Media blasting, often referred to as sandblasting, involves projecting abrasive media onto a surface to remove impurities, paint, coatings, or other substances. It is also used to prepare surfaces for powder coating, etch designs, or create custom graphics for various projects. The sandblasting media market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in automation technologies such as automated data collection, blast control, and robotic sandblasting. These innovations have broadened the applications of sandblasting machines and increased demand for sandblasting media.

Sandblasters use pressurized air to propel a stream of tiny projectiles, which can include materials like walnut shells, glass beads, or rock particles. The process starts with two key components: the blast pot and the pressurized air intake. The blast pot, a large container, holds the abrasive media—such as glass beads, corn cob, steel shot, or plastic—and directs it through valves that control its flow into the system.

Manual blasting techniques are still commonly used for creating 3-dimensional signage with a handcrafted or carved appearance. However, sandblasting can pose health risks, which necessitates caution. Various government agencies, including the USDA, FDA, and EPA, are working to develop regulations and standards to promote the use of environmentally friendly sandblasting technologies and ensure safer practices.