ALC 1/4 Pressure Pot Blast Nozzle

The 1/4″ bore delivers 4 to 4.5 sq ft/min at 500 lbs/hr - the balance between productive output and compressor availability in most professional shops. Most blasting operations settle on 1/4″ because it matches 20 HP two-stage compressor output without requiring industrial-class equipment.

The 1/4″ nozzle draws 80 CFM at 80 PSI. A 20 HP two-stage compressor is the minimum for sustained production. Compressors below 80 CFM sustained output at 80 PSI will cycle on during blasting, dropping media throughput below 500 lbs/hr and reducing blast coverage per pass.

The 1/4″ bore handles automotive body panels, structural steel, farm equipment, and industrial components. Too large for detail work on small parts - use 1/8″ or 5/32″ for precision applications. For large flat surfaces and production volume, the 1/4″ is the most efficient single-nozzle choice.

The 1/4″ uses 80 CFM and covers 4 to 4.5 sq ft/min. The 3/16″ uses 50 CFM and covers 3 to 3.5 sq ft/min. If your compressor cannot sustain 80 CFM at 80 PSI, the 3/16″ is the practical choice. If it can, the 1/4″ increases production speed by roughly 25 percent over the 3/16″.

Replace the 1/4″ nozzle when blast area per pass drops noticeably, when the bore measures visibly wider than 1/4″, or when throughput falls below 500 lbs/hr. At 80 CFM and high media volume, wear accumulates faster than smaller bores - inspect after every 30 to 40 hours of blasting.