What is Bead Blasting: Useful Guide

Surface finishing is a crucial part of manufacturing components despite being the last stage. There are many forms of surface finishing, among which bead blasting is widely preferred.

If you are inclined to learn what is bead blasting, and the materials used for this process, the guide below is for you. So, let's read.

What is Bead Blasting?

Bead blasting is a process of surface finishing that treats the surface of many components. It consists of using glass beads at a very high pressure to achieve a clean and smooth surface. The process uses a bead blaster, which directs the particles towards the surface of the metal at a high pressure.

The aim of bead blasting is to create a smooth, clean surface, and it is used for components made using glass, plastic, metals, and even rubber.

How Does Bead Blasting Work?

The process of bead blasting uses a sphere-shaped particle that is subjected to the surface of components at high speed and pressure. The glass beads create a very consistent finish on the surface of the components.

The projection of these beads on the components creates a very smooth and consistent surface with a dull appearance. The process even provides the component with high tensile strength and eliminates the imperfections present on the surface.

What Materials are Used in Bead Blasting?

The different types of particles used in bead blasting are as follows:

Glass Bead

Glass beads are used as one of the most common forms of media for bead blasting. They use soda lime glass in their making, which is free from lead and silica. They are highly durable and can be reused 30 times, and they also do not end up leaving colored patches on the surface.

They are suitable for a wide range of components except for the ones made using extremely tough materials. It offers the ability to clean and polish the surface of the component.

Steel Shot

Steel shot is also a type of media that is used in the bead blasting process. It consists of using small steel beads made through the casting process. The standard sizes of these beads start from 0.125mm to 3mm. They also have a varied range of hardness, and they can be used for hundreds of cycles.

Steel shot beads are used to de-rust and clean surfaces. Such particles are used in heavy-duty applications, and their components are made using cast iron o acero.

Aluminum Oxide

Aluminum oxide offers high abrasive grit and is also tough. Hence, it is used in the process of sandblasting. It has an angular layout, which is hard, and hence, it can easily finish the hardest materials.

Aluminum oxide is mostly opted to round the sharp edges of prepared surfaces for painting. The larger size of aluminum oxide helps with etching and also leaves behind a rough finish. Meanwhile, the smaller sizes leave behind the smooth finish and take more time.

Surfaces that have aluminum oxide blasting carried out will create a matte finish and may cause some discoloration on the surface.

Plastic Media

Plastic blasting media is also used for the process of surface finishing, and the commonly used plastic is urea. It has grains having an angular shape and it is a very gentle form of blasting media. It is even lightweight and can be reused; the plastic particles do not cause any damage and are suitable for delicate materials.

Bead Blasting vs. Sand Blasting

There are two types of blasting: bead blasting and sandblasting. This section below highlights a comparison of both processes.

Granallado

Bead blasting uses a spherical-shaped media, which is made using glass and subjected towards the surface at a high speed. The spherical shape of the particles creates a peening effect on the surface and creates dimples reflecting light.

Pros

• Does not have silica dust or free silica
• Works gently on the surfaces
• It does not alter the dimensions of the component
• The particles can be reused for multiple times

Contras

• Removes coatings and paint slowly
• Does not offer surface etching
• Works very slowly on hard materials

Chorro de arena

Sandblasting is an abrasive process that consists of silica sand projected toward the parts at a high speed. The shape and sharpness of sand create an etched surface. The process of sandblasting is used to shape the surfaces and enhance their smoothness. The process is even suitable for removing corrosion and rust. Sandblasted components create a dull finish.

Pros

• It is very quick to remove the coating and paint.
• It prepares the surface for paint.
• Suitable for tough materials

Contras

• Due to the presence of free silica, it may cause health hazards
• It is not suitable for components that are fragile
• This may lead to the removal of material and the alteration of part dimensions.

What are the Best Practices When Designing for Bead Blasting?

When using the bead blasting process, some of the best practice tips you can opt for to enhance the surface finishing are as follows:

• Use low pressure to achieve the best results, as high pressure leads to bead smashing and creates a low-quality finish.
• Sensitive parts are subject to breaking if high pressure is applied. Hence, before you choose the pressure of blasting, consider the delicacy of the material.
• Glass beads are not meant to remove corrosion or rust, and when you need to remove it, use aluminum oxide.
• The abrasive chosen for the surface finishing should be compatible with the material so that the required finish is attained.

Which Industries Use Bead Blasting?

The process of bead blasting is used for a wide range of industries, and some of these are as follows:

• The automobile industry uses it to create components that need new paint.
• Aircraft components also use bead blasting to finish the surface before painting.
• Military parts and firearms are subjected to bead blasting.
• Medical components that are made using aluminum use bead blasting.
• Light poles that need surface finishing use bead blasting.

Blasting Media Selection Chart

The blasting media selection chart below features a detailed insight into different media for bead blasting at a glance.

Bead Blast Finishing With DEK

DEK is a leading name in the manufacturing industry. We manufacture high-quality components using a wide range of materials. We offer all types of surface finishing, among which granallado is offered using the right media, creating a high-quality surface finish.

Conclusión

The bead blasting process is versatile and uses particles of different varieties. It can create a neatly finished surface that is clean and consistent. In the guide above, every single aspect related to bead blasting is discussed in detail, helping you choose it for your next project.

Preguntas frecuentes

Can bead blasting be used on complex parts?

Yes, bead blasting offers a consistent finish on complex parts.

How much does bead blasting cost?

The cost of bead blasting varies depending on the type of media selected, the material of the component, and the size of the part.

¿El granallado es un revestimiento?

Bead blasting is not a coating process, but it is a process that prepares surfaces for further coatings.

What metals can be bead blasted?

Bead blasting is suitable for a wide variety of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, and many more.