Glass beads are a lower density media than steel shot. This allows glass beads to effectively shot peen more delicate geometry (such as threads) than similar sized steel media. Components that are glass beaded have a ‘frosty’ or silver surface finish.
Glass beads are available in smaller diameters than typical cast steel shot. Using glass beads for the second peening operation of a dual peen is highly effective in certain applications. Glass beads are not utilized in wheel based peening systems.
