Industrial abrasives are tools that shape or smooth a workpiece by rubbing against it. As the abrasive rubs against the workpiece, it wears away parts of the surface through friction. This will eventually make the surface smooth, but it can also give workpieces beaded, satin, reflective, or matte finishes as necessary. Used for sanding, buffing, polishing, grinding, and countless other forms of surface preparation, heavy-duty abrasives are found in most industrial manufacturing facilities and are available in a variety of natural and synthetic materials. Read on to learn more about abrasives and the many varieties available.