Steel shot and steel grit are both abrasive materials used for surface cleaning, preparation, and finishing in various industrial applications. While they serve similar purposes, there are differences between the two in terms of composition, shape, and intended use. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between steel shot and steel grit:

• Composition:
  • Steel Shot: Steel shot is made from high-quality, hardened, and spherical steel particles. It is typically produced through a process of cutting steel wire into small pellets and then rounding them off through a heat treatment process.
  • Steel Grit: Steel grit is made from crushed steel media, often obtained by crushing steel shot. It has a more angular shape compared to steel shot.
• Shape:
  • Steel Shot: Steel shot has a round and spherical shape. The spherical nature allows it to impact a surface evenly and produce a smoother finish.
  • Steel Grit: Steel grit has a more angular and rough-edged shape. The angular particles provide aggressive cutting and etching action, making it suitable for applications where a rough surface profile is desired, such as in preparation for coatings or adhesives.
• Hardness:
  • Steel Shot: Steel shot is available in different hardness levels, ranging from softer to harder options. This allows for various levels of surface cleaning and preparation, depending on the hardness of the shot.
  • Steel Grit: Steel grit is typically harder than steel shot. The angular shape and hardness of steel grit contribute to its ability to remove tougher coatings and achieve a coarser surface profile.
• Applications:
  • Steel Shot: Steel shot is often used for cleaning, peening, and polishing surfaces, where a smoother finish is required. It is commonly used in applications such as shot blasting, shot peening, and cleaning metal parts.
  • Steel Grit: Steel grit is preferred for applications that require more aggressive surface cleaning and preparation, such as removing rust, scale, old coatings, and corrosion. It is commonly used in industries like shipbuilding, construction, and foundries.
• Surface Profile:
  • Steel Shot: Steel shot tends to create a smoother surface profile, making it suitable for applications where a fine or even surface finish is desired.
  • Steel Grit: Steel grit generates a rougher surface profile due to its angular particles, which is advantageous for coatings to adhere better and provide improved mechanical bonding.

In summary, steel shot is generally used for achieving smoother finishes and surface peening, while steel grit is preferred for more aggressive surface preparation and for creating rougher surface profiles. The choice between steel shot and steel grit depends on the specific requirements of the application, the desired finish, and the type of material being treated.

Rotocast is an ISO 9001-2008 Certified Manufacturer. All the products i.e. steel shot, steel grit, stainless steel cut wire shot and castings are strictly checked by our QC Staff so as to ensure their quality before delivering them. Reliability and durability are the best terms that describe the nature of our products. No wonder our products have earned us a long list of prestigious clients. The size distribution and specifications maintained for our products are illustrated in the product literature and individual product brochures of steel shot and steel grit.