Bead blasting directs abrasive media at a surface using compressed air. For a cosmetic glass bead finish, rounded glass beads create a fine matte or satin texture on suitable metals.

Yes. Rounded glass beads are usually selected for softer cosmetic textures, while angular abrasives such as aluminum oxide cut and profile more aggressively. Material and finish requirements determine the choice.

Bead blasting is a type of abrasive blasting. Sandblasting is a broad term that does not identify the actual abrasive, so a drawing should name glass bead or another approved medium.

No. A cosmetic matte finish does not demonstrate compliance with shot-peening intensity and coverage requirements. Specify a separately qualified shot-peening process if fatigue-related performance is required.

Yes, when compatible with the actual alloy, temper and geometry. Protect critical dimensions and qualify any subsequent anodizing appearance on representative parts.

Yes. Use clean, suitable media and prevent ferrous cross-contamination; the final suitability depends on the intended corrosion environment and cleaning requirements.

Bead blasting is not a corrosion-protection coating. Bare carbon steel can rust, so specify suitable downstream protection for the intended environment.

It can be suitable for cosmetic faces, but critical bores, threads, bearing seats and sealing areas need a defined protection or post-process inspection plan.

Glass bead blasting normally removes relatively little metal compared with angular abrasives. It is not dimensionally risk-free: edges, thin walls and sensitive fits may still change under unsuitable processing conditions.

Typically review threads, precision holes, sealing faces, O-ring grooves, bearing seats, datum surfaces and electrical contacts. Mark protected areas explicitly on the drawing.

Yes, when functional geometry and cleanliness matter. Plugs, caps or other qualified masking methods should be evaluated for those features before blasting.

Yes. Impact stress may distort thin or poorly supported sections. Review material thickness, geometry, fixture support and whether a different finishing method is safer.

Do not rely on a cosmetic glass bead process to remove deep defects or heavy coatings. More aggressive preparation may be necessary, with dimensional and appearance consequences.

The typical EPOC CRAFTER bead blast reference is Ra 1.6–3.2 µm. When your drawing requires a particular surface roughness, include the Ra limit and inspection location for the finishing quote.

No. Media grade describes the abrasive. Final Ra also depends on substrate condition, pressure, working distance, dwell time, coverage and media wear.

Identify the media, approved finish appearance, surfaces to blast, regions to mask, any roughness requirement, follow-on finish and inspection criteria. Supply a boundary sample for demanding cosmetic work.

Media type and condition, blasting parameters, substrate preparation and inspection lighting can differ. Agree on a reference sample and repeatable process checks before approving cosmetic lots.

Select the media and particle-size grade according to the base material, desired texture, sensitive features and downstream treatments. Confirm the appearance on a representative sample rather than guessing from grade alone.

Use clean, suitable nonferrous media and keep blasting equipment and consumables free from carbon-steel residues. Inspect and clean the substrate as specified for the intended application.

No. Repeated use can fracture or contaminate the beads and alter the finish. Media separation, condition checks and replacement rules are needed for repeatable cosmetic results.

Yes. Blind holes, pockets and recesses can trap particles. Include accessible-cavity cleaning and agreed residue checks, especially for fluid, electronic or precision assemblies.

Not necessarily. Blasting is largely line-of-sight, and hidden surfaces may receive uneven exposure. Identify the surfaces that genuinely require blasting rather than assuming complete internal coverage.

It may be used before anodizing in a qualified process, but media residue or bead embedding can interfere with some chemical finishing routes. Confirm compatibility and final appearance on the exact material and finish sequence.

Sometimes, but rounded beads do not automatically provide the required anchor profile. Coating preparation must satisfy the actual coating specification, including cleanliness and pretreatment.

No. Bead blasting changes the exposed surface texture; corrosion performance depends on the metal, contaminants, environment and any separate protective finish.

You can request a finishing-only review for existing parts. Include material grade, dimensions, current condition, finish areas and quantity so handling and preparation can be assessed.

Common checks include visual comparison against an approved sample, confirmation of blast boundaries, cleaning verification and measured Ra or protected-feature dimensions when specified on the order.

Provide CAD or drawings, alloy and temper, quantity, maximum dimensions, surfaces to blast, masking, approved appearance, required Ra if any, downstream treatment and inspection requirements.

Standard single-step surface finishing is typically quoted around 3–7 business days. Quantity, masking, cleaning, inspection and additional treatments can change the confirmed lead time.

Yes. Send the CAD drawing with machining and glass bead blasting requirements in one RFQ. EPOC CRAFTER can coordinate the finish, masking, inspection and delivery scope alongside CNC manufacturing.