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Abrasive media

Which abrasive for Sa 2.5?

Copper slag, garnet, steel grit, steel shot and aluminium oxide compared for Indian blasting: profile, dust, reuse, and when BLAST APEX supplies each.

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Cleanliness grade (Sa 2.5) is not the same as surface profile (the peak-to-valley roughness the coating needs). Abrasive shape and size set the profile. The pot and nozzle only deliver it.

BLAST APEX abrasive roles

AbrasiveShapeTypical jobReuse
Copper slagAngularHulls, structures, rust, large Sa 2.5 areasLimited; often expendable
Garnet 30/60AngularLower dust, clean profile, waterjetLimited
Steel grit G10–G120AngularHeavy mill scale, deep profile, shops with recoveryHigh
Steel shot S280–S780SphericalPeening, descaling, shot blast machinesHigh
Aluminium oxideAngularCabinets, precision, hard coatingsMedium
Glass beadSphericalSatin finish, no aggressive cutMedium

BLAST APEX supplies graded, filtered, dust-reduced copper slag (0.5–2.5 mm) in bulk — the same grade on PI/2526/121172 for Steel Age India Engineers. Pair it with a 501-R class pot and an 8 mm tungsten nozzle for structural Sa 2.5. Use steel grit in a recovery floor shop. Use garnet when the coating spec names it.

Engineer FAQs

Is copper slag good for Sa 2.5?

Yes, for open structural steel, hulls and tanks when the spec allows slag. It is angular, hard (about 7–8 Mohs) and cost-effective on large areas. Recycle rules and silica content still follow the project HSE plan.

When should I use garnet instead?

When the spec wants lower dust, less embedment, or waterjet/blast in sensitive plants. Garnet costs more per tonne than slag.