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Surface Preparation Glossary

Quick definitions for sand blasting, shot blasting, abrasive media, and blasting equipment terms used in industrial surface preparation.

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What is Sand Blasting?

Sand blasting is a surface preparation process that uses compressed air to propel abrasive particles against a material surface to remove rust, paint, scale, or contamination and create a clean profile for coating or finishing.

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What is Shot Blasting?

Shot blasting is a mechanical surface treatment process that uses metallic shot media thrown at high speed to clean, strengthen, or texture metal surfaces for fabrication, foundry, and engineering applications.

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What is Abrasive Media?

Abrasive media are the particles used in blasting processes—such as steel shot, steel grit, aluminum oxide, glass beads, or garnet—selected based on surface material, finish requirement, and production speed.

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What is a Blasting Cabinet?

A blasting cabinet is an enclosed workstation that contains abrasive blasting inside a sealed chamber, improving operator safety, media recovery, and finish consistency for small to medium components.

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Comparisons & related guides

Sand blasting vs shot blasting Compare process, media, equipment, and best-fit applications side by side.

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