Glass Beads as Blasting Media – Applications and Benefits
At INGRITECH, we specialize in advanced industrial abrasives tailored for demanding industries. One of the most versatile and clean solutions is glass beads – a medium increasingly popular in metal processing, aviation, automotive, and painting industries.
What Are Glass Beads?
Glass beads are spherical particles made from high-purity soda-lime glass, used as an abrasive media in pressure or suction blasting systems. Their rounded shape allows for delicate yet effective cleaning and finishing of surfaces without removing the base material or causing micro-damage.
Key Properties
- Hardness: ~6 Mohs
- Grain sizes: Available in a wide range (e.g., 45 µm – 850 µm)
- Density: approx. 2.5 g/cm³
- Material: chemically inert soda-lime glass
- Recyclability: Can be reused multiple times (typically 30–40 cycles)
- Color: translucent to white
Main Applications
| Industry | Application | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | Peening of turbine blades, cleaning of aluminum and titanium components | No dimensional change, increased fatigue resistance |
| Automotive | Paint removal, surface preparation before coating | Non-aggressive, preserves geometry |
| Precision Industry | Cleaning of injection nozzles, valves, dies | No residue, high cleanliness class |
| Foundries | Cleaning soft alloys (e.g., aluminum, zinc) | Minimal wear and surface protection |
Why Choose INGRITECH Glass Beads?
- Strict quality control (EN ISO standards)
- Even grain size = consistent results
- Dust-free, environmentally friendly product
- Available in standard or custom gradations
Comparison to Other Abrasives
Unlike steel grit or aluminum oxide, glass beads do not embed in soft metals and do not damage the material structure. They are ideal for achieving satin finishes or restoring matte surfaces.
Technical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | SiO₂ ~72%, Na₂O ~13%, CaO ~9% |
| Bulk density | ~1.5 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | ~6 Mohs |
| Melting point | ~730°C |
| Shape | Round (100% spherical) |
Conclusion
Glass beads are the ideal solution for companies seeking high-quality, low-aggression abrasives for cleaning and finishing precision parts. They are safe, recyclable, and compatible with many materials. If your company processes aluminum, stainless steel, or requires controlled surface texture — glass bead blasting is the answer.
📞 Contact INGRITECH
Need a sample or a quote? Contact our sales engineers — we’ll help you choose the right blasting media for your production needs.
📧 Email: kontakt@ingritech.pl
🌐 Website: ingritech.pl
📞 Phone: +48 733 787 564