S330 Cast Steel Shot

S330 Cast Steel Shot is a medium-size spherical abrasive used for general surface preparation on steel and iron workpieces. Shandong Haishan Industrial Technology supplies this grade from a production base with 100,000 tons of annual capacity, serving customers in more than 50 countries. The product is positioned between finer S230 and coarser S390 grades, offering a balance of impact force and surface coverage. It is intended for moderate rust and scale removal, not for precision finishing or the heaviest descaling work.

Particle Size and Hardness

S330 corresponds to a nominal particle size of approximately 1.0 mm under the SAE J444 classification. The standard hardness range is HRC 40–50. The particles are spherical and produced by a water atomization process followed by heat treatment and precision screening. Spherical shape helps the shot flow smoothly through blasting equipment and produce a more uniform surface profile compared to angular grit.

Chemical composition, hardness, and size distribution are checked on each production batch. Hardness is measured on mounted cross-sections with a Rockwell tester. Sieve analysis follows SAE J444.

Balanced Performance for General Cleaning

• Moderate impact energy: S330 delivers enough force to remove ordinary rust, mill scale, and light welding spatter without the aggressive surface roughening caused by coarse grit or larger shot.
• Good surface coverage: The medium particle size provides a higher number of impacts per unit area than larger grades, which helps clean irregular surfaces more uniformly.
• Controlled profile: On carbon steel, S330 typically produces a surface profile in the range of 40–75 μm under normal blasting conditions. This suits many general anti-corrosion coating systems.
• Recyclable in closed-loop systems: The shot can be reused multiple times in wheel blast machines. The working mix should be monitored and replenished as particles wear down.

Where S330 Fits in the Size Range

The table below compares S330 with adjacent steel shot grades. Use it as a general guide when selecting an abrasive for a specific cleaning task.

For many structural steel and general fabrication applications, S330 provides a practical balance between cleaning speed and surface quality. If the work involves very thick scale or hard welding slag, a larger shot or angular grit may be more effective.

Equipment and Process Notes

S330 is compatible with wheel blast machines, air blast cabinets, and automated blasting lines. Operators may need to adjust wheel speed, abrasive flow, and conveyor speed to achieve the required cleanliness and profile. No special equipment modification is normally required when switching from other medium-size steel shot grades, but initial trials are recommended to confirm results on the specific workpiece.

Typical Uses

• Removal of moderate rust from H-beams, channels, and angles
• Sand and light scale removal from medium-sized castings and forgings
• Surface preparation of steel plates before painting or coating
• Cleaning of general mechanical parts before inspection or repainting
• Blasting of pipe exteriors and structural components

S330 is not recommended for ultra-thin sheet metal (below 3 mm), precision components requiring very low roughness, or heavy descaling where a coarser abrasive is needed.

Quality Verification and Documentation

Each batch of S330 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 certificate and metallographic reports, are available on request.

 

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 avoid moisture absorption.

Common Questions

What is the difference between S330 steel shot and S330 steel grit?

Steel shot is spherical and works mainly by impact, while steel grit is angular and cuts the surface. S330 shot leaves a smoother profile and is often used for general cleaning, while grit is chosen for heavier rust and deeper anchor profiles. The same size designation does not mean the two products behave the same way.

Can S330 be used to achieve Sa 2.5 cleanliness?

Under correct blasting parameters, S330 shot can support Sa 2.5 surface preparation. Sa 2.5 is a visual cleanliness standard, not a surface profile value. The actual result depends on the initial surface condition, blasting speed, and abrasive flow.

Is S330 suitable for shot peening?

Shot peening typically requires a specific size and hardness range to produce a controlled compressive stress layer. S330 can be used in some peening applications, but the process must be qualified according to the relevant specification. For critical peening, consult the part manufacturer or process specification.

What surface profile can I expect after blasting with S330?

On carbon steel, the typical surface profile is 40–75 μm, but this varies with blasting pressure, standoff distance, and the condition of the steel. Use replica tape or a surface profile gauge to verify the actual value before coating.

How many times can S330 Cast Steel Shot be recycled?

In a closed-loop wheel blast system, S330 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 S330 be mixed with steel grit or other shot sizes?

Yes, S330 is sometimes mixed with other grades or with angular steel grit to balance cleaning speed and surface profile. The mix ratio should be determined based on the surface condition and the coating requirement. We can provide a recommendation after reviewing your process.