Abrasion resistance is a property which allows a material to resist wear.  Materials which are abrasion resistant are useful for situations in which  mechanical wearing and damage can occur, including delicate applications such as  the construction of space shuttle components. Numerous companies manufacture  abrasion resistant products for a variety of applications, including products  which can be custom fabricated to meet the needs of specific users.

When a product has abrasion resistance, it will resist erosion caused by  scraping, rubbing, and other types of mechanical wear. This allows the material  to retain its integrity and hold its form. This can be important when the form  of a material is critical to its function, as seen when moving parts are  carefully machined for maximum efficiency. Abrasion resistant materials can be  used for both moving and fixed parts in settings where wearing could become an  issue.

There are a number of ways to make a material resistant to abrasion. One  option is to utilize a special coating which creates a hardened layer over the  material and resists friction. Some materials are also naturally extremely hard,  and are ideal for settings in which abrasion resistance will be desirable. Other  materials can be specifically formulated for increased hardness, as seen in  plastics facilities which manufacture abrasion resistant plastics with the use  of chemicals which harden and strengthen the plastic.