1. What is the specific micron range of GB-7?
GB-7 has a particle size range of 212 to 300 microns, which corresponds to a 50–70 Mesh size. This medium-grade sizing makes it highly versatile for both cleaning and cosmetic finishing.
2. How does GB-7 differ from finer grades like GB-13?
While finer grades (like GB-13) are used for high-luster polishing on delicate instruments, GB-7 provides a slightly more pronounced matte or “satin” finish. It has higher mass per bead, allowing it to remove tougher contaminants and provide a light peening effect that finer beads cannot achieve.
3. Can GB-7 be reused?
Yes. High-quality soda-lime glass beads are designed for multi-cycle use. Depending on your blast pressure and the hardness of the workpiece, GB-7 can typically be recycled 5 to 10 times before the beads break down into fines and lose their spherical efficiency.
4. Will using GB-7 change the dimensions of my part?
No. Unlike angular abrasives (like aluminum oxide or sand) that cut into the metal, GB-7 is spherical. it cleans by impact rather than abrasion, meaning it removes surface deposits without stripping the base metal or altering critical tolerances.
5. What is the recommended blasting pressure?
For most applications, a pressure of 40–60 PSI is ideal.
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Lower pressure: Extends the life of the beads.
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Higher pressure (>80 PSI): Increases the cleaning speed but leads to rapid bead shattering, which can create a dusty environment and an inconsistent finish.
6. Is GB-7 safe for the environment and operators?
Yes. GB-7 is GEO-friendly. It is made from lead-free, chemically inert soda-lime glass. Most importantly, it contains no free silica, significantly reducing the risk of silicosis compared to traditional blasting sand.
7. Which metals are best suited for GB-7?
GB-7 is safe for almost all metals, including:
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Stainless Steel: For a uniform, non-reflective finish.
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Aluminum: For removing heat scale or machining marks.
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Brass & Copper: For cleaning without damaging the soft surface.
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Die-Cast Molds: For removing release agents and carbon buildup.
8. Does GB-7 provide corrosion resistance?
While the beads themselves do not coat the metal, the peening action of GB-7 can close microscopic surface pores and introduce compressive stress, which helps improve the metal’s resistance to stress-corrosion cracking.
9. How should I store GB-7?
Store in a cool, dry place. While glass doesn’t degrade, moisture can cause the beads to “clump,” which may clog the nozzles in suction-feed blasting cabinets.






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