An article includes a polishing layer that includes a plurality of raised cells separated by a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of raised cells includes a microstructured working surface, a substantially vertical channel surface, and an offset surface between an edge of the working surface and an upper edge of the channel surface. The microstructured working surface includes a plurality of microstructures. Tops of the plurality of microstructures define a top plane and bases of the plurality of microstructures define a base plane. The substantially vertical channel surface defines a wall of a channel of the plurality of channels and the channel surface defines a channel plane. The offset surface includes a nonplanar portion of displaced material. The displaced material defines a displacement plane that is below the base plane or within a tolerance of the top plane.

A polishing pad is provided. The polishing pad, suitable for polishing an object, includes a polishing layer and at least one groove. The polishing layer has a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The at least one groove is disposed in the polishing layer, wherein the at least one groove has two ends both located in the peripheral region, wherein the two ends include an open end and a closed end.

A coated abrasive article maker apparatus is disclosed comprising a first web path comprising a production tool and a second web path configured for a resin coated backing. The second web path is configured to guide the resin coated backing through the coated abrasive article maker apparatus with the resin layer positioned facing the dispensing surface. An abrasive particle feeder is positioned along the first web path and is configured to dispense abrasive particles onto the dispensing surface such that abrasive particles are removably disposed within cavities of the production tool. Abrasive particles are transferred from the plurality of cavities to the resin layer of the resin coated backing when the production tool is positioned adjacent the resin coated backing.

The method generally involves the steps of filling the cavities in a production tool each with an individual abrasive particle. Aligning a filled production tool and a resin coated backing for transfer of the abrasive particles to the resin coated backing. Transferring the abrasive particles from the cavities onto the resin coated backing and removing the production tool from the aligned position with the resin coated backing. Thereafter the resin layer is cured, a size coat is applied and cured and the coated abrasive article is converted to sheet, disk, or belt form by suitable converting equipment.

An abrasive article includes a plurality of abrasive particles and the rotational orientation of at least a portion of the abrasive particles about the z-axis varies randomly within a defined range, and the spacing of the abrasive particles along the y-axis varies randomly.

Methods and apparatus for shaping workpieces are described in which data representing the surface form of the workpiece is analysed to determine characteristics of curvature of the surface, and these characteristics are used to determine the size and form required for a tool to apply shaping treatment to all parts of the workpiece surface. Measurements of the actual workpiece are then compared with data relating to the required workpiece form, to determine the amount and distribution of material to be removed from the workpiece. A tool path for moving the tool over the workpiece to achieve the required shaping operation is then determined, and the tool and tool path data are provided to a shaping machine to carry out the shaping operation. The shaping tool may comprise an elastomeric body covered in a flexible cloth on which rigid pellets containing abrasive material are fixed. The specification discloses methods of manufacturing such tools, and also discloses methods for conditioning the pelleted cloth. There is also described a method of determining permissible amounts of tool offset to ensure smooth cutting of the workpiece.

A system includes a distribution tool, a backing, a first plurality of abrasive particles and a second plurality of abrasive articles. The distribution tool includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured to receive the first plurality of abrasive particles and pass the first plurality of abrasive particles through one or more of the plurality of slots to the backing. The second plurality of abrasive particles differ in at least one of a size, an average weight and a shape from the first plurality of abrasive particles. The second section is configured to receive the second plurality of abrasive particles and pass the second plurality of abrasive particles through one or more of the plurality of slots to the backing.

Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive article. The abrasive article includes a first major surface and an opposed second major surface. Each major surface contacts a peripheral side surface. A central axis extends through the first and second major surfaces. A first layer of abrasive particles is dispersed within the abrasive article according to a first predetermined pattern. Further a second layer of abrasive particles spaced apart from the first layer of abrasive particles and is dispersed within the abrasive article along a according to a second predetermined pattern. A binder material retains the first and second layers of abrasive particles in the abrasive article. A portion of the binder material is located between the first and second layers of abrasive particles. That portion of the binder material is substantially continuous.

A shaped abrasive particle including a body having a first major surface, a second major surface, and a side surface joined to the first major surface and the second major surface, and the body has at least one partial cut extending from the side surface into the interior of the body.

The method generally involves the steps of filling the cavities in a production tool each with an individual abrasive particle. Aligning a filled production tool and a resin coated backing for transfer of the abrasive particles to the resin coated backing. Transferring the abrasive particles from the cavities onto the resin coated backing and removing the production tool from the aligned position with the resin coated backing. Thereafter the resin layer is cured, a size coat is applied and cured and the coated abrasive article is converted to sheet, disk, or belt form by suitable converting equipment.