Have you ever thought of why metal finishing is necessary in industries? It is so because the life of stainless-steel metal parts of the machinery entirely depends upon the quality of metal finishing it receives. The quality of metal finishing is directly proportional to the type of abrasive media chosen. So, you must be aware of choosing the suitable abrasive media according to the requirements of your project. A low-type abrasive media will give low results, whereas high-quality will give marvelous results.
Abrasives play a vital role in surface preparation before the actual metal finishing process takes place. Are you wondering which type of abrasive media must be used for metal finishing? Aluminum oxide blast media is preferred for various types of surface preparations, especially metals.
This article will take you through the importance of metal finishing and the type of aluminum oxide abrasive media to use.
What is metal finishing?
Metal finishing is a process that works by enhancing the appearance, durability, and functionality of metal products. How it can be done effectively? It is done through the process of abrasive blasting or media blasting. The process of abrasive blasting involves the propelling of abrasive media on the surface of metal objects that need to be prepared. The preparation of metal surfaces involves removing contamination, smoothing the rough surface, and preparing surfaces for further actions.
Abrasive blasting involves using the right blast media for the specified blasting. That means the properties of blast media must align with the project's requirements. There are many types of blast media, but the best one for metal finishing purposes is aluminum oxide blast media.
What is aluminum oxide blast media?
Aluminum oxide blast media is the abrasive media suitable for use in various applications, including metal finishing because of its astonishing properties. The blast media is also known as alumina, which is a hard-abrasive media convenient to be used for removing contaminants, burrs, and rust from metal surfaces. This blast media is a hard and aggressive media, that is used on surfaces that need more abrasive pressure blasting for smooth, etched surfaces.
Its properties of being sharp, long-lasting, and easy to recycle make it a perfect choice for preparing metal surfaces. Aluminum oxide can provide the surface with matte finishing and prepare parts for corrosion control, plasma deposition, metalizing, plating, welding, and coating applications.
In aluminum oxide blasting, aluminum oxide blast media is propelled onto the metal surface at high velocities. It is also ideal to provide a textured finish to the surface. Aluminum oxide is best in preparing metal surfaces for painting, powder coating, preparation for bonding, and other types of finishes. It is also ideal for preparing metal surfaces for welding.
Why should you choose aluminum oxide for metal finishing?
Aluminum oxide has such properties that best suit it for various applications, including metal finishing projects. They are:
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Its durability and hardness:
due to its hard nature, it is ideal for removing surface contaminants, rust, scale, and paint. Because of its durability, it is best to use multiple times which makes it a cost-effective blasting media.
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Consistency:
its consistency helps provide a smooth metal finish, that is necessary for painting, coating, and plating applications.
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Versatility:
due to its versatile nature, it is used for various purposes and applications, which means it is ideal for both metallic and non-metallic surfaces.
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Eco-friendly:
it is most recommended to blast media as it is safe for both the environment and the worker. It is so because it doesn't contain any harmful substances.
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Compatibility:
one of its best properties is its compatibility with various blasting equipment. It is used in dry blasting processes where a dust-free environment is important. It helps prevent warpages on thin surfaces.
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Lubrication retention:
This means that when aluminum oxide particles are blasted onto the surface, these particles create an ideal texture for the adhesion and preservation of lubricants. This property of aluminum oxide blast media makes it perfect for use in industries that need long-term lubrication. For example, automotive and industrial machinery. As it maintains the lubrication ability, it improves the performance and long life of components, further benefits in maintenance, and reduces replacement costs with time.
Types of aluminum oxide used in metal finishing:
There are various types of aluminum oxide, but the standard one to use is brown-fused aluminum oxide. It is made by fusing bauxite in an arc furnace. Due to its aggressive property, it is commonly used on materials such as wood, glass, and metal. This type of aluminum oxide blast media has high hardness, toughness, and an angular shape.
The aluminum oxide blast media comes in three colors i.e. pink, brown, and white. All have unique properties with the aluminum oxide’s basic properties. Such as brown aluminum oxide is the hardest one.
The best abrasive grain type for metal work is closed-coat aluminum oxide and ceramic. But zirconia can also be used effectively for such purposes. For example: zirconia and ceramic can give great results on stainless steel and other ferrous metals for stock removal and weld bending. On the other hand, Aluminum oxide is a good choice for alloys, grey iron, and non-ferrous metals. In the case of shaping, ceramic is the best for alloys that are difficult to grind, while zirconia can give great results for stainless steel and heat-sensitive metals.
Another grain type of aluminum oxide is sandpaper. This material is a good option for different metals such as steel, stainless steel, and titanium because of its strength and durability.
- Concluding:
Aluminum oxide blast media is a versatile and effective media for surface preparation in various applications. Its versatility and compatibility with all types of blasting machines make it suitable for metal finishing projects. Furthermore, it is an ideal choice for metal finishers as it is an eco-friendly and cost-effective material. If you buy it in bulk and don't use it all at once, it is always in good condition for later use.
