Blast agents produce perfect surfaces - with glass, metal or plant-based materials being used for blasting.

Just which material is the right one depends on the surface and the blasting method.

The term blast agent comprises all solid components that are used for blasting surfaces. Blast agents are primarily of metallic or mineral origin. However synthetic or even plant-based materials can be used. Blast agents vary in terms of their shape: the metallic and mineral agents generally have a sharp-edged and polygonal shape. The only exceptions are glass beads and ceramic spheres. Metallic blast agents can be used in various forms. The designations in detail:

- Spherical form = shot or grain

- Angular form = grit or gravel

- Cylindrical form = Cut wire

The blast agents and their effect on the surface

How the agent acts on the surface depends of course on the method and the pressure used. Generally speaking, however, there are a number of properties worth mentioning:

- Glass beads: the beads compact a roughened surface.The finer the beads, the finer the surface.

- Nut shells: these have a good cleaning effect, e.g. with resinification. Nut shells are popular for the restoration of vintage cars because although they clean, they do not attack the patina.

- Plastic: does not attack metal, however it reliably removes layers of paint. The grains are sharp-edged, and very little dust is produced during blasting.

- Corundum: a sharp-edged and abrasive blast agent. The treated surface is given a rough structure.

The best blast agent should always be determined by an expert. This is because a choice can only be made based on the interaction of the blast system, the blast method, the blast agent and the material used in the workpiece, as well as the desired surface quality. Seize the opportunity to have sample parts blasted at SIGG. Here, we test until you are one hundred per cent satisfied with the result. Contact us by phone or e-mail and let us advise you! Telephone: +49 (0) 7741 808 93 0 info(at)sigg-strahltechnik(dot)de