Bead Blasting: Features, types & Process

The bead blasting is a surface finish used for different applications. We used media blasting, a commonly used surface finish for custom-machined parts, for the process. An important bead blasting material is glass beads. that is made from lead-free, soda lime glass, configured into different objects.

Glass bead blasting is environmentally friendly. Here we will cover features and details of bead blasting.

What is Bead Blasting?

• Bead blasting is a surface finishing process that is used to make a clean and uniform texture for different materials, like sandblasting.
• For bead blasting, it uses small spherical beads as compared to fine-grain sand and is made with glass, ceramic, or metal.
• These beads move at high speed towards the treated surface and clean it in an effective way.
• This process is good to use for removing surface deposition and providing matte finishes.
• • The basic difference between bead blasting and sand blasting is the finish texture. Bead blasting makes a rougher surface than sandblasting, which is good for providing adhesion.

• Surface made with bead blasting provides good adherence for paint and coatings
• for assembly processes where components need to be connected. Bead blasting the surface makes a strong adhesive for minimizing the chances of damage to the product.
• Bead blasting comes with different types of beads and bead sizes. Every bead material provides certain features; glass beads are good for a smooth satin or matte finish without affecting the materials.
• Ceramic beads are hard and have a good cleaning process for hard contaminants or make metal surfaces strong through mechanical bonding.
• Bead size is also important for defining the finish of the blasted surface; small beads are used for sensitive finishes and larger beads for rougher finishes.

How Bead Blasting Works

• • The bead blasting process is like other types of abrasive blasting methods but uses a projection sphere over the substrate.
• It uses jagged media for leaving a coarser surface finish. The effect of glass beads on materials makes a uniform texture. abrasive blast cabinets make powder with air and are used for high-velocity processes.
• It makes a bead-blasted finish, and spherical medium makes a smooth, uniform surface with a satin look.
• This process also provides tensile conditioning for components.
• For getting a rough but consistent finish, bead blasting is best to use. Glass bead blasting is a famous 3D printing finishing since fine glass beads make dull finishes and coarse beads make a rough finish.
• These methods make imperfections and, as compared to other materials such as garnet or aluminum oxide bead blasting, provide a base color and make a shiny finish.

Bead Blasting vs. Sand Blasting

• • The basic difference between bead blasting and sandblasting is based on the materials used.
• But both have the same working features and are used for different conditions.
• • The glass bead blasting method works with spherical glass medium at high pressure, and sandblasting uses silica sand for the finishing process.
• Sandblasting is a high-speed process compared to bead blasting. But bead blasting surface finish is good for materials and easy to strip without any damage to the materials.
• This process does not affect any component dimensions, providing a good polished surface without affecting quality.
• But sandblasting is harsh. It moves fine bits of sand at high velocity for the cleaning of metallic surfaces.
• So it makes high sand that can affect worker health. High inhalation causes bad health conditions like silicosis.
• Sandblasting can change the dimensions of the component if not accurately configured. So proper monitoring is needed for avoiding damage through sandblasting.

Bead Blasting Materials

• Glass beads are best to use since they have recycling features and their surface is not damaged easily. They are good to use for cleaning metal surfaces without removing materials and have features to provide a shiny surface, so they are used for the aviation industry and vehicles.
• Aluminum oxide is good to use for cleaning and surface preparation. It is a hard material and good for removing surface layers and providing a smooth surface, so it is used for making surfaces for painting and anodizing.
• Low cost makes it useful for heavy-duty applications, and it is used in vehicles and manufacturing processes.

• Soft beads like plastic are good to use; they need a proper cleaning process.
• It does not get damaged, so it is used for the restoration of vehicle bodies and sensitive components, so the main part of vehicles.
• Plastic beads do not affect other media and are good to use for controlled conditions.
• Pumice is also used in bead blasting, and it has a rough surface that makes it good for removing errors and preparing metal for processing.
• • The natural origin of pumice makes it environmentally friendly, so it is good to use for organic and biodegradable uses.
• Steel shot is good to use for applications where highly aggressive cleaning is needed.
• As compared to other types of medium, steel shot can remove heavy rust and has features to provide a quality finish.