Brown Fused Alumina (BFA) is a popular abrasive material used for blasting applications, including surface preparation for aluminum cookware.
Key Properties of Brown Fused Alumina for Blasting:
High Hardness (Mohs 9.0) – Effective for cleaning and roughening surfaces.
Durable & Recyclable – Long-lasting compared to softer abrasives.
Angular Grain Shape – Provides aggressive cutting action for efficient material removal.
Chemically Inert – Does not react with aluminum, preventing contamination.
Applications in Aluminum Cookware Blasting:
Surface Cleaning – Removes oxides, old coatings, and contaminants.
Surface Roughening – Creates a textured surface for better coating adhesion (e.g., non-stick layers).
Deburring & Finishing – Smooths edges and refines surfaces.
Recommended Blasting Parameters:
Grit Size:
Coarse (16-36 grit) – For heavy material removal.
Medium (46-80 grit) – For general cleaning and texture preparation.
Fine (90-220 grit) – For fine finishing.
Blasting Pressure: 40-80 PSI (adjust based on aluminum thickness).
Nozzle Distance: 6-12 inches (prevents excessive material removal).
Advantages Over Other Abrasives:
Silica Sand Alternative – Safer (no silicosis risk).
More Efficient Than Glass Beads – Faster cutting action.
Lower Dust Generation – Compared to softer abrasives.