Sandblasting is a generic term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface by forcing solid particles across that surface at high speeds. Sandblasting can occur naturally, usually as a result of the particle blown by the wind causing eolian erosion, or artificially, using compressed air. An artificial sandblasting process was patented by Benjamin Chew Tilghman on October 18, 1870. Generic can be used in the following contexts: In computer science, generics (or genericity) are concepts used in programming. ... Wind is the roughly horizontal movement of air (as opposed to an air current) caused by uneven heating of the Earths surface. ... Eolian (or aeolian) processes pertain to the activity of the winds. ... Severe soil erosion in a wheat field near Washington State University, USA. Erosion is the displacement of solids (soil, mud, rock, and other particles) by the agents of wind, water, ice, movement in response to gravity, or living organisms (in the case of bioerosion). ... Pneumatics, from the Greek πνευματικός (pneumatikos, coming from the wind) is the use of pressurized air in science and technology. ... A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to a person for a fixed period of time in exchange for the regulated, public disclosure of certain details of a device, method, process or composition of matter (substance) (known as an invention) which is new, inventive and... Benjamin Chew Tilghman was born in Philadelphia on October 26, 1821, the third child of Benjamin and Anne Marie (McMurtie) His father was descended from Richard Tilghman. ... October 18 is the 291st day of the year (292nd in Leap years). ... 1870 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ...

Historically, the material used for artificial sandblasting was sand that had been sieved to a uniform size. The silica dust produced in the sandblasting process caused sillicosis after sustained inhalation of dust. Sandblasting may now only be performed in a controlled environment using ventilation, protective clothing and breathing air supply. Patterns in the sand Sand is an example of a class of materials called granular matter. ... The chemical compound silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is the oxide of silicon, chemical formula SiO2. ... Pneumoconiosis is a lung condition caused by the inhalation of dust, characterized by formation of nodular fibrotic changes in lungs. ...

Other materials for sandblasting have been developed to be used instead of sand; for example, glass beads, metal pellets, dry ice, powdered abrasives of various fineness, powdered slag, and even ground coconut shells or corncobs have been used for specific applications and produce distinct surface finishes. Dry ice is a genericized trademark for solid (frozen) carbon dioxide. ... An abrasive is a usually rough object that is used to smooth another through extensive rubbing. ... Binomial name Cocos nucifera L. The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera), is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family). ... Corn fields in southern Nebraska Corn can mean: In most Commonwealth countries, corn usually refers to any cereal, including, but not limited to maize In the U.S., Canada, and Australia, corn refers only to the cereal known in Commonwealth English as maize Corn can also mean: A type of...