{"id":10999,"date":"2023-01-12T00:18:09","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T08:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fictiv.com\/?post_type=cpt_blog&p=10999"},"modified":"2023-11-18T13:39:00","modified_gmt":"2023-11-18T21:39:00","slug":"is-bead-blasting-the-right-finish-for-your-part","status":"publish","type":"cpt_blog","link":"https:\/\/www.fictiv.com\/articles\/is-bead-blasting-the-right-finish-for-your-part","title":{"rendered":"Is Bead Blasting the Right Finish for Your Part?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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It\u2019s a given that you need to take your time to perfectly CNC machine a part. But what happens afterwards? Freshly machined parts are covered in machining marks and have edges so sharp that you could use them to carve your overcooked turkey at Thanksgiving dinner \u2014 but this is where bead blasting is useful! Bead blasting provides a uniform finish and knocks down those sharp edges all in one process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the article, we\u2019ll give you the rundown on everything you need to know about bead blasting and how you can apply this knowledge to your products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Bead Blasting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bead blasting is a mechanical process used to create a desired surface finish or surface texture on parts, whether they are urethane cast<\/a>, CNC machined, 3D printed<\/a>, or injection molded<\/a>. The process of bead blasting is carried out with a machine that propels a stream of media at high speeds onto the part surfaces using compressed air. Typically, an operator directs the flow of media on the part, and parts can be masked so certain surfaces are not impacted by the bead blasting. The resulting finish is controlled by the size and shape of the media, the pressure of the air, and the angle of the nozzle to the part.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bead blasting, or blasting, is also called media blasting because it can use a variety of different media depending on your end goal. Media blasting is typically called out as the name of its media as well \u2014 for example, sand blasting, walnut shell blasting, and glass bead blasting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process is similar no matter what kind of media is used, and depending on the media, it affects the surface in different ways. Aluminum oxide sandblasting is highly abrasive and can easily strip paint, while shot peening \u2014 which utilizes small metal \u201cshot\u201d \u2014 results in a work hardened surface that is stronger and more resistant to cracks, fatigue, and corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is Bead Blasting Used?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bead blasting is used to quickly remove coatings or corrosion, clean up cosmetic defects, prepare surfaces for coatings, deburr surfaces, modify machined surface finishes, and improve the uniformity of surfaces for cosmetic and mechanical needs. For example, the machining marks from an end-mill can leave unsightly swirl tool marks with scratches and nicks. By bead blasting the surface, you can achieve a satin-like surface that covers up the imperfections and leaves a clean and professional aesthetic finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Media is Used in Bead Blasting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of media utilized in bead blasting processes. What follows are the main groups of media and several different variations that can be used to achieve your desired purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glass Beads  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glass beads are spherical beads typically manufactured from lead-free, soda-lime glass which allows for non-aggressive cleaning and micro-peening to create a bright satin finish. Glass beads come in a variety of grain sizes depending upon the starting condition of the part, and the aggressiveness required to achieve the desired finish. Glass beads are easy to re-use and can be recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sand <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The typical sandblasting material is small particles of aluminum oxide, which have sharp and angular edges that result in an aggressive material removal. Sandblasting is typically aggressive enough to cause dimensional distortion and material removal, if you\u2019re not careful. This method is typically used to remove contaminants embedded in surfaces, corrosion, paint, and other coatings, and make as-machined surfaces uniform. Sand media is also highly recyclable, though contamination in the media is common due to the high material removal rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro-Tip: Don\u2019t allow cross-contamination of media for different metal families. For example, do not use media that came into contact with stainless steel on aluminum parts and vice-versa. Cross-contamination may cause issues such as intergranular corrosion, issues with plating adhesion, or loss of integrity in metal joining practices such as welding or brazing. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Shot is typically made of stainless steel, and produces a smoother, more polished surface than glass or sand blasting media. Shot can also be found in varying sizes to produce a smoother or coarser finish. Steel shot can also cause a more significant peening effect on a part and is a cleaner process \u2014 it creates less dust because the peening effect removes less substrate material and shot is more durable than glass beads. It\u2019s also critical to check that your material is compatible with using stainless steel media, as not all materials are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro-Tip: Always consider the next step after bead blasting. If you\u2019re going to finish or coat your parts, make sure your media can be cleaned off the parts first. Also, it\u2019s a bad idea to use silicone-based media prior to plating (you\u2019ll thank me for this tip later). Lastly, be careful when blasting prior to welding or metal joining \u2014 like brazing or soldering \u2014 because impurities in the media can cause adhesion issues during the metal joining process.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The equipment required for blasting is fairly straightforward. In the most simple set up, you need an air compressor to provide the high-pressure air to shoot the media and a nozzle to direct the media at the part. Other items can improve the process, such as a blast cabinet to contain the blast media and moisture traps to remove water that can contaminate the media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for operators, as the media can easily remove skin or get into your nose, eyes, and lungs. A respirator, gloves, safety goggles, and thick clothing are the minimum protection necessary to prevent short and long term health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications for a Bead Blasting Finishes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There are a wide range of uses for a bead blasting finish, and the most common ones are listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n