Industrial Abrasive Blasting Media

The wrong abrasive costs you time, money, and surface quality. AGSCO Corporation has supplied industrial-grade abrasive blasting media to manufacturers, contractors, and fabricators since 1888. Our team of specialists matches the right mineral or media to your exact application, backed by an extensive catalog of natural and engineered abrasives and two coast-to-coast processing facilities.

Types of Abrasives: From Natural Abrasives to Engineered Blasting Media

AGSCO carries a full line of abrasives for blasting, surface preparation, and finishing.

Our catalog includes natural abrasives like garnet, walnut shells, and alongside high-performance engineered options such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, ceramic beads, and steel shot.

Each material delivers specific results depending on substrate, surface profile, and finish requirements. Browse our full product line below or contact our specialists to identify the best abrasive for your application.

Why Leading Manufacturers Trust AGSCO for Abrasives for Blasting

AGSCO has been a trusted name in industrial minerals since 1888. Our ISO 9001-certified facilities in Libertyville, Illinois, and Pine Brook, New Jersey, give us the capacity to serve operations nationwide with fast, reliable delivery.

We go beyond distribution by offering custom toll processing services, including screening, classifying, blending, coating, and private labeling. That means you get the exact particle size, blend, or specification your project demands.

When you work with AGSCO, you get a specialist partner who understands your application, not just a vendor filling an order.

Proven Results Across Industries

AGSCO supplies abrasive blasting media and industrial minerals to operations that demand precision and consistency. Our products support critical processes in:

• Metal Fabrication & Foundry: Surface cleaning, descaling, and casting finishing using steel shot, steel grit, and aluminum oxide
• Aerospace & Defense: Tight-tolerance surface preparation and peening with glass beads, ceramic beads, and military specification materials
• Automotive & Heavy Equipment: Paint removal, rust stripping, and component finishing with crushed glass and garnet
• Contractors & Blasting Services: High-volume coating removal and surface prep with Black Diamond abrasives, Starblast®, and walnut shells
• Flooring & Construction: Decorative and functional aggregate systems, including colored quartz, anti-slip aggregates, and custom floor blends

Trusted on Projects Like the George Washington Bridge

AGSCO has supplied critical materials to some of the most demanding projects in the country. Our abrasives and minerals have supported large-scale infrastructure work, including the George Washington Bridge, as well as institutional flooring installations at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

We also partner with manufacturers like Johnson Controls to optimize their blasting operations and reduce costs through better equipment and media selection. View our success stories for a closer look at how we deliver results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abrasive Blasting Media

What is the difference between natural abrasives and synthetic abrasives?

Natural abrasives like garnet and walnut shells come from naturally occurring minerals and organic materials. Synthetic abrasives like aluminum oxide and silicon carbide are manufactured for greater hardness, consistency, and reusability.

How do I choose the right abrasive for blasting?

The right abrasive depends on three factors: the substrate you're blasting, the surface finish you need, and the coating or treatment that follows. AGSCO's specialists can recommend the ideal media based on your specific application.

Can you reuse abrasive blasting media?

You can reuse some. Metallic media like steel shot and stainless steel grit are highly recyclable and can be reused many times. Softer materials like walnut shells and corn cob grit typically break down after one use. Reusability directly impacts your long-term operating costs.

Does AGSCO offer custom abrasive blends or packaging?

Yes. Our custom services include screening, blending, coating, and packaging to your exact specifications. We also offer private labeling for companies that sell abrasive products under their own brand.