FAQ Abrasives

An abrasive’s shape, hardness, and particle size really determine the effectiveness of a MicroBlasting application. Each application is unique, and abrasive selection depends on the composition of the targeted part and the application’s desired result. See our Abrasive Media Selection Guide to choose the most appropriate abrasive for your application.

Our technical sales team can also help to determine the right abrasive for your application. Give us a call at +1-818-841-5500 or email us for assistance with abrasive selection.

We welcome your sample parts for testing in our Applications Lab. Our Technical Specialists can determine the best approach to dialing in your process. They will help you select the right abrasive, the best nozzle, and the necessary blast pressure required to efficiently process your parts.

Contact our Sales Team using the form or give us a call at 1-818-841-5500 to schedule a sample parts test.

You may want to also review our post “We Take Samples Seriously“. It provides an overview of the testing process and includes an example of the report provided upon completion.

Short answer: Please don’t. 

MicroBlasting is extremely efficient and precise, so it is hardly likely you will need to recycle abrasive, but it is important to know the risk involved. Unlike grit or bead blasting, a MicroBlasting system can only cycle abrasive once. Abrasive should not be reclaimed and reprocessed for a second pass because:

• The blasting process causes abrasive media to break down very quickly. It won’t be the same abrasive on a second pass!
• Abrasive easily absorbs any moisture available in the air. It may clump in your blaster!
• Pieces of your part’s substrate often mix in and contaminate the abrasive. This could cause uneven results and even damage your part surface.

Learn more about the dangers of using spent abrasive in our post, “Before Recycling Abrasive…Read this.”

Moisture contamination is the number one reason customers call Technical Support. Fortunately, it is usually preventable. There are 4 key ways to keep your abrasive free of moisture:

1. Store abrasive properly and always make sure bottles are tightly closed when not in use.
2. Keep abrasive in a cool dry location with minimum temperature fluctuations.
3. Do not leave abrasive in the blaster’s tank for extended periods of time.
4. Keep the air supply dry.

Learn more in this post: “Moisture Issues – The Importance of Clean Dry Air” and if you have not considered an air dryer, learn more about Air Dryers.

Contact Comco Customer Service to order abrasives at 1-818-841-5500, by email, or fill out the quote request form.