SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
ABRASIVE SPECIFICATION NO. 3
Ferrous Metallic Abrasive
1. Scope
1.1 This specication covers the requirements for ferrous
metallic abrasive for the removal of rust, mill scale, paint, or
other surface coating system by blast cleaning.
1.2 This specication covers previously unused abrasive
material. It does not address cleanliness of recycled abrasive
processed through eld or shop abrasive blast cleaning units.
Requirements for recycled ferrous metallic abrasive is covered
in SSPC-AB 2.
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 ir-
regular for grit, as dened in Sections 4.1.3.1 and 4.1.3.2.
2.2 The size designations and specications 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 char-
acterized 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 character-
ized by high carbon content and hardness typically over 55 Rc.
The particle shape requirements for iron grit are less stringent
than those for steel grit.
2.4 ABRASIVE SELECTION: The owner/specication
writer may dene the abrasive class, shape, size, and hard-
ness to meet the job requirements.
3. Referenced Standards
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the ref-
erenced standards in effect at the time of the bid solicitation
shall govern, unless otherwise specied.
3.2 If there is a conict between the requirements of any
of the cited reference standards and this specication, the
requirements of this specication shall prevail.
1
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959; http://www.astm.org
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Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
3.3 SSPC STANDARD
AB 2 Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous Metallic
Abrasive
3.4 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS1
C 128 Test Method for Density and Relative
Density (Specic 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 Abrasives
E 11 Specication for Wire-Cloth and Sieves
for Testing Purposes
E 350 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Car-
bon Steel, Low-Alloy Steel, Silicon Electrical
Steel, Ingot Iron, and Wrought Iron
E 384 Test Method for Microindentation Hard-
ness of Materials
E 1019 Test Methods for Determination of Car-
bon, Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel
and in Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt Alloys
3.5 SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS (SAE)
STANDARD2
J444 Cast Shot and Grit Size Specications for Peening
and Cleaning
4. Requirements
4.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
4.1.1 Size Classication: The abrasive shall be tested in
accordance with Section 5.2.1 and shall meet the size require-
ments for each size specied as dened in Table 1 for shot or
Table 2 for grit.
4.1.2 Hardness: Abrasive hardness shall be tested in
accordance with Section 5.2.4 and shall meet the specied
hardness requirements (see Notes 7.2 and 7.3).
4.1.3 Particle Shape (see Note 7.4)
 TABLE 1
METALLIC SHOT SIZE SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Screen SHOT SIZE
Screen No Opening Opening
780 660 550 460 390 330 280 230 170 110 70
ASTM E 11 (inches)* (mm)*
7 0.1110 2.80 all pass
8 0.0937 2.36 all pass
10 0.0787 2.00 85% min.** all pass all pass
12 0.0661 1.70 97% min 85% min. 5% max. all pass
14 0.0555 1.40 97% min. 85% min 5% max. all pass
16 0.0469 1.18 97% min 85% min. 5% max. all pass

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18 0.0394 1.00 96% min. 85% min. 5% max. all pass
20 0.0331 0.850 96% min. 85% min. 10% max. all pass
25 0.0278 0.710 96% min. 85% min. 10% max.
30 0.0234 0.600 96% min. 85% min. all pass
35 0.0197 0.500 97% min. 10% max.
40 0.0165 0.425 85% min. all pass
45 0.0139 0.355 97% min. 10% max.
50 0.0117 0.300 80% min.
80 0.0070 0.180 90% min. 80% min.
120 0.0049 0.125 90% min.
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

* 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 Specications for Peening and Cleaning.
** All percentages refer to weight percent.
February 1, 2003
SSPC-AB 3
 SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

TABLE 2
METALLIC GRIT SIZE SPECIFICATIONS

Screen Screen Screen Grit Size

Opening Opening Opening
ASTM E 11 (inches)* (mm)* G 12 G14 G16 G18 G25 G40 G50 G80 G120

8 0.0937 2.36 all pass

10 0.0787 2.00 all pass
12 0.0661 1.70 80%** all pass
14 0.0555 1.40 90% 80%** all pass
16 0.0469 1.18 90% 75% all pass
18 0.0394 1.00 85% 75% all pass
25 0.0278 0.710 85% 70% all pass
40 0.0165 0.425 80% 70% all pass
50 0.0117 0.300 80% 65% all pass
80 0.0070 0.180 75% 65%
120 0.0049 0.125 75% 60%
200 0.0029 0.075 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.

4.1.3.1 Shot: Using 10X magnication, shot shall be pre-
dominantly rounded particles with no more than 10% 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
4.1.3.2 Grit: Using 10X magnication, 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).
4.1.4 Specic Gravity: When tested in accordance with
Section 5.2.2, the specic gravity of the abrasive shall be no
less than 7.0 for steel abrasive and no less than 6.8 for iron
abrasive.
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.
4.2.2 Conductivity: When tested in accordance with
Section 5.2.7, the conductivity of the solution of water-soluble
contaminants shall not exceed 1000 microsiemens per centi-
meter (S/cm). (1 S/cm = 1 mho/cm)
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.

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 dened in Table 3 for grit
or in Table 4 for shot (see Note 7.5).
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 dened in Table 3 for grit or in
Table 4 for shot (see Note 7.5).
4.2.3.1 Accept: If the sample has 0.2 percent or less by
weight of non-magnetic matter and no oil lm or slick on the
surface of the water, it is considered clean. Clouding or dis-
coloration of the water is not grounds for rejection.
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 lm or slick
on the surface of the water and sides of the container, it must
be rejected.

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
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

TABLE 3 5. Quality Assurance Test Methods

METALLIC GRIT TAKE-OUT SCREENS
5.1 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TESTING: Unless other-
Steel Take-Out Iron Take-Out wise specied, the supplier is responsible for performing and
Grit Size Screen Size Screen Size documenting the preliminary acceptance tests and inspections
called for in this specication. The procurement documents
G12 40 mesh 40 mesh
should establish the specic responsibilities for conformance
G14 40 mesh 40 mesh
testing.
G16 40 mesh 40 mesh
G18 40 mesh 40 mesh 5.2 TEST PARAMETERS: Unless otherwise specied in
G25 50 mesh 50 mesh the contract or purchase order, the supplier shall be responsible
G40 50 mesh 50 mesh for compliance with the requirements for class, size, specic
G50* 70 mesh 80 mesh gravity, chemical composition, hardness, durability, cleanliness,
G80* * * and conductivity.
G120* * *
5.2.1 Size: The abrasive sizing shall be tested in accor-
* Abrasive sizes G50, G80 and G120 cannot be accurately tested
dance with ASTM C 136.
due to limitations of the test apparatus in retaining ne abra-

5.2.2 Specic Gravity: Specic gravity shall be determined

in accordance with ASTM C 128.

TABLE 4 5.2.3 Chemical Composition: Chemical composition shall

METALLIC SHOT TAKE-OUT SCREENS be determined in accordance with ASTM E 1019 for carbon
content and ASTM E 350 for manganese and phosphorus
content.
Steel Take-Out Iron Take-Out
Shot Size Screen Size Screen Size 5.2.4 Hardness: Hardness values shall be obtained and
S780 40 mesh 40 mesh converted to Rockwell C equivalents in accordance with ASTM
S660 40 mesh 40 mesh E 384 utilizing a microhardness tester with a 500 g load.
S550 40 mesh 40 mesh
S460 40 mesh 40 mesh 5.2.4.1 Metallic abrasive sometimes contains internal
S390 40 mesh 40 mesh shrinkage, voids, or inclusions, which remain undetected be-
neath the surface in a mounted and polished sample. These
S330 50 mesh 50 mesh
characteristics can cause a non-uniform hardness reading and
S280 50 mesh 50 mesh
shall be ignored when testing for hardness.
S230 50 mesh 50 mesh
S170 50 mesh 70 mesh 5.2.5 Durability Test Procedure
S110* 70 mesh 80 mesh
S70* * * 5.2.5.1 Procedure
1. Obtain a representative sample and weigh out 100
* Shot sizes S110 and S70 cannot be accurately tested due to grams ( 0.1 g) of new abrasive.
limitations of the test apparatus in retaining these sizes.
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.
TABLE 5 3. Remove the sample from the test machine and
ABRASIVE CHEMISTRY hand screen the sample on the appropriate take-
out screen (see Table 3 for grit; Table 4 for shot).
Steel Iron
Record the weight of the sample remaining on the
Element Percent by Weight* Percent by Weight
screen after hand screening is completed.
Carbon 1.5%, maximum 1.6%, minimum
Manganese 1.2%, maximum N/A 5.2.5.2 Apparatus: Durability tests shall be performed us-
Phosphorus 0.05%, maximum N/A ing an Ervin Test Machine3 or equivalent shot/grit test machine,
* Percentages only reect two signicant gures. properly calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions.

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5.2.6 Abrasive Cleanliness
1. Obtain a representative sample.
2. Weigh out 100 grams 1 gram.
3. Magnetically remove all magnetic material.
4. 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. Vigorously shake the jar containing water and
recombined material.
8. After shaking, observe water surface in jar as
described in Sections 4.2.3.1 and 4.2.3.2.
5.2.7 Conductivity: Conductivity tests shall be run in
accordance with ASTM D 4940.
6. Disclaimer
6.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
information furnished in SSPC standards and specications 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 specied herein,
or of the specication or standard itself.
6.2 This specication does not attempt to address problems
concerning safety associated with its use. The user of this
specication, 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.
7. Notes
Notes are not requirements of this specication.
7.1 ABRASIVE PRODUCTIVITY: For greatest productivity,
always use the nest size abrasive that will effectively clean
the surface and produce the proper prole. 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 ow rate that provides highest
productivity. Increasing the abrasive ow beyond the critical
rate usually reduces productivity.
7.2 ABRASIVE HARDNESS: Abrasive hardness may af-
fect the performance of ferrous metallic abrasive as follows:
3
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
4-15
SSPC-AB 3
February 1, 2003
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
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, exible) coating systems.
Increasing hardness increases the surface prole com-
pared to abrasive with hardnesses below 51 Rc.
Increasing hardness lowers the durability and increases
abrasive consumption compared to abrasive with hard-
nesses below 51 Rc .
RC 50 and lower hardness
Good cutting rate for new steel and most coating sys-
tems
Lower prole 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.
7.3 ABRASIVE CHANGE WITH USE: With use, abrasive
hardness, particle size, and particle shape will vary depend-
ing 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 prole and cleanliness.
7.4 ABRASIVE SHAPE: Abrasive shape may affect the
prole produced for subsequent new coatings in the following
ways:
Shot generally produces a rounded prole and is effec-
tive in removing mill scale.
Grit generally produces a deeper, angular prole 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 eld conditions will vary. Hence, the durability test de-
scribed in Section 5.2.5 should not be used to quantitatively
compare the eld efciency of different abrasive.
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.
7.8 FOR MORE INFORMATION: SSPC's Volume 1, Good
Painting Practice, and Volume 2, Systems and Specications,
provide additional information on abrasive types and selection.