Cleaning and roughening of a metal surface by the use of abrasives which are projected against a surface using compressed air, water, or centrifugal force. Also used to clean concrete surfaces by removing dirt, grime, loose concrete, efflorescence, concrete spatter, laitance, glaze, form release agent, and all other foreign matter.

A process that uses a high-pressure stream of air of water to propel abrasive particles at the surface of a workpiece. Purposes vary from cleaning to removal of coating or surface contaminates to preparation for painting or some other surface treatment. Abrasives range from silica or sand to garnet or aluminum oxide abrasives depending upon applications. Density, relative hardness, cost, and friablilty are important characteristics that determine the usefulness of a particular abrasive. Some recycled materials such a glass beads are made from recyled glass have special applications. Other material such as dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) are used because they level no residue of the finished part. Precision from abrasive blasting can range from process used to remove stencil lettering on semi conductor components to removing rust and paint from ships or bridge structures.