Overview
ISO 11124-6:2025 is the international standard specifying the requirements for stainless steel metallic blast-cleaning abrasives used in surface preparation prior to the application of paints and related products. This part of ISO 11124 focuses on stainless steel shot and irregular abrasives supplied in new condition for blast-cleaning processes. It defines particle size ranges, hardness, density, defects, metallographic structure, and chemical composition critical for ensuring abrasive quality and performance.
Stainless steel abrasives covered by this standard are mainly used in blast-cleaning of non-ferrous substrates, though originally developed for steelwork preparation. These abrasives are particularly suited for applications where abrasive recovery and reuse are feasible. The standard also addresses potential galvanic corrosion concerns when used with dissimilar metals.
Key Topics
-
Particle Size and Grade Designation: The standard specifies detailed particle size distributions for stainless steel shot and irregular shapes, classified by numeric grade codes linked to nominal particle sizes in millimeters.
-
Hardness and Density Requirements: Stainless steel abrasives must meet defined hardness ranges (SS1 and SS2 types) measured in Vickers hardness (HV), with minimum apparent density values ensuring durability and effectiveness in blast cleaning.
-
Defect Limits: Strict limits on defects such as voids, shrinkages, cracks, and shape irregularities are established to maintain abrasive quality and performance consistency.
-
Metallographic Structure: The standard distinguishes abrasives by their microstructure types-ferritic, martensitic, or austenitic-with limits on the percentage of undesirable microstructure particles.
-
Chemical Composition: Defined ranges for chromium, nickel, carbon, manganese, silicon, and moisture content ensure the abrasives’ chemical stability and suitability for blast cleaning across various substrates.
-
Sampling and Testing: Sampling methods follow ISO 11125-1, while tests for particle size, hardness, density, defects, chemical composition, and moisture are detailed in other parts of ISO 11125 series.
-
Identification and Traceability: Abrasives must be clearly labeled with standardized designations indicating metallic type, microstructure, particle shape, and grade. Marking for lot traceability is recommended for quality control.
Applications
-
Surface Preparation for Coating: ISO 11124-6 abrasives are essential in removing contaminants and preparing metal and non-metal surfaces before painting or coating applications, ensuring adhesion and longevity of protective layers.
-
Blast-Cleaning Operations: Applicable in both static (fixed) and site (mobile) blast-cleaning equipment to prepare substrates for industrial, automotive, marine, and architectural uses.
-
Reusable Abrasive Media: Designed for efficient recovery and reuse in blast-cleaning operations, stainless steel shot and irregular abrasives reduce waste and provide cost-effectiveness.
-
Non-Ferrous Substrate Treatment: While developed for steel, these abrasives serve well for cleaning and surface conditioning of minerals, plastics, and other non-ferrous materials.
-
Industrial Maintenance: Utilized in refurbishing and maintaining equipment and structures, preventing corrosion and surface degradation through effective abrasive blasting.
Related Standards
-
ISO 11124 Series: Covers general preparation of steel substrates and specifications for various metallic blast-cleaning abrasives beyond stainless steel.
-
ISO 11125 Series: Provides standardized test methods for metallic blast-cleaning abrasives, including procedures for sampling, hardness, particle size distribution, density, defect detection, and moisture measurement.
-
ISO 439, 629, 9556, 10138, 4940: Referenced chemical analysis standards ensuring control of silicon, manganese, carbon, chromium, and nickel content in stainless steel abrasives.
-
ISO/IEC Directives: Governing the development and maintenance of international standards ensuring consistent application and conformity assessment procedures.
Keywords: ISO 11124-6:2025, stainless steel blast-cleaning abrasives, metallic abrasives, surface preparation, paint substrate preparation, stainless steel shot, stainless steel irregular abrasives, particle size distribution, abrasive hardness, chemical composition standards, blast cleaning abrasives, reusable abrasives, industrial surface treatment.
Open preview (PDF)Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Specifications for metallic blast-cleaning abrasives — Part 6: Stainless steel (shot and irregulars)