abrasiver

An abrasiver is a material or product designed to wear away another material through friction and mechanical action. In everyday use, it refers to substances used to grind, cut, shape, deburr, finish, or polish surfaces. Abrasivers are employed in woodworking, metalworking, stone fabrication, and consumer and industrial finishing, from rough stock removal to fine surface refinishing.

Abrasives come from natural minerals or synthetic compounds. Common materials include natural emery or garnet, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, zirconia-alumina, ceramic alumina, and superabrasives such as diamond and cubic boron nitride. They are produced in several forms: coated abrasives (sandpaper, belts, discs), bonded abrasives (grinding wheels, blocks), and loose powders used for lapping, honing, or vibratory finishing. The choice depends on hardness, toughness, heat resistance, and the workpiece material.

Grit sizing dictates aggressiveness and finish. Coarser grits remove material quickly but roughen surfaces; finer grits produce smoother finishes. Bonds (resin, vulcanized rubber, vitrified ceramics) hold particles in place, affecting heat resistance and wear. Subtypes like grinding wheels and sanding sheets are selected for material, geometry, and required tolerance.

Safety and standards: Abrasives generate fine dust and can cause injury if mishandled. Protective equipment and proper grinding wheel mounting are essential. International and national standards (FEPA, ANSI, JIS) define grit sizing and performance classifications to ensure interoperability.