Emery sand is an excellent choice for glass blasting when you need a balance between aggressiveness and surface finish control. It’s made from sintered bauxite or zirconia-alumina, offering high durability and consistent performance.
1. Emery Sand Properties for Glass Blasting
Hardness: Mohs 7-8 (harder than glass but less aggressive than silicon carbide/emery).
Shape: Angular to semi-rounded (good cutting action without excessive scratching).
Durability: 5-10x reuse cycles (longer lifespan than glass beads or plastic media).
Dust & Safety: Low free silica (safer than quartz or emery sand).
2. Best Applications for Glass Blasting
✔ Matte & Frosted Finishes – Uniform texture without deep scratches.
✔ Light Etching & Decorative Engraving – Better control than emery/silicon carbide.
✔ Cleaning & Surface Prep – Removes coatings without damaging glass.
✔ Automotive/Architectural Glass – Used for privacy glass or anti-glare surfaces.
✖ Not ideal for ultra-deep etching (use silicon carbide for that).
3. Recommended Blasting Parameters
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Grit Size | 80-220 mesh (finer = smoother finish) |
| Pressure | 30-70 PSI (adjust based on glass thickness) |
| Nozzle Type | Ceramic or tungsten carbide (resists wear) |
| Blast Angle | 45-75° (reduces pitting risk) |
4. Pros & Cons vs. Other Glass Blasting Media
| Abrasive | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Emery Sand | Durable, good finish control, low dust | More expensive than garnet |
| Aluminum Oxide | Sharp, consistent | Can embed in soft glass |
| Glass Beads | Smooth satin finish | Fragile, slow cutting |
| Silicon Carbide | Fastest cutting | Too harsh for delicate glass |
5. Safety & Handling Tips
Use Dust Extraction – Even though ceramic dust is less hazardous, PPE is still needed.
Recycle & Sieve – Ceramic sand lasts longer if filtered between uses.
Avoid Overblasting – Glass can fracture under excessive pressure.
6. Best Alternatives for Specific Needs
For ultra-smooth finishes → Glass beads (200-400 mesh).
For deep etching → Silicon carbide (60-120 mesh).
For eco-friendly blasting → Crushed glass grit (recycled).