Reducing costs goes beyond just price

Consider a scenario where you use GMA Garnet versus a cheaper slag abrasive. With GMA Garnet, the consumption rate is much lower due to its durability and cutting efficiency. For example, if a project using slag requires 10 tons of abrasive, the same project might only need 3-4 tons of GMA Garnet. Additionally, GMA Garnet generates less dust, reducing cleanup time and costs. It also causes less wear and tear on equipment, lowering maintenance costs. When you factor in reduced labor hours due to faster blasting speeds and the ability to recycle GMA Garnet multiple times, the overall savings can outweigh the initial higher cost.

The TruCost Abrasive Blasting Calculator is designed to give you a comprehensive comparison of project costs when using GMA Garnet versus other abrasives. It takes into account all relevant factors, including labor, material consumption, equipment costs, disposal, and project specifications. By entering your specific project details, the calculator provides a clear and accurate cost analysis that often shows how GMA Garnet’s efficiency and other cost-saving benefits can result in a lower total project cost, even when starting with a higher price per ton.

GMA Garnet’s efficiency comes from its hardness, angularity, and consistent particle size, which allow it to cut through tough coatings more quickly and with fewer passes. This means you complete the job faster, reducing labor hours and equipment usage. The reduced dust generation also means less time spent on cleanup and lower risks of equipment clogging or damage, further decreasing overall costs. While the initial price of GMA Garnet may be higher, these efficiencies often lead to significant savings in the total cost of a project.

Yes, cheaper slag abrasives often come with hidden costs that can increase your overall project expenses. These include:

• Higher Consumption Rates: Cheaper abrasives may break down faster, requiring more material to complete the job.
• Increased Cleanup and Disposal Costs: Higher dust levels from slag abrasives lead to more extensive cleanup efforts and higher disposal costs.
• Reduced Reuse: Slag abrasives generally go into roadbase and cannot be recycled.  Garnet can be reprocessed 3-5 times and reused as another abrasive in abrasive blasting or waterjet cutting.
• Greater Equipment Wear: The abrasiveness and dust from slag can cause more wear and tear on blasting equipment, leading to increased maintenance and replacement costs.
• Potential Health and Safety Risks: Slag abrasives often contain contaminants that can pose health risks to workers, possibly resulting in higher healthcare costs.