Using Aluminum oxide blast abrasive for Wheels

Aluminum oxide is a popular chemical compound for abrasive blasting, but is it the best blast media for your project?

Aluminum oxide blasting makes use of an air compressor to propel blast abrasive grains through a nozzle at high velocity onto your chosen project surface. It has various applications, such as treating aluminum wheels.

Due to it’s hard and sharp composition, aluminum oxide is a go-to choice for removing thick layers of paint and corrosion. It’s durable and stronger than a lot of other blast media, like glass beads or garnet, which are less abrasive.

For wheels, however, aluminum oxide is likely not the best choice—softer media like glass or plastic beads, corn cobs, or walnut shells are more likely to remove paint, rust, or other automotive coatings without damaging the wheel itself. An even better choice is superoxalloy (explained further down).

Whenever you start blasting, keep the PSI low at first and then increase it if necessary. This provides an extra layer of protection from potentially damaging your wheels at a high pressure. 

The Best Blast Media to Use 

10X Engineered Materials has created a line of superoxalloy abrasives that will get the job done and leave the surface of your wheels smooth and clean.  Products include KinetiX (high-production grades) and EpiX (precision grades), both of which perform in finer grit sizes, as well as or better than expensive, clean, ultra-high-performance media.

These abrasives are made up of polymorphous particles, meaning they can perform multiple functions at one time, removing the layers quicker and more efficiently in just one step. Additionally, these abrasives are strong but gentle and will leave the underlying surface unharmed. 

Currently, KinetiX and EpiX are available from abrasive distributors around the US. If you don’t see a distributor near you, contact 10X and we will work with you to get you what you need. EpiX abrasive, which is best for precision applications such as powder coating and medical applications, is also available to purchase directly from the 10X Engineered Materials website.