Dry Ice Pellets vs. Shaved Ice vs. MicroParticle Blasting
Media form controls how aggressive the process is. Understanding pellets, shaved block ice, and micro-particle modes tells you what a contractor can safely clean.
The same machine can behave very differently depending on the form of the dry ice it is throwing. Media form — not just pressure — is the primary control over aggressiveness.
3 mm pellets — the industrial default
Cylindrical pellets roughly 3 mm in diameter, extruded from liquid CO₂. They carry the most mass per particle and therefore the most kinetic energy. This is the standard for carbon, grease, coatings, weld slag, and general production cleaning.
Shaved / block ice — gentler and denser
Machines with a shaver head scrape a solid CO₂ block into fine particles. The particles are less aggressive individually but arrive in far greater numbers, giving good coverage on delicate substrates: printing press components, historic masonry, soft woods, and electronics.
MicroParticle and fragmented pellets
Some machines fragment standard pellets in-line to produce smaller particles on demand, letting one operator move between aggressive and delicate work without changing media. This is the practical option for mixed-scope jobs where a single mobilization has to cover both a motor housing and a control cabinet.
Choosing by substrate
- Cast iron, steel, structural, tooling: 3 mm pellets, high pressure
- Aluminum, painted assets, molds: 3 mm pellets, reduced pressure and increased standoff
- Electronics, windings, sensors: fragmented or shaved media, low pressure
- Historic brick, stone, and timber: shaved media, low pressure, tested on a sample area
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dry ice blasting damage a surface?+
It can if media form, pressure, and standoff are mismatched to the substrate. Reputable contractors run a test patch on an inconspicuous area before full production.
Which media is best for molds?+
3 mm pellets at reduced pressure, or fragmented media for fine detail. The goal is to remove release buildup without touching the polish or vent geometry.
Is shaved ice cheaper?+
Block ice is often slightly cheaper per pound, but consumption rates differ. Compare total job cost, not media price.
Not sure which mode your equipment needs? Browse our services or send photos and we will specify it.
Related Articles
Dry Ice Blasting Equipment: Machines, Nozzles, Hoses, and Compressors
A complete look at the hardware behind a dry ice blasting job — single-hose vs. two-hose systems, nozzle geometry, hose length limits, and how to size the compressor.
Read articleCompressed Air Requirements for Dry Ice Blasting (CFM, PSI, and Air Quality)
Air supply is the most common reason a dry ice blasting job underperforms. Here is how to size CFM and pressure, and why moisture and oil in the line ruin throughput.
Read articleCan Dry Ice Blasting Clean Without Shutting Down Equipment?
In many cases, yes. Dry ice blasting often allows cleaning in place with reduced teardown — but the answer depends on the equipment and the application.
Read article