An abrasive is defined as a material of extremehardness that is used to shape other materialsby a grinding or abrading action. Abrasive materialsmay be used as loose grains, as grindingwheels, or as coatings on cloth or paper. Theymay be formed into ceramic cutting tools thatare used for machining metal in the same waythat ordinary machine tools are used. Becauseof their superior hardness and refractory properties,they have advantages in speed of operation,depth of cut, and smoothness of finish.
Abrasive products are used for cleaning andmachining all types of metal, for grinding andpolishing glass, for grinding logs to paper pulp,for cutting metals, glass, and cement, and formanufacturing many miscellaneous productssuch as brake linings and nonslip floor tile.
