Term: Grit Blasting (or Abrasive Blasting)

Category: Coating Method

Definition: Also referred to as abrasive blasting. An industrial process for cleaning, texturing, or altering the surfaces of metal and other materials. A high-velocity stream of abrasive particles, such as aluminum oxide, silica, or steel grit direct at a substrate removes contaminants like rust, scale, or paint from the substrate, while also providing the ability to create an exact surface roughness to allow maximum adhesion capability for coatings and other hydrophilic treatments. Grit blasting has found applications in many fields, including industrial, biomedical, and engineering. Grit blasting is an essential process for achieving surface quality and coating performance, including for hydrophilic coatings and medical device coatings.

Common Uses: 

• Preparing metal, polymer, or glass surfaces for coatings and adhesives
• Cleaning medical devices, implants, and surgical instruments before further treatment
• Improving adhesion of hydrophilic coatings and/or protective coatings

Related Content and Resources: 

Medical Device Surface Preparation For a Hydrophilic Coating

5 Common Coating Methods: Dip, Spin, Spray, Flow, & Meniscus