STEEL SHOT & GRIT
Steel Shot & Grit – Durable & Efficient Blasting Media
Steel shot and steel grit are durable, high-efficiency blasting media designed for cleaning, surface preparation, and material strengthening. Steel shot’s smooth, spherical shape is ideal for removing rust and scale, peening metal surfaces, and achieving a uniform finish. Steel grit, with its sharp, angular profile, excels at aggressive surface prep, coating removal, and creating textured profiles for better coating adhesion.
Both media are long-lasting, recyclable up to 3,000 cycles, and manufactured to meet industry standards.
WHAT IS STEEL SHOT?
Steel shot consists of spherical grains formed by atomizing molten steel and rapidly cooling it. Its round shape and uniform hardness make it ideal for peening and cleaning applications.
Steel Shot Applications:
Surface Cleaning
Removes rust, scale, and old coatings efficiently.
Shot Peening
Improves fatigue resistance and durability of metal components.
Metal Casting & Forging
Cleans castings & forgings for a smooth finish.
Industrial Maintenance
Used in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries.
WHAT IS STEEL GRIT?
Steel grit is made by crushing steel shot into angular particles, creating sharp edges for aggressive surface preparation and material removal, creating whatever surface profile you need.
Steel Grit Applications:
Surface Preparation
Creates ideal profiles for coatings and linings.
Paint & Coating Removal
Effectively removes thick coatings, rust, and scale
Stone Cutting
Used in granite, marble and other solid stone cutting applications.
Pipeline & Structural Steel
Prepares surfaces for welding, coating, and bonding.
Steel Shot & Grit Specifications
| Steel Shot | Steel Grit | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Spherical | Angular |
| Hardness | 40-65 HRC (400-850 HV) | 40-65 HRC (400-850 HV) |
| Mesh Sizes | Various (S70 – S780) | Various (G14 – G120) |
| Recyclability | Up to 3,000 cycles | Up to 3,000 cycles |
| Applications | Peening, cleaning | Surface prep, cutting |
| Industry Use | Aerospace, automotive | Coatings, steel structures |
Applications of Steel Shot & Grit
Steel shot and steel grit are versatile abrasives used across a wide range of industries for cleaning, surface preparation, strengthening, and material cutting. Their durability, recyclability, and effectiveness make them an ideal choice for applications requiring consistent results, long-term cost savings, and compliance with industry standards.
Surface Cleaning & Rust Removal
Steel shot is widely used for cleaning metal surfaces by removing rust, mill scale, and other contaminants. Its spherical shape ensures an even, polished finish without excessive material removal. This makes it ideal for automotive components, structural steel, and heavy equipment maintenance where surface integrity is critical. Steel grit, with its sharper edges, provides a more aggressive cleaning action, efficiently stripping away thick coatings, corrosion, and oxidation layers.
Surface Preparation for Coatings & Paint Adhesion
When preparing metal surfaces for coatings, adhesives, or welding, creating the correct surface profile is essential. Steel grit is commonly used to etch the surface, improving adhesion for powder coatings, industrial paints, and protective linings. This is especially valuable in bridge and infrastructure maintenance, shipbuilding, and pipeline restoration, where a roughened surface is required for long-lasting coatings.
Shot Peening for Strength & Durability
In industries where metal components endure high levels of stress, shot peening with steel shot is used to improve fatigue resistance and prevent cracking. This process is critical in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where components like gears, crankshafts, and turbine blades need increased durability. The controlled impact of steel shot induces compressive stress, reducing the risk of failure under repeated loading.
Industrial & Foundry Applications
Steel shot is extensively used in foundries and metal casting operations to clean, descale, and deburr castings and forgings. It effectively removes residual sand, oxide layers, and imperfections from metal parts, ensuring a smooth and uniform surface finish before further processing or assembly.
Stone Cutting & Etching
Steel grit plays a crucial role in cutting and shaping hard stone surfaces, including granite and marble. It is commonly used in multi-blade gang saws to achieve precise cuts and smooth finishes. Additionally, its sharp edges allow for detailed texturing, engraving, and custom surface patterns on architectural stone and monuments.
For more information on industry-specific uses, check out our Applications pages.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about the steel shot and grit, it’s common applications and more.
Don’t see your question? Contact us and we can add it!
What’s the difference between steel shot and steel grit?
Steel shot consists of round, smooth spheres that clean surfaces without excessive cutting, making it ideal for peening, polishing, and gentle cleaning. Steel grit, on the other hand, has an angular shape that aggressively removes coatings, rust, and contaminants while creating a rougher surface profile for better coating adhesion.
How many times can steel shot and grit be recycled?
Steel shot and grit are highly durable and can be recycled up to 3,000 cycles, depending on the application, blasting equipment, and operating conditions. This longevity makes them a cost-effective alternative to single-use abrasives like garnet or crushed glass.
What industries use steel shot and grit?
Steel shot and grit are widely used in automotive, aerospace, structural steel, foundry, and manufacturing industries. They are essential for surface preparation, paint and rust removal, shot peening, and stone cutting applications.
What size and hardness should I choose for my application?
The choice depends on your specific needs. Larger shot/grit sizes (S330, G40, etc.) remove heavy coatings and create deeper surface profiles, while smaller sizes (S70, G120, etc.) provide a finer finish. Hardness levels typically range from 40-65 HRC (400-850 HV), with harder abrasives used for aggressive blasting and softer abrasives for cleaning and peening.
Call one of our experts today to discuss.
Can steel shot and grit be used in all types of blasting equipment?
Steel shot and grit are best suited for air-blast and wheel-blast systems designed to handle metallic abrasives. Not all blasting equipment can accommodate them, so it’s important to check compatibility with your system before use.