Nu-Soft Steel Shot
Cast Steel Shot
This low-hardness steel shot is a metallurgically developed abrasive designed for blasting soft and delicate metal parts. Nu-Soft Steel Shot is designed for use in standard centrifugal wheel blasting systems and pneumatic pressure blast cabinets. Kramer Industries supplies this media for applications where harder or more abrasive media could damage part details.
The round shape and controlled hardness provide a smooth blasting action with little to no dusting. The media can remove corrosion, heat-treat scale, release-agent buildup, and other contaminants while helping preserve the underlying surface. Cast Steel Shot also has a low-carbon composition and high density, supporting consistent media flow and durable performance.
Benefits
- Low Hardness
- Extreme Durability
- Round Shape
- Safe on Delicate and Sensitive Parts
- Works in Standard Blast Equipment
- Little to No Dusting
- Won’t Damage Part Details
- No Work Hardening of the Part
- Resists Breaking Down
- No Metal Removal from Part Surface
Applications
- Deburring Delicate Machined Parts and Stampings
- Cleaning Investment Castings
- Remove Release Agent Build-up on Molds
- Corrosion Removal
- Remove Heat Treat Scale
- Deflashing Die Cast Aluminum Parts
Nu-Soft Steel Shot for Delicate Parts
Nu-Soft Steel Shot is designed for applications where the surface must be cleaned without removing metal or damaging fine details. Its low hardness and spherical shape allow the particles to contact the workpiece with controlled impact rather than the aggressive cutting action of angular abrasives.
For delicate machined parts and stampings, the media can support deburring and cleaning while helping maintain part geometry. It is also suitable for selected investment castings, die-cast aluminum parts, molds, and other components that require gentle surface treatment.
Low Carbon Steel Shot for Controlled Blasting
Low carbon steel shot provides a durable, round abrasive option for controlled cleaning and preparation. Kramer Industries describes Nu-Soft Steel Shot as low carbon with a density above 7 g/cc, while its published specifications list a minimum density of 7.4 g/cc and bulk density of 230–260 lbs/ft³.
The combination of low hardness, spherical shape, and density makes this steel shot suitable for applications where aggressive metal removal is not wanted. It can help remove surface contamination while limiting work hardening and preserving important part details.
Density of Steel Shot
The density of steel shot affects how the particles behave during blasting and how much impact energy is delivered to the work surface. Nu-Soft Steel Shot has a high density compared with many lightweight abrasive materials, supporting efficient particle movement through compatible blasting systems.
The published Kramer specifications list a minimum density of 7.4 g/cc (460 lbs/ft³). Actual blasting performance also depends on particle size, equipment settings, air pressure, wheel speed, and the condition of the workpiece.
Steel Shot Sizes for Shot Blasting
Steel shot sizes for shot blasting should be selected according to the part geometry, contamination, required coverage, and desired finish. Kramer’s Nu-Soft grades range from NS-070 through NS-330, with approximate particle sizes from 0.007 to 0.033 inches.
Finer steel shot sizes for shot blasting can provide coverage on smaller or detailed components, while larger particles can provide stronger impact for suitable cleaning applications. Choosing the correct size helps balance cleaning efficiency with surface protection.
Blasting Equipment and Process
The media is designed for use in standard centrifugal wheel blasting systems and pneumatic pressure blast cabinets. Equipment settings should be matched to the selected shot size and the sensitivity of the workpiece.
Air pressure, wheel speed, media flow, blasting distance, and exposure time influence the cleaning result. A controlled process helps maintain consistent coverage without unnecessary impact on delicate components.
Applications for Cleaning and Surface Preparation
Cast Steel Shot can be used for corrosion removal, heat-treat scale removal, release-agent buildup on molds, investment casting cleaning, and deflashing of die-cast aluminum parts. Its spherical shape supports cleaning and peening-style impact rather than aggressive cutting.
Kramer Industries provides Nu-Soft Steel Shot for applications where standard harder steel shot may be too aggressive. The different shot grades allow the media to be matched to the required coverage and finish.
Reusability and Durability
Nu-Soft Steel Shot is designed for high durability and resistance to breakdown. Its published product information states that the media has durability more than twice that of standard steel grades and substantially greater durability than many other abrasive media.
Cast Steel Shot can therefore be suitable for repeated blasting cycles when the media remains clean and within the required particle-size range. Media condition should be monitored during use, particularly when contaminants or broken particles could affect the finishing result.
Where to Buy Steel Shot
When determining where to buy steel shot, buyers should consider the required grade, particle size, hardness, density, application, and equipment compatibility. Nu-Soft Steel Shot is available from Kramer Industries in several grades for specialized blasting requirements.
Choosing the correct steel shot is more important than selecting a product based only on price. The appropriate grade and size can help achieve consistent coverage, controlled cleaning, and the required surface condition.
Cast Steel Shot Compared With Other Abrasives
Unlike angular steel grit, spherical steel shot does not produce the same aggressive etched profile. This makes Cast Steel Shot useful when cleaning, polishing, deburring, or controlled peening is needed without substantial metal removal.
For delicate components, the lower hardness of Nu-Soft Steel Shot can provide a gentler alternative to harder abrasive media. The correct abrasive ultimately depends on the substrate, contamination, desired finish, and equipment.
Specifications
Steel Shot Specifications |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Shot Grade |
Approximate Size |
Finish |
Applications |
| NS-070 | 0.007″ | Fine, smooth shot finish. Excellent coverage. | Blasting of investment castings engine valves, corroded parts. Prep for plating, general cleaning, paint removal. |
| NS-110 | 0.011″ | ||
| NS-170 | 0.017″ | ||
| NS-230 | 0.023″ | Medium, light shot finish. Good coverage. | Paint removal, heat treat scale and discoloration, removal of chrome planting, Blating of sand casted parts |
| NS-330 | 0.033″ | ||
Steel Shot Specifications |
|
|---|---|
Size |
All material is screened to meet or exceed SAE and SFS specifications. |
Chemistry |
Carbon: < 1.20% Manganese: < 1.3% Silicon: < 1.2% |
Minimum Density |
7.4 g/cc (460 lbs/ft 3 ) |
Bulk Density |
230 – 260 lbs/ft 3 |
Hardness |
<20 HRC (3-3.5 MOHS) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How difficult is it to cast steel?
Steel casting is an industrial process that requires controlled melting, molding, chemistry, cooling, and finishing. The difficulty depends on the alloy, component geometry, required tolerances, and production method. Nu-Soft Steel Shot is manufactured as cast steel shot with controlled chemistry and particle characteristics for blasting applications.
Q2. What are the advantages of cast steel?
Cast steel can provide useful strength, durability, and controlled mechanical properties when produced with appropriate chemistry and processing. In blasting media, the spherical cast-steel form can provide consistent impact and durability. Nu-Soft Steel Shot is engineered for controlled blasting of soft and delicate metal parts.
Q3. What is steel shot made of?
Steel shot is made from steel and is formed into spherical particles for blasting applications. Kramer’s Nu-Soft specifications list carbon below 1.20%, manganese below 1.3%, and silicon below 1.2%. The product is designed as low-hardness, cast steel shot for controlled cleaning and surface treatment.
Q4. What is Nu-Soft Steel Shot used for?
Nu-Soft Steel Shot is used for deburring delicate machined parts and stampings, cleaning investment castings, removing release-agent buildup from molds, corrosion removal, heat-treat scale removal, and deflashing die-cast aluminum parts.
Q5. Is cast steel shot reusable?
Yes. Steel shot is designed for repeated use in suitable blasting systems because of its durability. Actual media life depends on blasting conditions, contamination, equipment, particle breakdown, and the required finish.
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