Media procurement guide · September 10, 2026

Stainless Steel Shot Contamination Control Guide

Media selection is only one part of contamination control; storage, blasting equipment, separators and handling must be reviewed as one process.

Define the workpiece and surface objective

Record alloy, incoming condition, geometry and the required appearance or preparation result. The responsible buyer team should define unacceptable residue and inspection methods.

Audit the complete media path

Review storage, loading, blast chamber, wheel or nozzle, reclaim system, separator, dust collection and part handling. Identify other media or materials previously processed in shared equipment.

Manage the operating mix

New media blends with retained particles during use. Track additions, separator settings, carryout and removed fines. Keep trial conditions fixed when comparing grades.

Run a representative trial

Use production-like parts and document starting condition, settings, cycle time, coverage, appearance, dust, carryout and inspection results. Clean equipment using an agreed procedure before the trial where segregation matters.

RFQ checklist

• Workpiece alloy and initial condition
• Required finish and inspection basis
• Equipment and current operating mix
• Cross-contamination constraints
• Throughput and operating schedule
• Trial quantity, packaging and destination

Frequently asked questions

Why segregate blasting equipment?

Residue from earlier media, workpieces and dust can enter the operating mix. Segregation and documented cleaning reduce unintended cross-contamination risk.

What should the RFQ include?

State workpiece alloy, surface objective, equipment, current media, contamination constraints, throughput, trial quantity and destination.