Blasting and glass beading
Blasting is a versatile pretreatment technique in which small grains (grit) are blown against a surface using compressed air. This removes impurities, creates roughness for further treatment, or provides a specific visual finish.
Glass beads use fine glass particles for a milder, more aesthetic finish.
How Does the Process Work?
During blasting, grit particles are directed at the component at high speed using compressed air. The strength and nature of the grit determine the end result.
Typical grit materials:
- Steel grit
- Stainless steel particles
- Aluminum oxide
- Walnut shells
- Broken glass beads
The choice depends on the type of material, the desired roughness, and the application of the end product.
Glass bead blasting is a specific form of blasting that uses broken glass beads. This ensures:
- Gentle cleansing
- Aesthetic matte effect
- Slight roughness without damage
It is ideal for visually finished parts or when minimal material removal is desired.
Advantages
Increased adhesion of coatings due to roughness
Fully customized grit selection for each application
Automatic and manual blasting processes
Both functional and aesthetic results possible
Typical applications
- Cleaning of machine parts
- Pre-treatment before coating (thermal spraying, anodizing, etc.)
- Stainfinish: automatic blasting of ground rolls for controlled roughness
- Degreasing and surface cleaning
- Visual finish of stainless steel or aluminum
Curious to find out which blasting technique is most suitable for your project?
Contact us for a no-obligation analysis and advice.
