There are several factors that determine the choice of abrasive for various applications. In this article we'll explore the benefits of garnet and compare its performance to steel grit. While both are effective for surface preparation, garnet is a more environmentally friendly option. Made from crushed Almandite and Andradite deposits, garnet is available in various sizes and grades. It can be tumbled for smoother edges. It rates seven to eight on the Mohs scale and is a great choice for dry docks and enclosed tanks.
Another major benefit of using Stainless Steel Grit is its increased durability and lower fracture rate. Additionally, it is more operator-friendly. The image below shows how a professional blasting operator looks after 40 seconds of aluminum oxide and four minutes of SSG. Compared to garnet, SSG is also more affordable. It's available in bags of 55 lb. or more. This makes it a good option for most shot blasting applications.
Aside from its cost-effectiveness, Stainless Steel Grit is also an environmentally friendly alternative to aluminum oxide and glass bead. Its unique angular shape and high bulk density allow it to be re-used several times. The advantage of SSG over garnet is that it's recyclable, which makes it a great choice for environmentally friendly blasting. In addition, the cost of using SSG is more affordable than its rival.
A higher number signifies coarser garnet particles. The lower number is better for surface prep. However, Stainless Steel Grit is more expensive. It is better for removing rust, but it has some disadvantages as well. For example, if you're wet blasting, it can cause flash rusting. In addition, the garnet particles can embed into the surface, accelerating the corrosion process.
Grain size is an important factor when choosing between steel grit and garnet. A higher number means finer garnet particles. A lower number means coarser, while a high number indicates finer grit. When wet blasting, a coarser grit may cause flash rusting, while a higher one may cause flash rusting. A lower GI score also results in more aggressive corrosion.
Besides their relative advantages, steel grit has several disadvantages. It can cause flash rusting, which is an unwelcome consequence of wet blasting. As a result, the steel grit is more expensive than garnet. Compared to garnet, it is more durable. Generally, a lower GR value will lead to better results. In the long run, both types are effective.
The advantages of garnet sand over steel grit are obvious. This natural mineral is non-toxic and is better for the environment. Its granules are more circular and round, which make it an ideal abrasive for shotblasting. Aside from being environmentally friendly, garnet sand also produces less dust and is eco-friendly. It also lasts longer than steel grit, making it an excellent choice for applications that require a thick outer coating.