Houston-based Strategic Materials has announced the launch of what it calls an improved air blast abrasive product. TruAbrasives is made from 100-percent-recycled glass and is expected to be available in April 2017.
The crushed glass abrasive has been developed to address worker health and environmental benefits, says Strategic Materials, as its predecessor New Age Blast Media has been for many years. Strategic Materials acquired the New Age Blast Media product in 2015.
The company says, unlike commonly used abrasives such as silica sand or slags, crushed glass abrasives do not cause worker concerns related to free crystalline silica and toxic metal exposure. Along with innate health benefits, production improvements will allow for a cleaner, higher-performance product, according to Strategic Materials.
“We’ve always believed crushed glass abrasive is the future for the surface preparation industry, and that’s why we continue to invest in it,” says Denis Suggs, president and CEO of Strategic Materials. “As the recycling glass leader in the North America, our expertise in processing glass makes us well-suited to bring value to the industry and elevate glass abrasive offerings,” he adds.
The TruAbrasive product line will officially launch in the spring of 2017 and will replace the phased out New Age Blast Media brand throughout the year.
Strategic Materials describes itself as the market leader and largest glass recycler in North America, operating in more than 50 locations. Strategic Materials’ processed materials are sold to manufacturers to make several types of products, including glass containers, fiberglass insulation, highway bead, air blast abrasives and fillers.