50 percent less blasting time and material consumption and a visibly better result. This was the result of a blast media test by KST Kugel-Strahltechnik. The specialist had processed scaled forged parts on a troughed belt blasting system with wire grit (cut steel wire) and alternatively with steel grit - the grit performed significantly better. The surface specialist presented all the results of its test series at the QIB (Qualitätsgemeinschaft Industriebeschichtung e. V.) industrial coating practice forum in Wetzlar. The aim of the abrasive testing was to achieve more productive, customer-oriented work.
In addition to lower material consumption and shorter blasting times, there was also a visual advantage: the surface appearance is much more attractive. This difference in quality is particularly evident with fine engravings or manufacturer's marks on the components. The reason for this lies in the operating mixture: wire grit has a lower proportion of fine and medium grains - like steel grit. However, it is precisely these grains that optimize the cleaning performance of filigree contours.
The selected abrasive also has an influence on the quality of the subsequent coating. The series of tests revealed that steel grit is also superior to conventional round grit when it comes to surface preparation. The reason for this is the better roughness surface profile due to a higher number of peaks (RPc values).
Steel-Grit is, of course, suitable for wheel blasting - another important criterion for processing. The abrasive is available in different degrees of hardness. The surface specialists at KST Kugel-Strahltechnik use it for cleaning forged blanks, swivel bearings, cutting and flame-cut parts and cold-formed parts, among other things.
