abrasives, such as specific gravity, friability, blasting pressure, silica sand and abrasive blasting respirator.

Specific gravity

Specific gravity (sometimes referred to as density) of a sandblasting abrasive is the ratio of its density with the density of pure water at standard pressure and temperature conditions. This is an important specification for a sandblasting abrasive, as it affects the cleaning rate and the depth of abrasion for the sandblasting process.
Try: For the definition of this term, you can read through the glossary at ElastoTech SouthWest. To learn more about specific gravity of an abrasive and its effect on the abrasion process, get information at Reade, a supplier of specialty chemical solids.

Friabilty

Friability is another important characteristic of abrasives that affects the result of the sandblasting process. Friability is defined as the ability of the grain to fracture and self-sharpen under stress. A highly friable abrasive cuts more easily, but wears faster than abrasives with lower friability.
Try: Abrasive Engineering Society provides a glossary of the abrasives terms, such as friability.

Blasting pressure

For the sandblasting process, blasting pressure indicates the pressure applied on the abrasive media at its nozzle. This pressure decides the performance of the sandblasting equipment.
Try: Hyers' Sandblasting, a sandblasting service provider, offers a glossary of terms relating to sandblasting operations.

Grit

Grit (sometimes referred to as grit size or grit number) is a number that gives an idea about the coarseness of a sandblasting abrasive. If you need a fine surface finish, you must select sandblasting abrasives that have higher grit numbers.
Try: To understand the definition of this term, read through the glossary at WoodworkingHistory.Com.

Silica sand

Silica sand is the most commonly used sandblasting abrasive media that contains dry, fine and sharp silica particles. For sandblasting operations, silica sand must not contain any clay or dust particles.
Try: Cohesant Materials (PDF), a reputable supplier of industrial chemical products, offers a glossary that provides the definition for this term.

Silicon carbide

Silicon carbide is a synthetic sandblasting abrasive. It is used as an abrasive for metallic as well as non-metallic materials, such as wood and leather.
Try: Etchworld.com, a supplier of glass etching products, provides information about silicon carbide.

Abrasive blasting respirator

The abrasive sandblasting process exposes the operator to various hazards, such as abrasive dust and abrasive grains that rebound at high speed. This might result in breathing problems or severe injuries. To protect the operators from these hazards, you must provide them with abrasive blasting respirators that supply fresh air and protection from injuries.
Try: Bestofblasting, an information resource for abrasive blasting applications, provides a short description about this device.