Abrasives

At Hodge Clemco we stock a variety of abrasives. Our team can help you choose the right abrasive for whatever you are blasting.

Hodge Clemco has abrasive manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Dinnington, South Yorkshire, UK. Our abrasives stocks include Chilled Iron and Steel Grit, JBlast, Steel Shot, Stainless Steel (shot & grit), brown, pink & white alumina, glass bead, plastic abrasives, silicon carbides, walnut shells, garnet, sponge and specialist blends.

Which properties are important when choosing an abrasive?

Hardness

Generally the harder the particle the deeper the profile it will make in the surface. The exception is where a high velocity hard particle shatters, delivering less than optimum force.

 

Density

The most efficient and fast cleaning is achieved using abrasives with a higher density. Dense particles impact with more kinetic energy over a smaller surface area, resulting in a deeper profile. Dense particles also deform less, absorbing less energy upon impact.

 

Particle Size

The bigger the particle, the deeper the indentation it will make. However, blasting large particles will result in fewer impacts than an equal volume of smaller particles. Small particles clean faster, provide better coverage and result in a more uniform profile. The most efficient approach is to use the smallest particle necessary to achieve the desired profile.

Recyclability

Whether you use expendable or recyclable abrasives, will be determined by the application and the blasting equipment you use. Expendable abrasives are mostly used in open environments. Recyclable abrasives are used in containerised environments. For example in blast cabinets or blast rooms, where a recycling system is implemented.

 

Dust Levels

Dust levels are particularly important when considering the environment in which the blasting takes place. Open nozzle blasting in an uncontrolled environment will be most suited to lower dust levels. This is also the case for more hazardous environments where visibility is paramount. An enclosed blast room with suitable ventilation and dust extraction can also help dust levels.

 

Media Shape

The shape of the abrasive used in an application is mostly determined by the coating being removed and/or the type of profile that needs to be created. An angular abrasive will have more of an impact on a surface than a rounded/spherical abrasive.

For more information on our range of products view our product catalogue.

See the full selection of our abrasive materials in our abrasives brochure.

Watch our product videos on our YouTube channel.