Dry Ice Abrasive Blasting: When Pure Dry Ice Is Not Enough

Pure Dry Ice vs Abrasive-Ready Blasting

Pure dry ice blasting is generally non-abrasive. It removes contamination but does not intentionally create a surface profile. Some heavy rust, thick coatings and bonded deposits require an abrasive process.

AI30 and AI30 Plus

These machines are designed for dry ice pellets only. Do not add sand, glass beads, walnut shells or other abrasive media.

AI50

The AIOLITH AI50 is abrasive-ready and is designed for heavier industrial cleaning. It has a 55 lb hopper, up to 5.5 lb/min dry ice output, 116–232 PSI pressure and requires at least 175 CFM, with 200–400 CFM recommended.

When Pure Dry Ice Fits

Grease, oils, adhesives, carbon buildup, molds, tooling and production residue are common pure-dry-ice applications.

When Abrasive Capability Matters

Use an appropriate abrasive process when the job requires aggressive rust removal, coating removal or surface profiling. The blasting media, substrate and containment requirements must be selected for the specific job.

Safety

Provide ventilation for CO₂ and use PPE appropriate to both the dry ice process and any added abrasive media. Follow the applicable machine manual.