A polishing apparatus polishes a periphery of a substrate. This polishing apparatus includes a rotary holding mechanism configured to hold the substrate horizontally and rotate the substrate, plural polishing head assemblies provided around the substrate, plural tape supplying and recovering mechanisms configured to supply polishing tapes to the plural polishing head assemblies and recover the polishing tapes from the plural polishing head assemblies, and plural moving mechanisms configured to move the plural polishing head assemblies in radial directions of the substrate held by the rotary holding mechanism. The tape supplying and recovering mechanisms are located outwardly of the plural polishing head assemblies in the radial directions of the substrate, and the tape supplying and recovering mechanisms are fixed in position.

The present invention relates to a polishing head for pressing a polishing tape against a substrate, such as a wafer. The present invention further relates to a polishing apparatus for polishing a substrate with such a polishing head. The polishing head (10) includes a pressing mechanism (12) configured to press a polishing tape (2) against a substrate W, and a tape hook (40) configured to restrict movement of an edge of the polishing tape (2) in a direction toward the substrate (W). The tape hook (40) has a tape positioning surface (47) that faces a polishing surface of the edge of the polishing tape (2).

Self-contained tracking mechanisms for an abrasive belt machine. The self-contained tracking mechanisms include an axle, a crowned wheel, a cam assembly, and an actuator. The axle and the cam assembly collectively define a bore. The bore defines bore threads. The crowned wheel is configured to support an abrasive belt. The crowned wheel is mounted on the axle. The cam assembly is configured to selectively tilt the axle. The cam assembly is mounted to the axle. The actuator is configured to selectively actuate the cam assembly to tilt the axle. The actuator includes a shaft defining shaft threads complementarily configured with the bore threads. The actuator is supported by the axle. The shaft extends through the bore and selectively abuts the cam assembly. The shaft selectively translates relative to the axle when rotated relative to the bore.

Self-contained tracking mechanisms for an abrasive belt machine. The self-contained tracking mechanisms include an axle, a crowned wheel, a cam assembly, and an actuator. The axle and the cam assembly collectively define a bore. The bore defines bore threads. The crowned wheel is configured to support an abrasive belt. The crowned wheel is mounted on the axle. The cam assembly is configured to selectively tilt the axle. The cam assembly is mounted to the axle. The actuator is configured to selectively actuate the cam assembly to tilt the axle. The actuator includes a shaft defining shaft threads complementarily configured with the bore threads. The actuator is supported by the axle. The shaft extends through the bore and selectively abuts the cam assembly. The shaft selectively translates relative to the axle when rotated relative to the bore.

A belt sander includes: a power unit having a rotating shaft; a rotatable belt casing defining a track groove that is open toward the power unit and that surrounds the rotating shaft, and having a plurality of engaging portions that are arranged around the track groove; an abrasive belt drivable by the rotating shaft; and a positioning unit including a movable positioning member that is adapted for manual operation, and an engaging member that is co-movably connected to the positioning member. The positioning unit is movable between an engaging position, where the engaging member is engaged with a selected one of the engaging portions, and a releasing position, where the engaging member is disengaged from the engaging portions.

A belt sander includes: a power unit having a rotating shaft; a rotatable belt casing defining a track groove that is open toward the power unit and that surrounds the rotating shaft, and having a plurality of engaging portions that are arranged around the track groove; an abrasive belt drivable by the rotating shaft; and a positioning unit including a movable positioning member that is adapted for manual operation, and an engaging member that is co-movably connected to the positioning member. The positioning unit is movable between an engaging position, where the engaging member is engaged with a selected one of the engaging portions, and a releasing position, where the engaging member is disengaged from the engaging portions.

Equipment (300) for the surface sanding of plate-shaped bodies (101), in particular of tiles, said equipment (300) comprising support and feeding means (100) for supporting said plate-shaped bodies (101) and feeding said plate-shaped bodies (101) along a given feed direction (D), so that during the movement along said given direction (D) the surface of each said plate-shaped body (101) that shall be sanded can be visible and accessed, said equipment (300) including a sanding module (200) provided with sanding means defining a sanding abrasive surface and with moving means for moving said abrasive surface in contact with the visible surface of said plate-shaped bodies (101) in succession during the movement thereof, wherein said sanding means comprise a closed belt (201) that defines said sanding abrasive surface and is suitable to be driven into rotation by means of said moving means.

Equipment (300) for the surface sanding of plate-shaped bodies (101), in particular of tiles, said equipment (300) comprising support and feeding means (100) for supporting said plate-shaped bodies (101) and feeding said plate-shaped bodies (101) along a given feed direction (D), so that during the movement along said given direction (D) the surface of each said plate-shaped body (101) that shall be sanded can be visible and accessed, said equipment (300) including a sanding module (200) provided with sanding means defining a sanding abrasive surface and with moving means for moving said abrasive surface in contact with the visible surface of said plate-shaped bodies (101) in succession during the movement thereof, wherein said sanding means comprise a closed belt (201) that defines said sanding abrasive surface and is suitable to be driven into rotation by means of said moving means.

A method determines state information relating to a belt grinder. The belt grinder has at least one abrasive belt for grinding a workpiece. The method includes providing measurement data relating to the belt grinder, and determining the state information from the measurement data using a machine learning system. The machine learning system is configured to determine the state information based on the provided measurement data.

This invention presents a water-cooled sanding table that uniquely integrates a cooling and thermal energy reclamation system. It features a motor-driven sanding belt, a compressor-regulated cooling system with a water tank, evaporator, and condensing coils, alongside an aluminum plate for direct heat transfer from the sanding process. This setup not only prevents heat damage to both workpiece and sanding belt, allowing for higher speed operations without damage, but also captures and repurposes the generated thermal energy. The expelled heat can be utilized for heating spaces or water, showcasing the invention's contribution to energy efficiency and sustainability. This system's ability to enhance processing quality while conservatively managing energy exemplifies a significant advancement in the field.