# Bead Blasting

> The uniform matte look: erases tool marks, hides fingerprints, preps perfect anodizing.

- Process group: Mechanical Finishes
- HTML page: https://fabvector.com/finishes/bead-blasting (Portuguese: https://fabvector.com/pt/finishes/bead-blasting)

## Specifications

| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Coating thickness | No coating — removes <5 µm and leaves a uniform, non-directional matte at Ra 0.8–1.6 µm. A texture change, not a layer. |
| Tolerance impact | Practically none — removal stays under 5 µm, within almost all machining tolerances. We still mask precision bores, threads and sealing faces by default: the texture change (not the size change) can affect function there. |
| Corrosion rating | Unchanged — no coating is added, so corrosion behavior stays that of the base material. Pair with anodizing or plating for protection. |
| Appearance | Uniform, non-directional satin matte that erases machining witness and evens out milled vs turned features; fine media gives silk, coarse media a pronounced matte. |
| Applicable substrates | aluminum, stainless-steel, steel, titanium, copper-alloys, magnesium-az31b, abs |

## Not suitable for

Mirror or low-roughness specs of Ra ≤0.4 µm (blasting raises roughness — that is polishing territory); unmasked sealing faces, precision bores and threads where surface texture is functional; thin delicate features that could distort under media impact.

## Typical applications

- Pre-anodize texture on consumer electronics housings
- Uniform appearance across mixed milled and turned features
- Fingerprint-hiding equipment panels
- Cleaning weld discoloration on stainless