Sandblast beads are small glass spheres used in sandblasting machines to create a reflective appearance on various surfaces. They are preferred over sand grit due to their harmless nature and ability to be used indoors. Glass beads come in different sizes and do not cause damage to surfaces like sand. They are also silica-free and do not emit harmful toxins if purchased from a reputable supplier.
Sandblast beads are typically small manufactured glass spheres that are forced through a sandblasting machine and onto a intended surface. These beads offer an alternative finish appearance on a number of different substrates, to the common sand grit. In addition, the harmless glass balls allow workers to use this sandblasting medium indoors as well.
During the sandblasting process, an air compressor is connected to a sandblaster. Inside the sandblaster reside numerous glass beads; the compressor pushes the beads out of the machine at high speed when they hit a surface. A worker will slowly move the machine back and forth until the entire surface has been treated with the sandblasting beads. As a result, the surface becomes jagged with small depressions creating a reflective appearance.
Many sandblasting professionals prefer glass beads since they don’t cause much damage to the targeted surface. The spherical shape of the pearls does not cut into the surface like a sharp grain of sand; grain backing can chip and damage a surface. Sandblast pearls gently clean the surface to produce a sheen, like on a metal substrate. The many indentations allow light to reflect from the depressions at different angles. As a result, the surface appears glossy.
These beads also come in different sizes, limited only by the nozzle opening of the sandblaster. The smaller beads move quickly through the sandblaster for faster project completion, compared to the larger size beads. The worker must decide which bead size is applicable for the particular project; large beads produce a larger indentation across an area, while small beads create numerous depressions for an understated look.
Another benefit of sandblasting beads is their silica-free composition. Silica sand can emanate through the surrounding air after hitting a surface; this dusty mineral can cause respiratory distress in workers and nearby observers, but glass blast beads do not produce any dust residue. As a result, this sandblasting medium can be used indoors without any fear of affecting people’s respiratory system.
Prospective buyers of sandblast beads should be aware of shoddy manufacturing processes. Some factories recycle glass beads with harmful heavy metals, such as lead. These pearls are cheaper for the consumer, but can emit harmful toxins from heavy metal inclusions; it is good practice to research a bead supplier before purchasing any glass material to ensure that your sandblasting workers and clientele are not in danger.
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