Titanium Bead Blasting — Surface Roughness Data
Surface roughness ranges achieved by bead blasting titanium components. Media type, pressure, and distance parameters with quantified Ra values.
| Property | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Ra Range (Bead Blasted) | 0.8-3.2 | µm Ra | Glass bead media, 4-6 bar pressure |
| Typical Ra Range (Machined) | 0.4-1.6 | µm Ra | Standard CNC machining finish |
| Typical Ra Range (Polished) | 0.05-0.2 | µm Ra | Mechanical polishing |
| Bead Size Range | 50-250 | µm | Glass beads, larger = rougher finish |
| Blasting Pressure | 4-8 | bar | Higher pressure = deeper surface deformation |
Quick Answer
Bead blasting titanium produces surface roughness of 0.8-3.2 µm Ra depending on media size (50-250 µm glass beads) and pressure (4-8 bar). It creates a uniform matte finish suitable for cosmetic and functional applications.
Surface Roughness Comparison
| Finish Type | Ra Range (µm) | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Machined (Standard) | 0.4-1.6 | General purpose |
| Bead Blasted | 0.8-3.2 | Cosmetic matte, uniform texture |
| Polished | 0.05-0.2 | Medical implants, wear surfaces |
| Anodized | 0.2-0.8 | Corrosion protection + color |
| Passivated | 0.4-1.6 | Corrosion resistance (no change) |
Process Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Range | Effect on Ra |
|---|---|---|
| Bead Size | 50-250 µm | Larger beads = higher Ra |
| Pressure | 4-8 bar | Higher pressure = higher Ra |
| Distance | 100-300 mm | Greater distance = lower impact |
| Angle | 60-90° | 90° = maximum texture |
| Duration | Until uniform appearance | Over-blasting can pit surface |
Engineering Notes
- Bead blasting hides machining marks and creates a uniform appearance
- Does not change part dimensions significantly (material removal < 1 µm)
- Can be used before anodizing for consistent color appearance
- Not recommended for sealing surfaces or bearing journals
- For fatigue-critical parts, consult with the engineering team about shot peening as an alternative
Evidence Basis
Based on surface-engineering guidance from ASM Handbook Volume 5 and ASTM B600. ASM documents the general bead-blasting process capability; the specific Ra bands listed here are typical/indicative values derived from industry practice, not certified finish guarantees for every configuration.
Engineering Interpretation (titanium.blog)
(titanium.blog) Bead blasting is a surface-conditioning process, not a precision-finishing one: treat the 0.8-3.2 µm Ra band as a capability range, not a guaranteed tolerance. It is suitable for cosmetic matte finishes and pre-anodizing texture; for fatigue-critical or sealing surfaces, prefer controlled shot peening or machined finishes instead.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Volume 5: Surface Engineering
- ASTM B600 — Standard Guide for Descaling and Cleaning Titanium Surfaces