Surface modification through sandblasting can be an excellent alternative to traditional depth mark printing on catheters or guidewires. These same surface modification processes can also be leveraged for increased adhesion with glued or insert molded components. The Automated Microblasting System provides precise, fully automated media ablation of coated wires and tubes. Targeted applications include oxide layer removal, coated medical wire ablation, coating removal, surface roughening for adhesion, and stripe-making for visual identification (marker bands).