Types of steel shot / steel grit cleaning media suitable for shot-blasting machines today

The most common types of steel shot available on the market today are steel shot (spherical) and steel grit (angular). So when should you use spherical steel shot, and when should you use angular steel grit? Let’s explore the answer with LEKAR in the following article.

1. How many types of steel shot are available on the market for metal surface cleaning?

Currently, on the market, steel shot is commonly available in two types.

1. Round steel shot is typically spherical steel media that has been heat-treated. These shots come in various sizes, commonly ranging from 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm. Spherical steel shot is widely used for cleaning, deburring, removing rust, and creating surface roughness on metal surfaces when used with shot blasting machines.

Round steel shot is used for cleaning metal surfaces.

2. Steel Grit: This is a type of steel media with multiple sharp edges to maximize processing time. For complex parts requiring fast finishing, angular steel grit is an optimal choice. It provides extremely high abrasive performance, so in some cases, angular steel grit is also used for surface etching or cleaning cast components.

Steel Grit

2. Key criteria to consider when choosing steel shot for surface cleaning

To select the steel shot suitable for your needs and intended applications, the following considerations should be noted

• Surface condition and desired roughness on the metal

For round steel shots, their impact on the workpiece surface can be imagined like a “hammer chisel,” whereas angular steel grit acts more like a “chisel” or “carving tool.” using larger-sized steel shots increases cleaning efficiency. angular steel grit offers advantages such as faster processing time and higher achievable surface roughness; however, it also has drawbacks, including faster wear of components (for example, the blasting gun).

• Material, blasting conditions, and size of the metal to be treated

To achieve the desired results, it is important to consider the metal material, blasting conditions, and the size of the parts to be treated. lekar recommends that each type of product has very specific and distinct processes, so it is best to consult with experienced suppliers in the market

• Steel shot hardness

The harder the steel shot, the more effective it is at cleaning the surface. however, high hardness can also be a disadvantage: for materials with low impact resistance, a higher breakage rate occurs, which reduces the overall abrasive efficiency.

3. Tips for Using Steel Shot Most Effectively

Using steel shot for cleaning not only helps create a uniform surface before painting but also significantly reduces coating costs. As a result, the paint applied after surface roughening achieves superior quality and durability, even in highly oxidative environments.

To use steel shots efficiently, it is generally recommended to mix the two types of steel shot. Additionally, larger steel shots have higher reusability, which is another factor to consider when selecting steel shot for purchase.

Product images before and after using steel shot with a shot blasting machine

Further reference via video:

4. Why Choose to Purchase Steel Shot for Cleaning at Lekar

 As a company with over 10 years of experience in metal surface treatment, Lekar is proud to consistently provide high-quality steel shots to the market at competitive prices.

In particular, Lekar offers free testing of your products with steel shot, helping customers make the most informed purchasing decisions.

To experience this service, fill out the registration form here: https://bit.ly/2YtRTUs

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