SHARPSHOT® Copper Slag Abrasive
Fast-Cutting Iron Silicate for Industrial Sandblasting
Need an aggressive, economical abrasive for removing rust, mill scale, paint, or heavy industrial coatings?
SHARPSHOT® is an angular iron-silicate blasting abrasive—commonly called copper slag—manufactured by Minerals Research, Inc. Its high density, fast cutting action, low embedment, and relatively low dust generation make it a practical choice for steel fabrication, tanks, bridges, pipelines, marine work, and other large surface-preparation projects.
Available by the pallet, bulk bag, truckload, and bulk shipment.
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MINIMUM ORDER: HALF A TRUCK LOAD ~10 tons
Available SHARPSHOT® Grit Sizes
| Grade | Nominal Size | Typical Surface Profile* | Minimum Nozzle | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Coarse | 12/30 | Approximately 4.5–5.5 mils | 5/16 in. (#5) or larger | Thick coatings, heavy rust, marine work, bridges, tanks and aggressive steel cleaning |
| Coarse | 20/50 | Approximately 2.5–4.0 mils | 1/4 in. (#4) or larger | General industrial blasting, coated steel, water tanks, pipelines and structural steel |
| Medium | 30/60 | Approximately 2.0–2.5 mils | 3/16 in. (#3) or larger | Mill scale, light-to-moderate rust and preparation for common industrial coating systems |
| Fine | 40/100 | Generally less than 1.5 mils | Confirm for equipment | Lighter cleaning, automotive restoration, wood, plastic and applications requiring a finer profile |
*Surface-profile figures are typical operating ranges, not guaranteed results. Actual profile depends on substrate hardness, existing coating, nozzle pressure, nozzle condition, blast angle, stand-off distance, abrasive flow, and operator technique. Always perform a test blast and verify the profile against the coating manufacturer’s specification.
Why Contractors Choose SHARPSHOT®
Fast, Aggressive Cutting
The angular particles cut through corrosion, mill scale, paint, and industrial coatings quickly. SHARPSHOT® has a Mohs hardness of approximately 7 and a specific gravity generally reported between 3.4 and 3.6.
High Particle Density
Bulk density is approximately 110–120 lb/ft³. The greater particle mass produces strong impact energy and can reduce abrasive consumption compared with some lighter expendable abrasives.
Actual production and consumption rates will vary considerably by equipment, air pressure, substrate, coating thickness, operator technique, and abrasive recovery.
Low Embedment
SHARPSHOT® is designed to leave relatively low abrasive embedment on steel, helping create a cleaner surface for subsequent coating application.
Lower Dust Than Many Conventional Slag Abrasives
The product is manufactured to resist excessive breakdown, which can reduce airborne dust and improve visibility compared with more friable abrasives. No dry blasting abrasive is dust-free, and proper respiratory protection and dust controls remain mandatory.
Possible Reuse in Controlled Systems
Coarser SHARPSHOT® grades may be reclaimed several times when used in properly designed recovery systems. Reuse depends on abrasive breakdown, contamination, separator efficiency, coating debris, and the surface-profile requirement.
Fine grades generally have less reclaim potential. Inspect and screen recovered media before reuse rather than relying on a fixed number of cycles.
Packaging and Delivery
- 75 lb bags
- 3,000 lb bulk bags
- 4,000 lb bulk bags
- Bulk truck or rail quantities
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Typical Applications
SHARPSHOT® iron-silicate abrasive is commonly considered for:
- Structural-steel blasting
- Mill-scale removal
- Rust and corrosion removal
- Paint and coating removal
- Storage and water tanks
- Shipyards and marine maintenance
- Bridges and infrastructure
- Pipeline surface preparation
- Offshore and underwater waterjet work
- Steel-fabrication facilities
- Pavement and asphalt aggregates
- Roofing granules
- Artificial-turf ballast
- High-density concrete
- Cement-manufacturing feedstock
Copper Slag vs. Coal Slag
Both products are angular, expendable mineral abrasives, but iron-silicate copper slag is generally denser than coal slag. The increased density can deliver greater particle impact and faster cutting under comparable conditions.
The better economic choice should be based on the entire project—not merely the abrasive’s price per ton. Important variables include:
- Square feet cleaned per hour
- Pounds consumed per square foot
- Labor hours
- Compressor fuel
- Cleanup and disposal costs
- Freight
- Required surface profile
- Ability to recover and reuse the abrasive
Safety Information
“Copper slag” is the industry’s common name for this processed iron-silicate material. It should not be described as pure copper or as completely free of copper-bearing constituents.
Manufacturer technical information reports very low crystalline-silica content in the unused product. However, blasting can generate respirable dust from both the abrasive and the material being removed. Paint, rust, scale, and the underlying substrate may introduce lead, chromium, cadmium, silica, or other hazardous contaminants.
Before use:
- Obtain and review the current Safety Data Sheet
- Follow OSHA respiratory-protection requirements
- Use approved blasting helmets and supplied-air systems where required
- Provide adequate containment and ventilation
- Protect eyes, skin, hearing, and nearby personnel
- Evaluate the coating and substrate for hazardous constituents
- Characterize spent abrasive before disposal
- Follow all federal, state, and local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Does copper slag abrasive contain copper?
“Copper slag” is a legacy industry name. SHARPSHOT® is sold as a processed iron-silicate abrasive rather than metallic copper. Trace constituents can still be present, so the current SDS and technical data sheet should control any composition or safety decision.
Which grit produces a 2–3 mil profile?
The 30/60 Medium grade is commonly considered for approximately 2.0–2.5 mils. The 20/50 Coarse grade can produce a deeper profile depending on pressure, substrate, and blasting technique. Test the selected abrasive on the actual steel before production blasting.
Which grade should I use for heavy coatings?
Start by considering 12/30 X-Coarse for heavy coating buildup and severe corrosion. Verify that the compressor, blast pot, hose, metering valve, and nozzle can handle the larger particles.
Can SHARPSHOT® be recycled?
Coarser sizes may be reclaimed in properly designed systems. The practical number of cycles depends on breakdown, contamination, separation efficiency, and required profile. Fine material is less attractive for recycling.
Can I buy one bag?
This product is primarily supplied for industrial projects. No, this is sold by the truckload in most cases. MOQ is half a truck load.
