TECHNICAL GUIDE
August 18, 2026
High Carbon Steel Shot Technical Specifications
High carbon steel shot consists of spherical media produced by atomizing molten high-carbon steel and then subjecting it to special heat-treatment processes to achieve optimum hardness, microstructure, and mechanical strength. It is designed to deliver high performance and long service life especially in surface preparation, deburring, scale removal, and shot peening applications.
Key Technical Parameters
Chemical Composition:
- Carbon (C): 0.85 – 1.20%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.60 – 1.20%
- Silicon (Si): 0.40 – 1.20%
- Sulfur (S): max 0.05%
- Phosphorus (P): max 0.05%
| Microstructure | Fully tempered martensite (homogeneous, crack-resistant structure) |
|---|---|
| Hardness — Standard | 40 – 50 HRC (400 – 510 HV) |
| Hardness — On Request | High-hardness / peening grade (52 – 60 HRC) |
| Specific Gravity / Density | 7.4 g/cm³ |
| Bulk Density | Approx. 4.4 – 4.6 kg/dm³ |
| Form & Shape | Spherical media with a smooth surface and minimized internal voids |
Advantages and Key Features
- High Wear and Impact Resistance: The tempered martensitic microstructure prevents immediate breakage on impact; the media retains its sphericity over an extended period, minimizing wear on equipment and parts.
- Low Operating and Consumption Cost: Its balanced hardness and high toughness give it an extremely long duty cycle. A low breakdown rate reduces consumption and minimizes dust generation.
- Homogeneous Surface Roughness: Its spherical shape produces a uniform satin roughness (peening/pitting) without scratching or cutting the material surface — creating an ideal anchor profile ahead of paint, coating, and anti-corrosion applications.
- Filter- and Equipment-Friendly: A low breakdown rate reduces the load on dust filters and extends the service life of internal blasting machine components.
Applications
- Casting and Forging Cleaning: Removing sand and scale from gray iron, ductile iron, and steel castings.
- Surface Preparation: Surface roughening to SA 2.5 / SA 3 standards ahead of painting, coating, rubber lining, or insulation applications.
- Deburring: Removing burrs from heat-treated or cast parts.
- Shot Peening: Inducing residual compressive stresses to improve fatigue life on critical parts such as springs, gears, and crankshafts.
- Marble and Natural Stone Cutting: Used as an abrasive aid in gang-saw marble and stone-block cutting.
Applicable Standards
Products are tested and shipped in compliance with international industrial quality standards:
- SAE J444 / SAE J827 (Steel Shot Size and Quality Standards)
- ISO 11124-3 / ISO 11125 (Metallic Abrasive Standards)
- DIN 8201-2
Contact us to select the right hardness grade and grain size for your application.
Let's Determine the Right Consumable for Your Application Together
Get in touch with us to learn more about steel shot hardness grades, grain sizes, and supply volumes.