Media blasting has come a long way since its gritty beginnings in the 19th century. What started as a basic process to clean and etch surfaces has evolved into a high-precision, tightly controlled method used across industries such as aerospace, medical, defense, and advanced manufacturing. At Guyson, we’re proud to be part of that transformation—engineering blasting systems that deliver repeatable, safe, and clean surface preparation.
Here’s a look at the key milestones that shaped the media blasting industry:
1870 – The First Media Blasting Machine
Inventor Benjamin Chew Tilghman patented the original blasting machine in 1870, using compressed air to propel sand against surfaces. His idea was inspired by wind-driven erosion he observed in the desert.
Early 1900s – Industrial Applications Take Off
Media blasting became a vital tool for cleaning, rust removal, and surface prep in industries like railroads, shipbuilding, and construction. It was effective but rudimentary.
1930s – Health Hazards Lead to Change
As concerns about silica exposure and lung disease (silicosis) grew, safety regulations were introduced, and the industry began transitioning away from sand toward safer, non-toxic media.
1940s–1960s – A Shift to Specialized Media
Glass bead, aluminum oxide, steel grit, and plastic media entered the scene. These abrasives offered greater control, better finishes, and application-specific results.
1960s–1980s – Wet and Vapor Blasting Emerge
To reduce dust and improve surface finish, wet and vapor blasting systems were developed. These methods use a mix of media and water (or mist), making them cleaner and gentler on parts.
2000s–Today – Smart Systems, Custom Engineering
Today’s media blasting systems are lightyears beyond the original. Guyson machines now feature programmable controls, robotic automation, reclaim systems, and advanced dust collection. Whether prepping orthopedic implants or aerospace components, our systems deliver precision at scale.
At Guyson USA, we haven’t just adapted to the evolution of media blasting—we’ve helped drive it. From our roots in the UK in 1938 to our continued innovation in the U.S., Guyson has been at the forefront of advancing surface preparation technology for over 85 years.
