Selected Answers

From Bob Lamky of Asbury Wilkinson on May 4, 2018:
Most of these replies are assuming that the proces ...read more Most of these replies are assuming that the process is being done by nozzle blasting. If wheel blasting, use stainless steel shot or grit. The stainless media is soft to begin with but will work harden as it gets used up. Nozzle blasting gives you many more options. Often, it is more dependent on the profile you require for a finishing coat, or if not coated, what appearance you are trying to achieve. Aluminum oxide is extremely hard, and although it will clean very quickly, it may also cut deeper than what you want or need.

From Iann Bouchard of WINOA CANADA (W Abrasives) on February 28, 2018:
For improved working conditions (visibility, low d ...read more For improved working conditions (visibility, low dust generation, reduced environmental impact) and for a total cost of preparation lower than all type of mineral products, stainless steel grit and shot are your best option.

From Ron Ward of Environmental Abrasive Warehouse on February 8, 2018:
If no coating is going to be applied, then glass b ...read more If no coating is going to be applied, then glass beads is the best as it will leave uniform matte finish. If coating is to be applied, then crushed glass, garnet or aluminum oxide will work to provide the mil profile needed.

From Bill King of Ervin Industries Inc on February 7, 2018:
Where ferrous contamination is a concern, I would ...read more Where ferrous contamination is a concern, I would suggest a stainless steel shot and grit which would be much cleaner processing than the other products. It is also recyclable and has a much greater life than the others. All of course depends on what you are trying to achieve,

From Pedro Juan Moreno Junco of IPT PERU SAC on February 7, 2018:
In a plant where the stainless steel has seen dama ...read more In a plant where the stainless steel has seen damage to its chrome protection layer, we have made the abrasive jet with new shell and also with 80-mesh garnet to have a profile and ensure protection with coatings. In addition, the revise the SSPC-SP16 standard indicates that the test is carried out in order not to remove the chromium oxide layer when an abrasive jet to the whole surface is not necessary.

From Wilfred Offor of Amaiden Energy Nigeria Limited on February 7, 2018:
Aluminum oxide and garnet are frequently recommend ...read more Aluminum oxide and garnet are frequently recommended as abrasives to prepare stainless steel.

From Adarsh Soni of Industrial Development Services on February 7, 2018:
If the surface coating is going to provide greater ...read more If the surface coating is going to provide greater protection than chrome oxide film of stainless steel, then why use stainless steel at all? If the intent is to remove the coloration that might happen after welding, then either local buffing or local acid cleaning followed by passivation is the usual practice. It would be interesting to know what service the stainless steel is being coated for.

From Madalaine Elliott of Techno Coatings Inc. on February 6, 2018:
You should always use aluminum oxide or garnet abr ...read more You should always use aluminum oxide or garnet abrasive only.

From Brad Gooden of Blast-One International on February 6, 2018:
Alluvial almandine garnet which is greater than 97 ...read more Alluvial almandine garnet which is greater than 97% garnet. For best results use a size of 80 mesh or smaller, unless a high surface profile is required

From Per Gabrielsson of Free Lance Consultations and Inspections on February 6, 2018:
Garnet, but has to be provided with a valid certif ...read more Garnet, but has to be provided with a valid certificate, as there are many s.c. "garnets" on the market.

From Erik Andreassen of CPS on February 6, 2018:
The reason behind the selection of stainless steel ...read more The reason behind the selection of stainless steel in fabrications is it's own ability to prevent corrosion without coatings. If blasting of any media is used on stainless items, it can remove the chrome layer in the stainless composition and therefore reduce its corrosion resistance. I would rather suggest a hand-prepared surface if it's an actual specified requirement. If someone adds blasting to the specification for surface preparation to stainless steel, I would seriously question this decision before proceeding.

From trevor neale of TF Warren Group on February 5, 2018:
Assuming that the preparation is prior to applying ...read more Assuming that the preparation is prior to applying a protective coating where a profile is required, aluminum oxide of the correct sieve size is the best candidate.

From Lam George of Steelcote Pte Ltd on February 5, 2018:
Aluminium oxide and garnet. ...read more Aluminium oxide and garnet.