SSPC-AB 3

February 1, 2003

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

SSPC-AB 3
Ferrous Metallic Abrasive

1. Scope

3. Referenced Standards

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for ferrous metallic abrasive for the removal of rust, mill scale,
paint, or other surface coating system by blast cleaning.

3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the

referenced standards in effect at the time of the bid solicitation shall govern, unless otherwise specified.

1.2 This specification covers previously unused abrasive material. It does not address cleanliness of recycled
abrasive processed through field or shop abrasive blast
cleaning units. Requirements for recycled ferrous metallic
abrasive is covered in SSPC-AB 2.

3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of any

of the cited reference standards and this specification, the
requirements of this specification shall prevail.

AB 2 Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous Metallic

Abrasive

2. Description and Use

2.1 Ferrous metallic abrasive can have two basic particle shapes: (1) spherical or round for shot; and (2) angular
or irregular for grit, as defined in Sections 4.1.3.1 and
4.1.3.2.

3.4 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS1

C 128

Test Method for Specific Gravity and

Absorption of Fine Aggregate
C 136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine
and Coarse Aggregates
D 4940 Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis
of Water-Soluble Ionic Contamination of
Blasting Abrasive
E 11
Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for
Testing Purposes
E 350 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of
Carbon Steel, Low-Alloy Steel, Silicon
Electrical Steel, Ingot Iron, and Wrought
Iron
E 384 Test Method for Microhardness of
Materials
E 1019 Test Methods for Determination of
Carbon, Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in
Steel and in Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt
Alloys

2.2 The size designations and specifications for shot

and grit are given in Tables 1 and 2 (see Note 7.2).
2.3 ABRASIVE CLASS: Ferrous metallic abrasive is
divided into two classes.
2.3.1 Class 1 Steel Abrasive: Steel abrasive is
characterized by low carbon content. Steel abrasive is not
as hard as iron abrasive, and hence is more durable.
2.3.2 Class 2 Iron Abrasive: Iron abrasive is characterized by high carbon content and hardness typically over
55 R c. The particle shape requirements for iron grit are less
stringent than those for steel grit.
2.4 ABRASIVE SELECTION: The owner/specification
writer may define the abrasive class, shape, size, and
hardness to meet the job requirements.

ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959; http://www.astm.org

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3.3 SSPC STANDARD

0.1110
0.0937
0.0787
0.0661
0.0555
0.0469
0.0394
0.0331
0.0278
0.0234
0.0197
0.0165
0.0139
0.0117
0.0070
0.0049

Screen
Opening
(mm)*

2.80
2.36
2.00
1.70
1.40
1.18
1.00
0.850
0.710
0.600
0.500
0.425
0.355
0.300
0.180
0.125

780
all pass

85% min.**
97% min

660

all pass

85% min.
97% min.

TABLE 1
Steel Shot Size Specifications

460

all pass
5% max.

85% min.
96% min.

390

all pass
5% max.

85% min.
96% min.

330

all pass
5% max.

85% min.
96% min.

280

all pass
10% max.

85% min.
97% min.

230

all pass
10% max.

85% min.
97% min.

170

all pass

10% max.
all pass

10% max.

80% min.
90% min. 80% min.
90% min.

110

SHOT SIZE

550

all pass
5% max.

85% min.
96% min.

70

all pass

85% min
97% min

Screen
Screen No Opening
ASTM E 11 (inches)*

7
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
80
120

* Screen opening sizes and screen numbers with maximum and minimum culmulative percentages allowed on corresponding screens. NOTE: These sizes correspond to those
in SAE J444 Cast Shot and Grit Size Specifications for Peening and Cleaning.
** All percentages refer to weight percent.

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SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003

SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003

TABLE 2
METALLIC GRIT SIZE SPECIFICATIONS
Screen
Screen
Opening
Opening
ASTM E 11 (inches)*

8
10
12
14
16
18
25
40
50
80
120
200

0.0937
0.0787
0.0661
0.0555
0.0469
0.0394
0.0278
0.0165
0.0117
0.0070
0.0049
0.0029

Screen
Opening
(mm)*

2.36
2.00
1.70
1.40
1.18
1.00
0.710
0.425
0.300
0.180
0.125
0.075

Grit Size
G 12

all pass

80%**
90%

G14

all pass

80%**
90%

G18

G16

all pass

75%
85%

all pass

75%
85%

G25

all pass

70%
80%

G40

all pass

70%
80%

G50

all pass

65%
75%

G80

all pass

65%
75%

G120

all pass

60%
70%

* Screen opening sizes and screen numbers with maximum and minimum culmulative percentages allowed on corresponding screens.
NOTE: These sizes correspond to those in SAE J444.
** All percentages refer to weight percent.

elongated particles for steel abrasive and no more than

30% elongated particles for iron abrasive. (An elongated
particle is one with a length more than twice its diameter.)
Also see Note 7.4

3.5 SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS (SAE)

STANDARD2
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J444

Cast Shot and Grit Size Specifications for

Peening and Cleaning

4.1.3.2 Grit: Using 10X magnification, grit shall be

irregular or angular shaped particles with no more than 10%
round or half-round particles for steel abrasive and no more
than 25% round or half-round particles for iron abrasive
(also see Note 7.4).

4. Requirements
4.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
4.1.1 Size Classification: The abrasive shall be tested
in accordance with Section 5.2.1 and shall meet the size
requirements for each size specified as defined in Table 1 for
shot or Table 2 for grit.

4.1.4 Specific Gravity: When tested in accordance

with Section 5.2.2, the specific gravity of the abrasive shall
be no less than 7.0 for steel abrasive and no less than 6.8
for iron abrasive.

4.1.2 Hardness: Abrasive hardness shall be tested in

accordance with Section 5.2.4 and shall meet the specified
hardness requirements (see Notes 7.2 and 7.3).

4.1.5 Durability: Metallic abrasive is tested for durability in accordance with Section 5.2.5.
4.1.5.1 Steel: After 100 cycles in the durability test, no
more than 20% by weight of a steel abrasive shall pass
through the appropriate take-out screen as defined in Table
3 for grit or in Table 4 for shot (see Note 7.5).

4.1.3 Particle Shape (see Note 7.4)

4.1.3.1 Shot: Using 10X magnification, shot shall be
predominantly rounded particles with no more than 10%
2

Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrentdale PA 15096-0001; http://www.sae.org

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SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003

4.1.5.2 Iron: After 50 cycles in the durability test, no

more than 50% by weight of an iron abrasive shall pass
through the appropriate take-out screen as defined in Table
3 for grit or in Table 4 for shot (see Note 7.5).

TABLE 3
Steel Grit Take-Out Screens
Steel Take-Out
Screen Size

Iron Take-Out
Screen Size

G12

40 mesh

G14
G16

40 mesh
40 mesh

40 mesh
40 mesh

G18
G25

40 mesh
50 mesh

G40
G50*

50 mesh
70 mesh

G80*
G120*

*
*

4.2 PROPERTIES
4.2.1 Chemistry: When tested in accordance with Section 5.2.3, the chemical composition of the abrasive shall
conform to the requirements in Table 5.

40 mesh
40 mesh
50 mesh
50 mesh

4.2.2 Conductivity: When tested in accordance with

Section 5.2.7, the conductivity of the solution of watersoluble contaminants shall not exceed 1000 microsiemens
per centimeter (S/cm). (1 S/cm = 1 mho/cm)

80 mesh
*
*

* Abrasive sizes G50, G80 and G120 cannot be accurately tested

due to limitations of the test apparatus in retaining fine abrasives.

4.2.3 Cleanliness: When tested in accordance with

Section 5.2.6, the abrasive shall be free of dust, oil, grease,
corrosion, and non-magnetic matter subject to the limitations in Sections 4.2.3.1 and 4.2.3.2, and other contaminants. The presence of rust in excess of a slight red or blue
oxidation of the abrasive particle shall be cause for rejection.

TABLE 4
Steel Shot Take-Out Screens

Steel Take-Out
Screen Size
40 mesh
40 mesh

Iron Take-Out
Screen Size
40 mesh
40 mesh

S550
S460

40 mesh
40 mesh

40 mesh
40 mesh

S390
S330

40 mesh
50 mesh

40 mesh
50 mesh

S280
S230

50 mesh
50 mesh

50 mesh
50 mesh

4.2.3.2 Reject: If the sample has more than 0.2 percent

by weight of non-magnetic matter and/or has an oil film or
slick on the surface of the water and sides of the container,
it must be rejected.

S170
S110*

50 mesh
70 mesh

70 mesh
80 mesh

5. Quality Assurance Test Methods

S70*

Shot Size
S780
S660

4.2.3.1 Accept: If the sample has 0.2 percent or less by

weight of non-magnetic matter and no oil film or slick on the
surface of the water, it is considered clean. Clouding or
discoloration of the water is not grounds for rejection.

5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TESTING: Unless otherwise specified, the supplier is responsible for performing
and documenting the preliminary acceptance tests and
inspections called for in this specification. The procurement
documents should establish the specific responsibilities for
conformance testing.

* Shot sizes S110 and S70 cannot be accurately tested due to

limitations of the test apparatus in retaining these sizes.

TABLE 5
Abrasive Chemistry

Element
Carbon
Manganese
Phosphorus

Steel
Percent by Weight*
1.5%, maximum
1.2%, maximum
0.05%, maximum

5.2 TEST PARAMETERS: Unless otherwise specified

in the contract or purchase order, the supplier shall be
responsible for compliance with the requirements for class,
size, specific gravity, chemical composition, hardness, durability, cleanliness, and conductivity.

Iron
Percent by Weight
1.6%, minimum
N/A
N/A

* Percentages only reflect two significant figures.

5.2.1 Size: The abrasive sizing shall be tested in accordance with ASTM C 136.

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Grit Size

SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003

7.

5.2.2 Specific Gravity: Specific gravity shall be determined in accordance with ASTM C 128.

8.
5.2.3 Chemical Composition: Chemical composition
shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E 1019 for
carbon content and ASTM E 350 for manganese and phosphorus content.

5.2.7 Conductivity: Conductivity tests shall be run in

accordance with ASTM D 4940.

6. Disclaimer

5.2.4 Hardness: Hardness values shall be obtained

and converted to Rockwell C equivalents in accordance with
ASTM E 384 utilizing a microhardness tester with a 500 g
load.

6.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all

information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications
is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC
cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or methods
specified herein, or of the specification or standard itself.

5.2.4.1 Metallic abrasive sometimes contains internal

shrinkage, voids, or inclusions, which remain undetected
beneath the surface in a mounted and polished sample.
These characteristics can cause a non-uniform hardness
reading and shall be ignored when testing for hardness.

6.2 This specification does not attempt to address

problems concerning safety associated with its use. The
user of this specification, as well as the user of all products
or practices described herein, is responsible for instituting
appropriate health and safety practices and for ensuring
compliance with all governmental regulations.

5.2.5 Durability Test Procedure

5.2.5.1 Procedure
1. Obtain a representative sample and weigh out
100 grams ( 0.1 g) of new abrasive.
2. Place a 100 g sample in a calibrated standard
durability test machine (see Section 5.2.5.2) and
run a steel abrasive for 100 cycles and an iron
abrasive for 50 cycles.
3. Remove the sample from the test machine and
hand screen the sample on the appropriate takeout screen (see Table 3 for grit; Table 4 for shot).
Record the weight of the sample remaining on
the screen after hand screening is completed.

7. Notes

7.1 ABRASIVE PRODUCTIVITY: For greatest productivity, always use the finest size abrasive that will effectively
clean the surface and produce the proper profile. Abrasive
recycling machines should be set to retain all usable abrasive sizes in the working mix for maximum productivity and
lowest abrasive consumption. Productivity is directly affected by such variables as particle size, shape, number of
particles, velocity, distance, and angle of attack, and hardness of the surface being cleaned. There is a maximum
abrasive flow rate that provides highest productivity. Increasing the abrasive flow beyond the critical rate usually
reduces productivity.

5.2.6
1.
2.
3.
4.

Abrasive Cleanliness
Obtain a representative sample.
Weigh out 100 grams 1 gram.
Magnetically remove all magnetic material.
Weigh remaining non-magnetic material and
record weight.
5. Check magnetic material for rust in excess of
slight red or blue oxidation.
6. Recombine magnetic and non-magnetic material
in a glass jar and cover with at least one inch of
potable water.

7.2 ABRASIVE HARDNESS: Abrasive hardness may

affect the performance of ferrous metallic abrasive as follows:
51 Rc and higher hardness
Increasing hardness increases the cutting rate compared to abrasive with hardnesses below 51 Rc (hardness of 51 on the Rockwell C scale), particularly when
removing live (i.e., soft, flexible) coating systems.

Ervin Test Machines are available (for purchase or as loaners) from Ervin Industries, Inc. at 3893 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI
48108; phone (800) 748-0055 or (734) 769-4600; fax (734) 663-0136; E-mail: sales@ervinindustries.com

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Notes are not requirements of this specification.

5.2.5.2 Apparatus: Durability tests shall be performed

using an Ervin Test Machine 3 or equivalent shot/grit test
machine, properly calibrated in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions.

Vigorously shake the jar containing water and

recombined material.
After shaking, observe water surface in jar as
described in Sections 4.2.3.1 and 4.2.3.2.

SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003

Increasing hardness increases the surface profile compared to abrasive with hardnesses below 51 Rc.
Increasing hardness lowers the durability and increases
abrasive consumption compared to abrasive with
hardnesses below 51 Rc .

Shot generally produces a rounded profile and is

effective in removing mill scale.
Grit generally produces a deeper, angular profile and
is more effective for the removal of existing coating
systems and rust.

7.5 ABRASIVE DURABILITY: Abrasive durability is

based on laboratory conditions using test equipment. Actual
results under field conditions will vary. Hence, the durability
test described in Section 5.2.5 should not be used to quantitatively compare the field efficiency of different abrasive.

RC 50 and lower hardness

Good cutting rate for new steel and most coating
systems
Lower profile compared to abrasive with hardnesses
of 51 Rc and higher.
Higher durability but greater tendency to rounding
compared to abrasive with hardnesses of 51 Rcand
higher.

7.7 ABRASIVE DISPOSAL: Disposal of spent abrasive

should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local
regulations. It should be noted that the spent abrasive may
contain hazardous paint and other foreign matter.

7.3 ABRASIVE CHANGE WITH USE: With use, abrasive hardness, particle size, and particle shape will vary
depending on initial hardness, blasting velocity, and blasting method. Abrasive hardness may increase with continued
reuse. Abrasive size will decrease with continued reuse.
Because of change in hardness, shape, and size, it is important that new abrasive is added to the work mix on a regular
basis to ensure quality and consistency of blast profile and
cleanliness.

7.8 FOR MORE INFORMATION: SSPC's Volume 1,

Good Painting Practice, and Volume 2, Systems and Specifications, provide additional information on abrasive types and
selection.

7.4 ABRASIVE SHAPE: Abrasive shape may affect

the profile produced for subsequent new coatings in the
following ways:

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