Aluminum Oxide
As an angular, durable blasting abrasive, aluminum oxide can be recycled many times. It is the most widely used abrasive grain in blast finishing and surface preparation because of its cost, longevity and hardness. Harder than other commonly used blasting materials, aluminum oxide grit powder penetrates and cuts even the hardest metals and sintered carbide.
Approximately 50% lighter than metallic media, aluminum oxide abrasive grain has twice as many particles per pound. The fast-cutting action minimizes damage to thin materials by eliminating surface stresses caused by heavier, slower cutting media.
Aluminum oxide grit powder has a wide variety of applications, from cleaning engine heads, valves, pistons and turbine blades in the aircraft industry to lettering in monument and marker inscriptions. It is also commonly used for matte finishing, as well as cleaning and preparing parts for metalizing, plating and welding. Aluminum oxide abrasive grain is the best choice for an abrasive sand blasting and polishing grain as well as for preparing a surface for painting.
As a premier aluminum oxide abrasive grain supplier, General Sandblasting recommends using virgin, brown aluminum oxide for optimal performance versus reprocessed or remanufactured product. Virgin, brown aluminum oxide contains less than 1.5% free silica and is therefore safer to use than sand. The grit size is consistent and cuts much faster than sand, leaving a smoother surface. Generally, the larger the grit size, the faster aluminum oxide will cut.
