Glass beads are a common abrasive blast media used in abrasive blasting. All of the bead blasting cabinets at Raptor Blasting Systems can use glass beads. Use the glass bead media size chart below to see what sizes correspond to each brand and spec.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website glass beads size chart.
Glass beads used in abrasive blasting are come in different sizes and diameters. Much like you would use different grades of sandpaper for different jobs, you would want to use different sizes of glass beads for different levels of blasting. Choose a No. 7 or No. 8 to clean or strip surfaces quickly.
In industrial blast cabinets, glass beads are for removing small burrs, cleaning, peening, honing, polishing, blending, and finishing. For delicate metal or thin welds, peening with glass beads can provide the right amount of stress relief without going overboard and causing damage.
Glass beads can usually be re-cycled 30 times under normal use.
US Standard Screen SizeMIL-PRF-9954BMIL-S-13165CPotters Ballotini®Glas-Shot®Blast-O-LiteZeroSAE Intl J1173Bead Size Range (Diameter in Inches)12-14No. 11BT 1801-201.0661-.055514-20No. 22BT 2801-202.0555-.033120-30No. 33313 or AMS-XGXBT 3801-203GB-70.0331-.023420-80.0331-.007025-35280.0283-.019725-45AAAAAA.0283-.017130-40No. 42324 or BBT 4801-204GB-50.0234-.016535-45197.0197-.017135-60.0197-.009840-50No. 51655BT 5801-205GB-35.0165-.011740-60CBOL 21.0165-.009840-70AAAA.0165-.008345-60138.0171-.009850-70No. 61176 or DBT 6801-206GB-25.0117-.008350-80ABABBOL 23.0117-.007060-80No. 7987 or EBT 7801-207GB-20.0098-.007060-100BOL 24.0098-.005960-120ACAC.0098-.004970-100No. 8838 or FBT 8801-208GB-18.0083-.005970-140ADADBOL 25.0083-.004180-120No. 9709 or GBT 9801-209GB-15.0070-.0049100-140H.0059-.0041100-170No. 1010 or AEAFBT 10801-210.0059-.0035100-200BOL 26.0059-.0029120-170AGAG.0049-.0035120-200No. 1111BT 11801-211.0049-.0029140-200J.0041-.0029140-230No. 1212BT 12801-212.0041-.0025140-270BOL 27.0041-.0021170-230K.0035-.0025170-325No. 1313 or AHAHBT 13801-213.0035-.0017170 and FinerAL.0035 and Finer200-270N.0029-.0021200-325BOL 29.0029-.0017230-32524O.0025-.0017270-400P.0021-.0015270 and FinerAIMS-XL.0021 and Finer325 and FinerAQBOL 30801-214.0017 and Finer400 and FinerAS.0015 and FinerThe most commonly used glass bead sizes are highlighted. MIL-PRF-9954B No. 8 is the most commonly used glass bead size.
The MIL-PRF-9954B spec is for glass beads used for cleaning and peening, approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. This spec was approved on September 26th, 2005.
The MIL-S-13165C spec is for for glass beads used for shot peening of metal parts, approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. This spec was approved on June 7th, 1989.
In the SAE International J1173 spec, published on September 1st, 1988, the following applies:
This specification covers the characteristics of glass beads used for peening, and provides for standard glass bead size numbers. The glass bead classification number is the approximate nominal diameter of the glass spheres in that classification, in hundredths of a millimeter, with the prefix GB added. Glass beads used for peening shall be made from high quality glass of the soda-lime type. They should be as resistant as possible to breakage from shock-impact, or by abrasion during shipment and handling. The particles should be substantially round, free-flowing, and free from chemical impurities or contaminants that might be detrimental to the workpiece.
Blast-O-Lite, Potters Ballotini®, Glas-Shot®, and Zero are commonly found brands of glass beads for bead blasting. We usually use Potters Ballotini® beads, which we normally get from Kleen-Blast.
Are you just getting started with beading, and need some help understanding bead and hole sizing? There are so many shapes and sizes of beads, all which can be used for different beading ideas, designs and projects! In this article, you will find tips on how to determine which is the right size bead and bead hole for your next jewelry-making project!
First, let's discuss how bead sizes are measured! In most cases, the measurement scale are applied to the beads, while the strand may be sold in inches. Beads are most commonly measured with a ruler or a caliper in millimeters (mm). To determine the size of the bead using a caliper, slide open the caliper against the bead, closing the tips to meet the size of the bead which will show an accurate measurement of the bead! To use a ruler to measure beads, finds ruler with centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm).
Here's how to measure beads with a ruler:
The beads that are commonly measured in millimeters are gemstones, crystals, glass, metal, and wood bead varieties. For beads that are a briolette, teardrop or melon shape - the length is used as a measurement from the top to the bottom (perpendicular to the string/cord) of the bead and the width is measured from one end of the bead hole to the other (parallel to the string) from the widest part of the bead.
Depending on the type of jewelry you are looking to make, determining the best bead sizes for your project can be difficult! This guide will help you understand which size bead is best for your next jewelry project!
Are you interested in learning more about blasted glass? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
4mm size beads - These beads are best for creating dainty, delicate pieces of jewelry such as anklets, wrap bracelets and necklaces that are lightweight. When working with gemstones, the larger the stone the heavier the bracelet/necklace may be, so the 4mm sizes are ideal when it comes to creating very subtle jewelry pieces!
6mm size beads - This size is great for ideal bracelets and necklaces, especially when working with gemstones! The jewelry pieces are more of a statement than the 4mm size, however is slightly larger and ideal for pieces that you want to stand out, without being too flashy.
8mm size beads - This size is one of the best for bracelets because it creates a less bulky bracelet on the wrist, which can be heavy when working with gemstones. The ideal size for necklaces are 8mm, which create dramatic pieces without being too bulky and heavy.
10mm size beads - This size is nice for bracelets, although can be very heavy on the wrist if only working with gemstones. Using 10mm gemstones as an accent bead in this size will prevent pieces from looking too big, and from being very heavy.
12mm size beads - These sizes are ideal accent beads, or necklaces which work to create big bold, and statement jewelry pieces.
14mm size beads - Most commonly used for accents in jewelry pieces, 14mm can be a large bead on a creation since they can make a design heavy, but can be used as an accent on necklace and bracelets that compliment smaller beads and different colors/textures in a jewelry piece.
Once you have determined the best bead size for you project, refer to this bead per inch chart to determine how many beads you will need!
Now that we have determined which beads are best for your next project, let's look into the hole size of the bead, which will determine the stringing material needed for the beads you've chosen! The differences in the hole size of beads is often related to the method that is used in their production. For instance, glass beads are usually made from molds which include the hole size for the bead, so many shapes and sizes of glass beads will have a consistent hole size, typical around .5mm - .8mm. Like glass beads, crystals (which are also made of glass) have a similar production method that ensures a consistent and similar hole size that can vary based on the bead shape and size.
When it comes to gemstones there is a wider range and variety of the bead hole sizes since gemstones have different properties that determines how hard or soft a stone may be. Depending on the hardness of the stone, some gemstones can be drilled from a machine while softer stones may need to be drilled by hand to ensure their structural integrity. When working with gemstones, it is best to have a wide variety of sizes of stringing cord and materials to work with the various sizes of these gemstone bead holes.
When working with beads with larger sized holes, it is recommended to use a thicker stringing cord such as leather or wire to use on projects. Depending on the size and weight of bead you've selected, there is an ideal stringing material that'll help your creations stand the test of time! Consider elastic cord for these various bead size holes! The available sizes are in 0.7mm clear, 0.8mm clear (our most common size), and 1mm clear! These elastic cord remains in its original shape after multiple uses, and is the best for making jewelry to sell, or wear yourself! This elastic cord works with all kinds of beads, and recommend using a surgeons knot for a secured elastic bracelet.
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