Garnet Abrasive Sand and Its Applications in a Bird’s Eye View

Garnet abrasive sand is a naturally occurring silicate mineral deposit. In ancient times, garnet was often used as a gemstone. The harder species of abrasive sand such as almandine fulfils garnet abrasive uses and possess a hardness on the Mohs scale of about 6.5 to 7.5. Once extracted, garnet sand is washed, processed and screened to the intended abrasive grade for use as an abrasive media. 

Garnet abrasive sand can be recycled and used as an economical alternative to Aluminium Oxide Grit, Chilled Iron or Steel Grit shot. Generally speaking, garnet abrasive forms less dust compared to other abrasive shots hence being widely used. 

Garnet Abrasives

Garnet abrasive sand was formerly used as a transparent gem, a comparatively arduous mineral with a hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 on the scale, making it an efficient abrasive in various producing. Once crushed, it breaks into angular items that provide sharp edges for cutting and sanding tiny granules of uniform size. The cerise colour sandpaper it provides is widely employed in traded retailers. The transparent gem is then further crushed, screened to specific sizes, and oversubscribed as abrasive granules and powders. 

Key Features of Garnet Abrasive Sand

Garnet sand is mined from almandine and andradite mineral deposits. This semi-precious stone is then washed, processed and screened to the necessary grade after extraction, and is later on used as an abrasive media. It breaks down less readily and is amongst the most effective, safe, and versatile media for blast cleaning. 

Benefits of Garnet Abrasive Sand Blasting Media

Versatility 

Garnet sand is amongst the most optimum abrasive for use in a wide range of applications. Besides, it is able to create a superior surface for adhesion coating. 

Hygiene 

Garnet abrasive sand produces less dust compared to other expendable abrasive materials, making it extremely ideal for uses in tanks and other confined spaces.

Cost-Effectiveness & Sustainability

Apart from being able to last a long time, garnet abrasive sand is semi reusable and can be reused multiple times under the right conditions. Though, it does break down faster than fully reusable abrasives like aluminium oxide. 

Eco-Friendliness

Garnet sand is known as inert and non-toxic, making it safe for use around bodies of water. It is also fairly easy to clean, whilst its durability slows down the generation of dust. 

The Applications of Garnet Abrasive Sand

Sand Blasting

Almandine Garnet grains are by far the most adaptable natural blasting and cutting mediums available in international markets presently. Its intrinsic blasting physical and chemical helps to ensure the optimal performance of the abrasive garnet blasting. It has steadily superseded other blasting media for being environmentally friendly and reusable. Its presence can be seen in the following applications :
 

• The maintenance, refineries, oil wells, and many more in the Oil & Petroleum industry.

• Shipbuilding, repair yards, shipyards for blasting.

• Bridges, rail tanks, new buildings. 

• Denim blasting used for stone washing of denim fabrics. The garnet sand only fades the dye without damaging or stitching the cloth. 

Water Jet Cutting 

In water jet cutting, Grade 80/120 makes a perfect fit as a water jet cutting media for industrial purpose. Often comes in grain size and shape, it delivers excellent performance for projects such as the cutting of carbon steel, marble ceramics, stainless steel, and road painting. 

Water Filtration

Garnet sand is possibly the most cost effective alternative to water filtration beds as it resets the filter bed rather quickly after the bed is back-flushed. Additionally, it works well in eliminating or rejecting heavy minerals. The benefits of being chemically inert and recyclable makes it an excellent water treatment medium. 

Production of Abrasive Paper

Abrasive grains are extremely useful to coat abrasion hence being widely opted for in purposes such as coating metal and wood. Abrasive paper made out of abrasive grains is used for the surface preparation applications to paint and remove corrosive particles, breathing in new life to the surface preparation. 

Garnet Abrasive Sand from Dura International

Being one of the pioneers in supplying garnet abrasive sand in Malaysia, Dura International produces the finest quality of garnet abrasive sand great for use in sand blasting, water jet cutting, polishing, and so on. We are equipped with state-of-the-art processing facilities and spacious warehouses along with long term supply of raw materials. Most of all, we are committed to provide our clients with the best quality garnet sand that meets the ISO 11126-10:2017 requirements, mesh-size, low in dust and chlorides in short lead times at the most competitive rates. It is in our best interest to thoroughly wash, dry and pack the garnet sand before shipping it to our clients to ensure the removal of moisture.