Glass Bead Media

[Dave in WI]

I have one blast cabinet dedicated to glass beads. I only use it to matte the finish on stainless barrels/actions for final finish. I have been using 60/120 mesh at around 80 psi. Gives a nice satin finish.
Sometimes I would prefer a more flat or aggressive finish. What grit/mesh are you guys using?

 

[jds holler]

I'm thinking more aggressive would be aluma-oxide. I haven't done it yet, but I wanna try next time I Parkerize sumphin. I'm not sure about the grades of grit, and such. Maybe someone here does?? jd

 

[Dave in WI]

I'm thinking more aggressive would be aluma-oxide. I haven't done it yet, but I wanna try next time I Parkerize sumphin. I'm not sure about the grades of grit, and such. Maybe someone here does?? jd

I Cerakote a lot and keep a separate blast cabinet with alum oxide in it. That media will contain a lot of residue from blasted ferrous metals that I prep for refinishing. I think blasting with that used media will embed ferrous metal particles in the stainless finish?

 

[tobnpr]

Ditto above, two blast cabinets with both AlOx and glass beads.
There's a limit to the cutting ability of glass beads because of what they are- hollow, glass spheres. Increasing air pressure beyond what the glass beads can tolerate simply turns them to dust- destroying the media.

When I want a more aggressive cut on the steel, I'll blast with aluminum oxide- then follow up with glass beads (at the lower PSI they can tolerate) which knocks down the edges a bit and still provides a satin finish.

 

[BuffaloBill]

This P220-ST was blasted with Glass Bead MIL No. 13 (170-320 grit) at 60 psi, purchased in small quantity from an _bay seller.

 

[CCM]

I mix 25% 120 grit AL OX with 75% 120 mesh glass beads at 40-50 psi. Much above that and the beads break down too fast. It gives a nice finish that isn't as reflective as straight beads.

 

[Dave in WI]

I mix 25% 120 grit AL OX with 75% 120 mesh glass beads at 40-50 psi. Much above that and the beads break down too fast. It gives a nice finish that isn't as reflective as straight beads.

You know, I never thought about adding FRESH AL OX to my glass beads. I certainly wouldn't have to worry about contamination that way.

 

[jds holler]

Heck, I never knew that my beads would shatter and wear out with too much pressure.

Also don't know what mesh they are. Can I mic them and get a general size estimate? jd

 

[tobnpr]

Heck, I never knew that my beads would shatter and wear out with too much pressure.

Also don't know what mesh they are. Can I mic them and get a general size estimate? jd

Glass Bead Conversion Chart | Media Blast & Abrasive, Inc.

Get your media blasting right with our glass bead conversion chart. Learn how to choose the right size for your abrasive blasting cabinet

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