Steel shot, as its name suggests, is made of steel and comes in two main shapes: cylindrical and spherical. It can be further categorized into two types based on the material used: old steel cut wire shot and new steel cut wire shot. Both have their unique features and applications.

Old steel wire cut shot is commonly available in the market and is primarily made from recycled steel wire, often extracted from waste tires, wire ropes, steel strands, baling wires, and copper-plated wires. The diameters of these wires can vary, with tire wire diameters typically ranging from 1.0mm to 1.65mm, steel wire ropes from 0.7mm to 4.0mm, and steel strands from 1.6mm to 2.2mm. The production process is relatively straightforward, involving cutting, degumming, rust removal, screening, and packaging. If spherical balls are desired, an additional grinding step is required. The roundness of the shot is classified into three grades: G1, G2, and G3, with G3 being the most rounded.

Old steel wire cut shot is known for its low cost, long service life, and durability. It is widely used for applications such as steel cleaning, steel structure sandblasting, container cleaning, and rough throwing of large castings. However, its surface roughness may not be suitable for high-precision workpieces.

On the other hand, new steel wire cut shot is made from brand new cold-drawn high-carbon steel wire. It undergoes a similar production process, including cutting, screening, and packaging, with an additional grinding step for spherical balls. New steel wire cut shot boasts a wide range of sizes and hardness levels (45-60hrc), making it suitable for workpieces with higher cleaning requirements. Its spherical shape is particularly suitable for strengthening workpieces with higher hardness, such as gears, springs, shafts, connecting rods, cylinders, and chains. The cleaning effect is superior, and the service life is longer compared to old steel wire cut shot.

In summary, both old and new steel wire cut shot have their respective advantages. The choice between the two depends primarily on the specific requirements of the workpiece. Selecting the most suitable type of steel shot ensures optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.