S230 Cast Steel Shot

Shandong Haishan Industrial Technology produces S230 Cast Steel Shot as a fine spherical abrasive for precision cleaning and thin-section workpieces. The company has an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons and supplies customers in over 50 countries. S230 has a nominal particle size of approximately 0.6–0.7 mm and a standard hardness of HRC 40–50. Its smaller size and spherical shape produce a finer surface profile than larger steel shot grades, making it suitable for parts that require controlled roughness without excessive material removal.

Particle Size and Shape Control

S230 is manufactured through a water atomization process followed by heat treatment and multi-stage screening. The screening process is designed to maintain a narrow particle size distribution in accordance with SAE J444. The particles are predominantly spherical, which helps them flow consistently through blast equipment and produce a uniform impact pattern. No abrasive product can guarantee a completely spherical population, but the production process is intended to minimize irregular particles and broken shot.

Hardness is measured with a Rockwell tester on mounted cross-sections. Particle size distribution is verified by sieve analysis. The surface profile range is based on typical blasting conditions and will vary with pressure, standoff distance, and substrate condition.

Balanced Impact for Thin and Precision Parts

• Lower impact energy per particle: The smaller particle size reduces the force of each individual impact, which helps minimize the risk of deforming thin sheet metal or delicate components. It is a better choice than larger shot when dimensional stability is a concern.
• Dense impact coverage: The fine particles produce a high number of impacts per unit area, allowing cleaning of small features, corners, and recessed areas that coarser shot might miss.
• Controlled surface texture: S230 typically creates a surface profile of 25–45 μm on carbon steel. This range is often specified for thin-film coatings and precision applications where a smooth but keyed surface is required.
• Lower dust generation than angular abrasives: Spherical shot tends to break down more slowly than angular grit, which can reduce the amount of fine dust produced during blasting. Dust levels still depend on the workpiece condition and dust collection system.

Size Selection Guide: S230 vs S330 vs S390

The table below compares S230 with adjacent steel shot grades. Use it as a starting point when selecting an abrasive for a specific cleaning or finishing task.

For thin-walled components, aluminum die castings, and small hardware, S230 is often the preferred starting point because it offers sufficient cleaning with less aggressive surface alteration. For thicker steel with heavy rust or scale, a larger grade or angular grit may be required.

Applications and Limitations

S230 Cast Steel Shot is suitable for:

• Removal of light rust and scale from thin steel sheet and stampings
• Sand removal and light cleaning of small to medium precision castings
• Deburring and surface preparation of aluminum alloy die castings
• Fine matte finishing of small hardware and fasteners
• Mild internal cleaning of precision pipes and tubes
• Low-roughness pretreatment before thin-film coatings

S230 is not recommended for:

• Heavy rust or thick mill scale on structural steel
• Large castings or forgings with hard oxide layers
• Applications requiring deep anchor profiles above 75 μm
• Workpieces where impact energy must be maximized

Quality Verification and Testing

Each production batch of S230 Cast Steel Shot is tested for chemical composition, hardness, and particle size distribution. The laboratory is equipped with a direct-reading spectrometer, Rockwell hardness tester, and sieve shaker. Certificates of analysis and test reports are provided with every shipment. Additional documents, including ISO 9001:2015 certification and metallographic reports, are available on request. We maintain batch traceability from raw material to final shipment.

Packaging and Storage

Standard packaging is 25 kg bags with a moisture-resistant PE inner liner inside a woven polypropylene outer bag. 1,000 kg bulk bags on pallets are available for large orders. For export, pallets are prepared to meet ISPM 15 requirements. Store in a dry, covered area, and keep bags off the ground to prevent moisture absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between S230 steel shot and S230 steel grit?

Steel shot is spherical and works primarily by impact, while steel grit is angular and cuts the surface. For the same size designation, shot leaves a smoother profile and is used for general cleaning and peening, while grit is more aggressive and used for rust and scale removal where a deeper anchor profile is needed.

Can S230 be used on aluminum parts?

Yes, S230 is often used on aluminum die castings and other non-ferrous parts because its lower impact energy reduces the risk of surface damage. However, steel shot can cause ferrous contamination on aluminum if the surface is not subsequently cleaned or coated. For critical applications, stainless steel shot or non-metallic media may be required.

What surface profile can I expect from S230 blasting?

On carbon steel, S230 typically produces a surface profile of 25–45 μm under normal blasting conditions. The actual value depends on blasting pressure, standoff distance, and the condition of the substrate. Always verify the profile with replica tape or a surface profile gauge before coating.

Is S230 suitable for shot peening?

Shot peening often requires a specific shot size and hardness to produce a controlled compressive stress layer. S230 can be used in some peening processes, but the process must be qualified according to the relevant specification. For critical peening, consult the part manufacturer or the peening specification.

How many times can S230 steel shot be recycled?

In a closed-loop wheel blast system, S230 can be recycled many times. As particles wear and become smaller, they are removed by the separator, and new shot is added. The recycling life depends on the machine setup, abrasive flow, and workpiece hardness.

Can S230 be mixed with other shot sizes or steel grit?

Yes, S230 is sometimes mixed with larger shot or angular grit to balance cleaning speed and surface profile. The mix ratio should be determined based on the surface condition and coating requirement. We can provide a recommendation after reviewing your process.