Tilghman Rotoblast supplies steel shot, steel grit and glass beads to foundries, fabricators and blast shops, from the team that builds and services shot blasting machines in Benoni. The media you run decides the finish you get and how quickly your machine wears, so we will help you choose the right grade for your machine and your work.
Supplied in 25kg bags · Delivery across Gauteng · Request a bulk quote or call 011 865 5770
Steel shot
Blasting with steel shot is a popular method for cleaning, stripping and improving a metal surface. Steel shot is manufactured into a round ball shape that results in a smooth and polished surface, and its peening action improves the compressive strength of metal surfaces. It is the standard media for wheel blast machines cleaning castings and forgings, for descaling and for shot peening.
Available in sizes from S170 to S550, for example S230, S280 and S330.
Steel grit
High-demand, aggressive applications are ideal for steel grit. Its angular shape strips scale, rust and old coatings fast and cuts a surface profile that paint, powder coating and metal spray can key into. Steel grit does not fracture easily, making it ideal for creating an etched surface on metal.
Available as hardened GH grit from GH18 to GH120, such as GH40, GH50 and GH80.
Glass beads
Manufactured from lead-free, soda lime-type glass containing no free silica, glass beads are formed into round balls. They produce a much smoother and brighter finish than angular abrasives, and are used in air-blast cabinets and booths for cosmetic finishing and light cleaning of stainless steel, aluminium and machined parts. Glass beads can be recycled approximately 30 times.
Available in grades BL, C, AB, AC, AD and AF.
Choosing the right media
| Media | Shape | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Steel shot S170 to S550 |
Round | Cleaning castings and forgings, descaling, shot peening, smooth finish |
| Steel grit GH18 to GH120 (hardened) |
Angular | Surface profile before painting or coating, fast stripping of scale and rust |
| Glass beads Grades BL, C, AB, AC, AD and AF |
Round (glass) | Bright, smooth cosmetic finish; light cleaning of stainless steel and aluminium |
Finer sizes give a smoother finish and better coverage; coarser sizes strip faster and cut a deeper profile. Most wheel blast machines run an operating mix of sizes that is kept stable by topping up with new media as it wears. Tell us your machine and the finish you need, and we will recommend a grade.
Supply
- Packed in 25kg bags
- Delivery across Gauteng
- Regular repeat orders for production users – ask us about ongoing supply
Media advice from blast machine builders
We design, build and repair shot blasting machines, so we know how media choice affects your blast pattern, wear parts and running costs. Whatever machine you run, we will recommend the right grade and help you keep a stable operating mix. Looking for machines or wear parts too? See our wheel blasting machines.
Request a bulk quote
Tell us what you need and we will come back to you with a price and delivery date. Prefer to talk? Call 011 865 5770 or email sales@tilghman.co.za.
Blasting media FAQ
What sizes of steel shot and steel grit do you supply?
We supply steel shot from S170 to S550, hardened steel grit (GH grades) from GH18 to GH120, and glass beads in grades BL, C, AB, AC, AD and AF, all in 25kg bags.
Should I use steel shot or steel grit?
Steel shot is round and leaves a smoother, peened surface, so it suits cleaning castings and forgings, descaling and shot peening. Steel grit is angular and cuts a surface profile, so it is the choice before painting or coating and for fast stripping.
How is the media packed?
Steel shot, steel grit and glass beads are supplied in 25kg bags.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we deliver across Gauteng.
Can glass beads be used in a wheel blast machine?
Glass beads are used in air-blast cabinets and booths for bright, smooth finishes. Wheel blast machines normally run steel shot.
Can you recommend media for my machine?
Yes. We build, repair and service shot blasting machines, so we can recommend the right grade for your machine and finish and help you keep a stable operating mix.