What factors affect the recycle times of steel shot & steel grit?

Factors affecting the recycle times of steel shot/grit mainly include the inherent quality of the steel (material, hardness, density, internal defects), manufacturing process (production process control), operating environment (such as humid or corrosive media), and usage method (hardness matching, cleaning frequency, and operating skills). These factors collectively determine the wear rate and recycle times of steel shot/grit.

Materials and Quality

Material: Different materials (cast steel, stainless steel, alloy steel) have different durability. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, while cast steel is cost-effective but easily damaged.

Hardness and Density: Steel shot with moderate hardness (too hard and it’s brittle, too soft and it wears quickly) and high density has a longer lifespan, can withstand high impacts, and is less prone to breakage.

Internal Defects: Porosity, cracks, and shrinkage cavities significantly reduce lifespan.

Production Process

Heat Treatment: Good quenching and tempering processes are key to ensuring uniform hardness and wear resistance of the steel shot.

Forming Control: Ensure consistent dimensions and good sphericity to reduce the loss of irregular shot.

Operating Environment

Cleanliness: The cleanliness of the processing environment and the absence of impurities.

Humidity: Humid environments easily cause rust (especially in low-carbon steel), affecting its physical properties and lifespan.

Corrosivity: Chemical media accelerate corrosion; stainless steel shot has an advantage in this environment.

Operation and Use:

Hardness Matching: The hardness of the steel shot should match the hardness and surface roughness of the workpiece to be cleaned. Excessive hardness will accelerate its own wear.

Usage Frequency: Higher shot blasting/peening frequency naturally leads to faster wear.

Operating Techniques: Correct equipment parameters (air speed, blasting angle) can reduce abnormal wear.

Summary: High-quality, high-density steel shot/grit without internal defects, under suitable hardness and environment, combined with proper operation, can achieve the longest recycle times.

For more information, please feel free to discuss with our company!