Abrasives for IBIX Air Erasers

Blasting Agents for IBIX Air Erasers: Everything you need to know about Fimatec's Assortment

Air gumming is a popular method for cleaning and restoring delicate surfaces such as wood, metal and stone. However, the success of this technique depends not only on the equipment used, such as IBIX systems, but also on the right abrasive. At Fimatec, you'll find an extensive range of abrasives specifically tailored to the needs of air gums. In this article, we dive into the different abrasives Fimatec offers, explain how they work with IBIX air gum systems and provide tips to help you make the best choice for your project.

What are blasting agents and why are they important?

Blasting agents are the materials that are blown at low pressure, along with compressed air, onto a surface to remove dirt, paint, rust or other layers. In air gunning, a gentler version of sandblasting, the choice of abrasive is crucial. It determines how effectively and safely you clean a surface without damaging it. Fimatec offers a wide range of abrasives that work perfectly with IBIX systems, known for their precision and versatility.

The role of abrasives in IBIX air erasers

IBIX air gum systems, such as the IBIX 9 or IBIX 25, are designed to work with fine and soft abrasives. These systems use low pressure and variable blast flow, making them ideal for delicate jobs. The abrasive must therefore have the right grain size, hardness and shape to deliver a beautiful result without abrading the surface or leaving grooves.

Overview of Fimatec's Blasting Agents for Air Gums

Fimatec has a carefully curated range of abrasives, each with unique properties for specific applications. Below we discuss the main options and how they work with IBIX systems.

1. Garnet Abrasive

  • Properties: A natural, iron-free mineral with a sharp, lacy shape. Hardness: 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale.
  • Grit Size: Available in finer varieties such as 200 mesh (0.07-0.15 mm) and 350 mesh (0.03-0.07 mm).
  • Applications: Perfect for delicate surfaces such as wood (e.g. stairs and furniture), but also suitable for metal and stone.
  • Advantages: Effective in removing paint and rust without damage, and environmentally friendly due to its natural composition.
  • Tip for IBIX: Use Garnet 200 mesh for a smooth finish on antique wood or Garnet 350 mesh for extra precision.

2. Glass granules

  • Properties: Made of recycled glass, sharp and edged. Hardness: 6-7 Mohs.
  • Grain Size: Ranges from 0.2-1.0 mm to finer options such as 0.10-0.35 mm.
  • Applications: Ideal for wood roughing, façade cleaning and concrete remediation.
  • Benefits: Removes paint and light soiling efficiently and is completely iron-free, preventing rusting on metals.
  • Tip for IBIX: Combine with a low pressure setting on the IBIX 25 for even cleaning of facades.

3. Glass Beads

  • Features: Round shape, made of glass. Hardness: 6 Mohs.
  • Grain size: Typically 0.15-0.70 mm, depending on the application.
  • Applications: Suitable for cleaning soft metals such as aluminum and creating a satin finish.
  • Benefits: Does not leave a rough texture and is ideal for shot peening (surface strengthening).
  • Tip for IBIX: Perfect for the IBIX 9 when restoring vintage cars or delicate metal parts.

4. Provine

  • Properties: A universal, iron-free abrasive with a hard, uneven structure. Hardness: 7-7.5 Mohs.
  • Grain size: Varies, but often 0.15-0.40 mm.
  • Applications: Cleaning of wood, steel structures and stone.
  • Advantages: Versatile and durable, suitable for both light and medium duty cleaning.
  • Tip for IBIX: Use with a medium nozzle on the IBIX 40 for larger surfaces such as beams or walls.

5. Corundum

  • Properties: Synthetic material, sharp and angular. Hardness: 9 Mohs.
  • Grain size: Available in fine varieties such as 0.20-0.30 mm (80 mesh).
  • Applications: Cleaning of stainless steel, removing coats of paint and roughening surfaces.
  • Advantages: Extremely hard and efficient for stubborn layers, but less aggressive than traditional sand.
  • Tip for IBIX: Ideal for metal restoration with the IBIX 25, when used at low pressure.

6. Cast iron grit

  • Properties: Metallic, sharp and edged. Hardness: 7-7.5 Mohs.
  • Grit size: Coarser options such as 0.2-1.4 mm.
  • Applications: Remove heavy contamination and prepare substrates for coatings.
  • Advantages: Long life and suitable for intensive jobs.
  • Tip for IBIX: Use with the IBIX 60 for robust surfaces such as steel structures.

How to choose the right abrasive?

Choosing the right abrasive depends on three factors: the type of surface, the desired finish and the nature of the contamination. Here are some practical guidelines:

  • Delicate surfaces (wood, antiques): Choose Garnet (200 or 350 mesh) or glass beads for gentle, damage-free cleaning.
  • Facades and stone: Glass granules or Provine offer a good balance of effectiveness and surface preservation.
  • Metal and rust: Corundum or cast iron grit are ideal for stubborn layers, while glass beads provide a smooth finish.
  • Environmental friendliness: Garnet and glass grit are natural, recyclable options.

IBIX systems allow you to adjust pressure and blast flow, giving you flexibility to make the best use of the abrasive. Fimatec offers expert advice to find the perfect match for your job.

Why choose Fimatec for your blast media?

Fimatec is not only a supplier, but also an expert in air gum technology.

Here are the benefits of our abrasives:

  • Quality: Carefully selected for compatibility with IBIX systems.
  • Variety: From fine grains for precision work to coarser options for heavy-duty cleaning.
  • Support: Fimatec helps you with advice on which grit size and hardness best suits your project.
  • Availability: Available both for purchase and in combination with rental IBIX equipment from stock

Visit the blast media page to see the full range and contact us directly for more information.

Practical Tips for Air Blasting with Fimatec Abrasives

  • Always test first: Try the abrasive on a small, inconspicuous area to match pressure and grain size.
  • Use low pressure: IBIX systems excel at low pressure (0.5-2 bar) with fine abrasives such as Garnet 350 mesh.
  • Wear protection: Although air gunning produces less dust than sandblasting, a mask and goggles are essential.
  • Combine with the right nozzle: Fimatec offers nozzles that match the grain size for an even blast.

Conclusion

With Fimatec's abrasives and an IBIX air gum system, you have everything you need for a successful restoration or cleaning project. Whether you want to refurbish a wooden staircase, remove rust from a vintage car or clean a facade, Fimatec's range - from Garnet to cast iron grit - offers a solution for every job. By choosing the right abrasive and taking advantage of Fimatec's expertise, you'll achieve perfect results without compromise. Ready to get started? Contact us at sales@fimatec.com or +32(0)56 61 67 01 and find out how our blast media will take your air gum project to the next level!

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