The properties of steel shot play a pivotal role in determining the overall performance of the cleaning process, including cleaning efficiency, surface roughness, and associated costs. The density of steel shot is a crucial factor influencing its longevity, as a lower density often indicates the presence of pores, cracks, or excessive carbon content, all of which can lead to premature failure during use.

Optimal steel shot behavior involves gradual peeling during the cleaning process, resulting in a progressive reduction in size and a shift in the particle size distribution within the system. To maintain consistent cleaning quality, it's essential to continuously replenish steel shot to keep the quantity and particle size distribution stable.

During shot blasting, the method of replenishment and the particle size of quality steel shot significantly impact cleaning efficiency. The order in which steel shot particles are accelerated and ejected from the blasting nozzle is crucial, as a stable particle size composition ensures consistent hot spots and optimal cleaning performance. Deviations in particle size can disrupt this balance, leading to reduced efficiency.

Furthermore, cleaning efficiency is a balance between impact force and coverage rate. Larger particles offer greater impact force but limited particle count per kilogram, resulting in lower coverage and potentially rougher surfaces. In contrast, smaller particles, while having a weaker impact force, provide higher coverage and can reach intricate details, reducing surface roughness.

The surface roughness of castings cleaned by shot blasting is closely tied to the abrasive's particle size and projection speed. Larger particles and higher projection speeds result in rougher surfaces. The feeding method also significantly influences both cleaning efficiency and surface roughness, with timely replenishment and consistent particle gradation ensuring stable cleaning performance and surface quality.

Lastly, the duration of the shot blasting process can affect the surface roughness of the casting, with the roughness value tending to stabilize over time. Overall, understanding and optimizing these factors is essential for achieving the desired cleaning outcomes.