What blasting actually does
Fine media - glass bead or white corundum - is propelled at the part at 4-6 bar. Each impact peens a shallow crater, and thousands of overlapping craters replace the directional layer lines with a uniform matte texture. Nothing is removed dimensionally: the effect is measured in single microns, so a blasted part still meets its drawing.
It is also the standard preparation for PVD. A blasted surface gives the coating a mechanical key and a consistent base colour, which is why nearly every coated part we ship has been through the cabinet first.
Blasting at a glance
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Media | Glass bead 100-200 mesh, white corundum 120-220 mesh |
| Surface result | Ra 1.5-3 um, uniform matte |
| Dimensional effect | None measurable - peening, not removal |
| Coverage | All reachable surfaces; masked areas stay as printed |
| Edge effect | Slight rounding of sharp edges |
| Masking | Threads, bores, mating faces and PVD contact points masked on request |
| Lead time | 1-2 working days |
| Minimum order | 1 piece |
When to blast
- ✓Hiding layer lines on visible faces
- ✓Uniform colour base before PVD coating
- ✓Removing support scars and tool marks
- ✓Matte finishes for industrial and tooling parts
- ✓Anti-glare surfaces for optical and display parts
- ✓Preparing a surface for bonding or painting
If the part must be glossy, go to mirror polishing instead; if you need both, we blast first and polish only the faces you name.
Frequently asked questions
Will blasting change my tolerances?
No. Blasting is a peening process, not a cutting one - the dimensional effect is under 5 microns. It will slightly round sharp edges, so on a knife edge or a sealing face we mask it.
Can you blast only part of the part?
Yes. Send a marked-up drawing or a photo and we mask the rest. Two-tone finishes (blasted body, polished face) are a common request for medallions and badges.
Glass bead or corundum - which one?
Glass bead gives a softer, brighter satin; corundum cuts faster and leaves a slightly darker, more open texture that holds PVD colour more evenly. We pick based on the substrate and the target colour.
Get your quote within 48 hours
Upload a 3D file (STL, STEP, OBJ, 3MF) or just a photo / drawing. An engineer checks printability, flags anything that will not print, and replies with a clear price breakdown within 48 hours. From one prototype to 1,000+ pieces.
Prefer email? dimension3dHAN@gmail.com