Blasting Abrasives
Glass Beads
It does not damage the original surface, leaving it slightly matt and satin for a decorative finish.
Available grain sizes
Characteristics of glass beads
- They do not damage the original surface, leaving it slightly matt and satin for a decorative finish.
- Preferred mainly on soft metals such as aluminium, bronze, stainless steels and so on.
- It is a recyclable abrasive used mainly in blast cabinets.
- Compared with aluminium oxide it is less sharp.
- It contains no iron that could cause rust, which makes it suitable for all metal surfaces.
- A recyclable abrasive of medium hardness (6 on the Mohs scale).
- Ideal for new stainless steel fabrications, giving a soft finish.
- Depending on the grain size and the pressure, we can achieve a wide range of surfaces with the roughness we want.
- It is intended for soft surfaces, so high compressed air pressure is not required (5-6 bar for aluminium and stainless steel, 4-5 bar for wood and plastic).
- It is completely safe for people, unlike many other blasting abrasives.
- It contains no crystalline silica, which is harmful to people.
- It contains no toxic constituents such as heavy metals.
Advantages of glass beads
Surface finishing
- Gives a controlled, consistent roughness.
- Covers surface defects.
- Produces a clean, satin surface with no reflection.
- Gives a decorative finish (cutlery, jewellery, etc.).
Cleaning
- It does not damage the product.
- It provides gentle, economical cleaning.
- Used on welded surfaces.
- Removes surface oxidation, flame stains and more.
Deburring
- Removes burrs.
- Cleans parts with great precision, without damaging their sharp edges.
- Removes every surface imperfection.
Shot peening
- Reduces crack propagation and corrosion of the parts, while increasing their service life.
- Creates a layer of controlled thickness without damaging the surface.
- It does not contaminate the parts thanks to its chemical inertness — particularly suitable for stainless steel, titanium and special alloys.
- Achieves the desired level of shot peening without changing the dimensions or the shape of the parts.
Used in
- Suction-type cabinets
- Glass bead blasting rooms
Properties
| Shape | Hardness | Bulk density | Specific gravity | Colour |
| Spherical | 6.0–7.0 Mohs | 1.50–1.60 g/cm³ | 2.30–2.60 g/cm³ | White |
Chemical analysis
| SiO₂ | Na₂O | K₂O | CaO | Fe₂O₃ | MgO |
| 70–73% | 13–15% | 0.2–0.6% | 7–11% | 0.5–2% | 3–5% |
no free silica
Packaging
In 25 kg bags.
