Feed rate scheduling methods include measuring a topography of a grinding wheel of a machine tool, calculating a topography parameter using the topography, and calculating a feed rate scheduling parameter for a toolpath of the grinding wheel based on the topography parameter. The topography may be measured using microscopy. The topography parameter may include a plurality of parameters including a density of crystals at a given depth (C(h)) of the grinding wheel and/or an area fraction of crystals protruding at a given depth (α(h)) of the grinding wheel. The feed rate scheduling parameter may include a grinding wheel feed rate, a grinding wheel spin rate, and/or a grinding wheel cutting depth, among other parameters.

An abrasive disk has one or more layers in which abrasive grains are embedded. Embedded in one layer is a sensor for detecting an original periphery of the abrasive disk that has been altered by wear. The sensor has at least one closed conductor loop which is arranged at a radial distance from the original periphery such that, when the original periphery is worn by more than the radial distance, the conductor loop is interrupted. A transponder emits a radio signal indicative of whether the conductor loop is closed or interrupted.

A random orbit sander includes a housing and a motor enclosed within the housing. The motor includes a motor shaft that is rotatable about a first axis. An eccentric carrier coupled to the motor shaft includes a circular internal bore that defines a second axis that is offset from the motor shaft. A bearing is received within the circular internal bore of the eccentric carrier. A sanding pad is supported by the bearing and is rotatable about the first axis in an eccentrically orbiting manner. The motor shaft and the eccentric carrier are integrally formed as a single piece.

A random orbit sander includes a housing and a motor enclosed within the housing. The motor includes a motor shaft that is rotatable about a first axis. An eccentric carrier coupled to the motor shaft includes a circular internal bore that defines a second axis that is offset from the motor shaft. A bearing is received within the circular internal bore of the eccentric carrier. A sanding pad is supported by the bearing and is rotatable about the first axis in an eccentrically orbiting manner. The motor shaft and the eccentric carrier are integrally formed as a single piece.

An abrasive article evaluation system is presented that includes a detector that detects a nonvisual abrasive wear cue and an efficiency indication generator that, based on the abrasive wear cue, generates an indication of wear for the abrasive article. The system also includes a command generator that generates a command based in the generated indication of wear.