Zinc Cut Wire S170

Zinc Cut Wire S170 for Non-Ferrous Shot Peening

When surface preparation specifications prohibit ferrous or mineral contamination, Zinc Cut Wire S170 provides a clean, single-metal solution. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and general engineering for peening aluminium castings, magnesium housings, and zinc components to improve fatigue life, relieve tensile stress, and create a uniform compressive stress layer.

The cylindrical particle shape and controlled S170 size distribution produce a predictable Almen intensity curve, allowing process engineers to dial in peening parameters with repeatable results. Unlike glass bead or ceramic media, zinc cut wire does not fracture into sharp, embedding fragments, reducing post-blast cleaning and the risk of surface defects on soft substrates.

Performance Characteristics

• Non-contaminating: Pure zinc composition eliminates ferrous transfer and galvanic corrosion risk on aluminium and magnesium.
• Controlled particle size: S170 specification (0.43 mm nominal) delivers consistent impact energy for repeatable peening intensity.
• Work-hardening behaviour: As-cut edges round during initial cycles, transitioning from light cutting action to a peening-dominant profile.
• Low dust generation: Metallic media produces minimal fines compared to mineral abrasives, improving operator visibility and reducing dust extraction load.
• Recyclable: Zinc cut wire can be recirculated multiple times in wheel-blast and pressure-blast systems, lowering media consumption per component.

Typical Applications

Zinc Cut Wire S170 is specified wherever a soft, non-ferrous peening media is required. Common applications include shot peening of aluminium alloy wheels and suspension components, stress relief of magnesium gearbox casings, surface texturing of zinc die-cast parts prior to coating, and light deburring of non-ferrous machined components. It is also used in controlled peening of copper and brass electrical connectors where dimensional tolerance must be preserved.

Selection and Process Guidance

Selecting the correct zinc cut wire grade depends on the required Almen intensity, substrate hardness, and surface finish specification. S170 is a medium-fine grade suited to applications demanding moderate intensity with good coverage. For heavier peening on thicker sections, a larger grade may be appropriate; for fine finishing or thin-walled parts, a smaller grade should be evaluated. Always verify compatibility with your blast system—zinc cut wire is suitable for both suction and pressure-blast cabinets, as well as wheel-blast machines with appropriate separator settings. Media breakdown rate and work-hardening behaviour should be monitored during process qualification to establish the optimal replenishment cycle.

About SPA2Z — Zinc Cut Wire S170

SPA2Z supplies Zinc Cut Wire S170 to surface preparation contractors, foundries, and manufacturing teams who need a reliable, non-ferrous peening media for soft metal applications. We understand that abrasive selection directly affects part quality, process efficiency, and rework rates—so we focus on getting the right grade, pack size, and delivery schedule aligned with your production requirements.

Whether you are qualifying a new peening process, topping up machine inventory, or sourcing a consistent supply for ongoing production, SPA2Z supports your procurement with grade-specific quotation, flexible pack options, and practical guidance on media selection and compatibility. Tell us your substrate, Almen intensity target, and monthly consumption, and we will quote accordingly.