Glass Bead Conversion Chart

Glass beads used in abrasive blasting cabinets come in different sizes just like sandpaper comes in different sizes and grades. 60-100 mesh is the fastest cleaning size, and cleaning time increases as bead size increases or decreases.

The larger the bead size the lower the maximum impact velocity. A good rule of thumb is 80 psi maximum blasting pressure for siphon and 40 psi for direct pressure using a pressure pot assembly.

Media Blast Uses Glass Beads

All Media Blast bead blasting cabinets use glass beads. For Industrial applications look to the Media Blast N-200, N-200 Cyclone, PowerPeen and Power Strip models. We offer additional information related to:

• Media blasting basics 
• Compressed air basics
• Grit size conversion chart
• Dictionary of blasting terms and options

(Chart is for reference only. Please consult glass bead manufacturers for exact specifications.)

Bold Print indicates the most commonly used glass bead sizes. Mil. Spec. No. 8 is the most commonly used bead size.