Overview Key Features Typical Applications Benefits Technical Information Grades & Supply Safety & Handling Silica-Free Media for Cleaning & Surface Enhancement Glass beads clean surfaces through a peening action, gently removing contaminants while maintaining dimensional accuracy and producing smooth or satin finishes. Suitable for ferrous and non-ferrous materials in wet or dry blasting systems. Glass beads are selected where surface finish, fatigue resistance, and cleanliness are more important than aggressive cutting. Key Features Spherical particle shape for non-cutting impact Silica-free – safer alternative to sand Minimal substrate damage Uniform, repeatable surface finish Suitable for ferrous and non-ferrous substrates Compatible with wet and dry blasting systems Typical Applications Aerospace component peening Stainless steel cleaning and finishing Automotive restoration Tooling and mould surface preparation Removal of light surface contamination Glass beads improve surface appearance while preserving part geometry. Why Choose Glass Beads vs Glass grit Glass beads provide cleaning and peening without profiling, unlike glass grit, which cuts and etches the surface. They are the preferred choice where surface integrity and finish quality are critical. Technical Information – Glass Beads Technical Properties Property Typical Value Chemical composition Soda-lime glass Particle shape Spherical/Round Hardness 6.0 Mohs Specific gravity ~2.5 g/cm³ Bulk density ~1.5 – 1.6 g/cm³ Melting Point ~730°C Contamination risk None Suitable systems Wet & dry blast cabinets Compatible with pressure, suction, and cabinet blasting systems. Chemical Properties Component Typical % SiO₂ 70 – 75% Na₂O 12 – 15% CaO 7 – 12% MgO Max. 5% Al₂O₃ Max. 2.5% K₂O Max. 1.5% Fe₂O₃ Max. 0.5% Approvals & Standards Glass beads are manufactured to meet major aerospace, MoD, and nuclear specifications, including: CSS8 ABP 1-2027/2029 BAEP 2007 MIL-G-9954 MIL-S-13165 AMS 2431/6 (where applicable) Certificates of conformity available on request. Grades & Supply Wide range of bead sizes available Supplied in 25 kg bags UK stock, 3–5 working day delivery Glass bead size selection influences the degree of cleaning, peening intensity, and final surface appearance. Larger bead sizes provide increased impact energy for effective cleaning, while smaller bead sizes produce smoother finishes and finer surface textures with minimal dimensional change. Glass Bead Sizes Grade Avg. Bead Size (µm) Fine 0 – 44 0 – 100 100 – 150 150 – 250 150 – 300 300 – 400 400 – 600 Coarse 600 – 800 Specialised Glass Peening Beads (AGB6/AMS2431) also available – Contact us Finer bead sizes are commonly used for cosmetic finishing and fatigue-resistant peening, while coarser beads are selected where increased cleaning action is required. Final bead size selection should account for substrate sensitivity, finish requirements, and process repeatability. Unsure which grit size is right for your application? – Contact usOur technical team can advise on media selection based on substrate, finish, and blasting system. Safety & Handling Glass beads are non-toxic and free from crystalline silica. Spilled material may present slip hazards and should be cleaned promptly. Store in dry conditions, as glass beads readily absorb moisture.
