Sulzer Metco

Material Product Data Sheet

Metcolite™ Grits
Thermal Spray Products: Metcolite 14, Metcolite C, Metcolite F, Metcolite F36, Metcolite VF

1 Introduction

Relatively coarse, sharp clean abrasives are required for

to prepare substrate surfaces for thermal spray applica-
tions. Metcolite grits are formulations of various grades
of fused aluminum oxides, and contain titanium dioxide
as a toughener. They have been especially developed
for optimum hardness and durability.

When using Metcolite™ aluminum oxide grits, the result-

ing surface profile is determined by the size of the grit,
which should be appropriately chosen for the applica-
tion. For very thin or very smooth coatings, a very fine
grit is recommended to avoid that the surface profile
is affected by grit inclusion. For very thick coatings, a
SEM Photomicrograph of Metcolite C, showing blocky, sharp-
rough blasted surface is important to maximize surface edged particle morphology.
area.

For self-fluxing coatings, surface preparation with steel

grit is recommended. Metcolite is not the preparation
media of choice for these coatings. An improperly blasted surface may hold an excessive
aggregate of imbedded particles which will interfere with
Grit blasted surfaces should be properly cleaned prior to the bonding of the thermal sprayed coating. Excessive
coating to insure proper bonding of the coating. When grit is almost as bad as oil and grease contamination.
blasting with Metcolite, follow the recommendations Surfaces must be properly degreased prior to blasting
for pre-blast and post-blast cleaning of the surface. to avoid bonding failure of the coating.

1.1 Typical Uses and Applications: Quick Facts

Classification Auxiliary, Grit
• Metcolite grit can be used for surface roughening of a
Formulation Fused Al2O3; TiO2
component prior to the application of a thermal spray
Morphology Blocky and sharp edged
coating to ensure good bonding of the coating to the
substrate. Purpose Grit blasting; surface roughening
Apparent Density (1 > 1.74 g/cm3
Hardness Knoop ≥ 2.09 x 104 MPa (3.03 x 106 psi)
Mohs 9
Process All thermal spray processes
1) Varies by product; see section 2.2 for details

Metcolite® Grits 1/4 DSMTS-0028.1 • © 2011 Sulzer Metco

 Sulzer Metco

2 Material Information
2.1 Chemical Composition

Weight Percent (nominal)

Product
Al2O3 TiO2 Total Others
All Metcolite Products 94 3.5 2.5

2.2 Particle Size and Apparent Density

Nominal Range Minimum Apparent Density

Product
mm 1 ASTM Mesh 1 Grit Size 2 g/cm2
Metcolite 14 -2.36 +1.00 -8 +18 14 1.83
Metcolite C -2.00 +0.60 -10 +30 20 1.92
Metcolite F -1.41 +0.42 -14 +40 24 1.90
Metcolite F36 -0.85 +0.35 -20 +45 36 1.74
Metcolite VF -0.60 +0.17 -30 +80 54 1.75
1 Sieve analysis in accordance with ASTM B214
2 U.S. Commercial Standard CS 271-65

2.3 Key Selection Criteria

• When applicable, follow the recommendations for pre- • Metcolite F36: Use when coatings are thin and fine
coating grit blasting and surface roughness per the and when the substrate surface does not require
customer specification and/or drawings. heavy roughening and the substrate hardness is in the
• Metcolite 14: Use on hard (HRC 50 – 65) and thick sur- range of HRC 40 – 50.
faces to get maximum roughness. • Metcolite VF: Use to prepare substrates for thin coat-
• Metcolite C: Use where the coating thickness will ings that will be used as-sprayed or lightly finished,
be greater than 0.25 mm (0.010 in), and where the such as by brushing or glass-beaded.
roughest blasted surface is required.
• Metcolite F: Use where the coating thickness will be
less than 0.25 mm (0.010 in), and where a very rough
surface is not required or cannot be tolerated.

Metcolite® Grits 2/4 DSMTS-0028.1 • © 2011 Sulzer Metco

 Sulzer Metco

2.4 Customer Specifications

Product Customer Specification

Metcolite C Rolls-Royce Corporation EMS 29205

3 Key Processing Information

• Metcolite grits can be used with either suction or • With self-fluxing coatings, fusing temperatures will
pressure blasting equipment; however, pressure blast- cause trace contaminates to out gas and form bub-
ers are generally recommended because of the higher bles on the coating surface. In addition, entrained grit
grit particle velocities obtained. on the substrate may cause voids in the coating.

• Ensure that the substrate is free of oil and grease prior • Adjust the blast pressure when blasting softer sub-
to blasting. strates to prevent excessive grit entrapment.

• In all cases, parts should be coated as soon as pos- • Be sure to blast the substrate to be coated evenly and
sible after grit blasting to prevent oxidation of the sufficiently to create the desired surface roughness for
blasted surface or contamination by atmospheric- a good coating bond. Depending on the blast pres-
borne media. sure, the substrate material hardness and other fac-
tors, the ideal blasting angle is between 60° – 90°.
• Clean parts with clean, dry compressed air after grit
blasting to remove any grit or dust from the substrate • If a satisfactory surface profile cannot be obtained
prior to coating. using Metcolite grits on surfaces harder than 54 HRC,
then use of a SiC grit is an option.
• Change the Metcolite grit in the blaster if the grit is
broken down, dull or contaminated by grease or oils. • Metcolite grits are not recommended for use to pre-
Even slight contamination of the substrate can cause pare surfaces for coatings using self-fluxing alloys. A
poor coating bonding. better choice for these applications is chilled iron grit.

4 Commercial Information
4.1 Ordering Information and Availability

Product Order No. Package Size Availability Distribution

Metcolite 14 1002886 25 kg (approx. 55 lb) Special Order Europe
1036737 400 lb (approx. 181 kg) Stock Global
Metcolite C
1002887 25 kg (approx. 55 lb) Special Order Europe
1030423 50 lb (approx. 22.7 kg) Stock Global
Metcolite F
1002888 25 kg (approx. 55 lb) Special Order Europe
Metcolite F36 1002889 25 kg (approx. 55 lb) Special Order Europe
1031422 50 lb (approx. 22.7kg) Stock Global
Metcolite VF
1002890 25 kg (approx. 55 lb) Special Order Europe

Metcolite® Grits 3/4 DSMTS-0028.1 • © 2011 Sulzer Metco

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4.2 Handling Recommendations

• Store in the original container in a dry location.

• Seal previously opened containers tightly to prevent
moisture pickup.

4.3 Safety Recommendations

See the MSDS 50-134 (Materials Safety Data Sheet)

localized for the country where the material will be used.
MSDS are available from the Sulzer Metco web site at
www.sulzermetco.com.

www.sulzermetco.com • info@sulzermetco.com The Secret of Staying Ahead

Sulzer Metco (US) Inc. Sulzer Metco (Japan) Ltd. Sulzer Metco Europe GmbH Sulzer Metco AG (Switzerland) Sulzer Metco (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
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Information is subject to change without prior notice

Metcolite® Grits 4/4 DSMTS-0028.1 • © 2011 Sulzer Metco