Background

[01] The present disclosure relates to abrasive articles. More particularly, it relates to tools, systems and methods for arranging abrasive particles on a backing as part of the manufacture of an abrasive article.

[02] In general, coated abrasive articles have an abrasive layer secured to a backing. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive particles and a binder that secures the abrasive particles to the backing. One common type of coated abrasive article has an abrasive layer comprised of a make coat or layer, a size coat or layer, and abrasive particles. In making such a coated abrasive article, a make layer precursor comprising a curable make resin is applied to a major surface of the backing. Abrasive particles are then at least partially embedded into the curable make resin, and the curable make resin is at least partially cured to adhere the abrasive particles to the major surface of the backing. A size layer precursor comprising a curable size resin is then applied over the at least partially cured curable make resin and abrasive particles, followed by curing of the curable size resin precursor, and optionally further curing of the curable make resin.

[03] Application of the abrasive particles to a major face of a backing construction (e.g., a backing coated with a make layer precursor) is oftentimes accomplished via drop coating technique in which a bulk supply of the abrasive particles are fed through a hopper and fall onto the major face (e.g., onto or into the make layer precursor) under the force of gravity. A spatial orientation of the abrasive particles upon contacting the major face is entirely random in all directions. Alternatively, electrostatic coating (e-coat) is also well known, and generally employs an electrostatic field to propel the abrasive particles vertically against the force of gravity onto the major face (e.g., onto or into the make layer precursor). With electrostatic coating, it is possible to effect the orientation of the abrasive particles in one direction such that each abrasive particle's elongated dimension is substantially erect (standing up) with respect to the backing surface. Rotational orientation about the major axis remains random. Electrostatic coating is more complex than drop coating, and may not be viable with all types of abrasive particles (e.g., it can be difficult to consistently electrostatically coat relatively large abrasive particles).

[04] In light of the above, a need exists for improved systems and methods for applying abrasive particles to a backing construction as part of the manufacture of an abrasive article.

Summary

[05] Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward methods of making abrasive articles. The method includes loading abrasive particles to a distribution tool. The distribution tool includes a plurality of strips defining a plurality of channels. Each of the channels is open to a lower side of the distribution tool. The loaded abrasive particles are distributed from the distribution tool on to a major face of a backing construction web located immediately below the lower side and moving relative to the distribution tool. At least a majority of the abrasive particles distributed from the distribution tool undergo a particle orientation sequence in which each particle first enters one of the channels. The particle then passes partially through the corresponding channel such that a first portion of the abrasive particle is beyond the lower side and in contact with the major face, and a second portion of the abrasive particle is within the channel. The particle orientation sequence then includes the abrasive particle remaining in simultaneous contact with at least one of the strips and the backing major face for a dwell period during. Optionally, the backing construction web moves relative to the distribution tool and/or vice-versa. In some embodiments, the method includes a plurality of the abrasive particles being simultaneously located within, and grossly aligned relative to, a respective one of the channels. In other embodiments, the orientation sequence includes the abrasive particle experiencing a natural re-orientation (e.g., tilting) following initial contact with the major face and while the second portion is within the confines of the corresponding channels. In yet other embodiments, the channel width is less than a nominal height and nominal length of the abrasive particles, but is greater than a nominal thickness.

[06] Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward systems for making abrasive articles. The system includes a distribution tool, a web feeding device, and an abrasive particle feed device. The distribution tool defines an entrance side, an exit side and a lower side. Further, the tool includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated strips combining to define a plurality of channels. Each of the channels extends between the entrance and exit sides, and is open to a lower side of the distribution tool. A length of each channel is greater than a corresponding channel width. The web feeding device is configured to deliver a backing construction web in a machine direction immediately below the lower side of the distribution tool. The abrasive particle feed device is configured to dispense a plurality of abrasive particles from an outlet, with the outlet being arranged over the entrance side of the distribution tool. In some embodiments, the strips are strings held in tension by a frame.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a portion of a system for manufacturing abrasive articles in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a simplified, exploded perspective view of a distribution tool in accordance with principles of the present disclosure and useful with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the tool of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the tool of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a side view of the distribution tool of FIG. 2A as part of a system for manufacturing abrasive articles and distributing abrasive particles on to a web;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the arrangement of FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 3C is an end cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an abrasive particle useful with the tools, systems, and methods of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a top view of a portion of the distribution tool of FIG. 2A interacting with the abrasive particle of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is an end view of the arrangement of FIG. 5 A;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 5 A;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate the arrangement of FIGS. 5A-5C with the abrasive particle in a different orientation; FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the distribution tool of FIG. 2A interacting with the abrasive particle of FIG. 4 as part of a system for manufacturing abrasive articles;

FIG. 8A is a top plan view of another abrasive particle useful with the tools, systems, and methods of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is an end view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 8 A;

FIG. 8C is a side view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 8 A;

FIG. 9A is a side view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 8A attached to a backing;

FIG. 9B is a side view of the distribution tool of FIG. 2A interacting with the abrasive particle of FIG. 8A as part of a system for manufacturing abrasive articles;

FIG. 9C is the arrangement of FIG. 9B at a later point in time;

FIG. 9D is an end view of the arrangement of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of another abrasive particle useful with the tools, systems, and methods of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is an end view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 10A;

FIG. IOC is a side view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of an abrasive article including the abrasive particles of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 1 IB is an enlarged end view of a portion of the distribution tool of FIG. 2 A in applying the abrasive particle of FIG. 1 OA to a backing;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are end views of the distribution tool of FIG. 2A interacting with the abrasive particles of FIG. 10A as part of a system for manufacturing abrasive articles;

FIG. 13 A is a top plan view of another abrasive particle useful with the tools, systems, and methods of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is an end view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 13 A;

FIG. 13C is a side view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 13A;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are top views of distribution tools in accordance with principles of the present disclosure interfacing with the abrasive particles of FIG. 13A; FIG. 15A is a top plan view of another abrasive particle useful with the tools, systems, and methods of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15B is an end view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 15 A;

FIG. 15C is a side view of the abrasive particle of FIG. 15 A; and

FIG. 16 is a simplified top plan view illustrating a portion of another method of manufacturing an abrasive article using a distribution tool in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to tools, systems and methods for manufacturing abrasive articles, and in particular devices and methods for applying abrasive particles to a backing construction. As a point of reference, FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a system 20 for manufacturing abrasive articles in accordance with principles of the present disclosure, including a distribution device 22 along with other components or devices commonly employed in the manufacture of abrasive articles. For example, the manufacture of abrasive articles conventionally includes structures and mechanisms (e.g., rollers, conveyor belts, etc.) for moving a backing construction web 24 along a path of travel or machine direction 26. The backing construction web 24 can assume various forms, and in some embodiments includes a backing 28 to which a make coat precursor resin 30 (or other resin or adhesive) has been applied. For example, with the non-limiting arrangement of FIG. 1, the backing 28 is advanced past a coater 32 that applies the make coat precursor resin 30 on a major surface 34 of the backing 28 thereby creating the backing construction web 24 (e.g., a coated backing). In other embodiments, multiple coatings can be applied to the backing 28 to generate the backing construction web 24 as delivered to the distribution tool 22; in yet other embodiments, the backing construction web 24 consists of the backing 28 alone (i.e., prior to interacting with the distribution device 22, the backing 28 is not subjected to a resin coating operation). Abrasive particles 36 (a size of which is exaggerated in FIG. 1 for ease of understanding) are applied to a major face 38 of the backing construction web 24 by the distribution device 22 that otherwise distributes the abrasive particles 36 from a supply 40 as described below. After application of the abrasive particles 36, the backing construction web 24 exits the distribution device 22 and is optionally subjected to further processing (e.g., application of a size coat 42, application of additional abrasive particles by conventional means (e.g., e-coat), application of a grinding aid, application of a supersize coat, curing, cutting, etc.) to produce a final abrasive article, such as a coated abrasive article.

[42] The distribution device 22 is configured to effectuate gross biased orientation and alignment of at least a majority of the abrasive particles 36 as applied and subsequently bonded to the major face 38. With this in mind, portions of one embodiment of a distribution tool 50 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure and useful with or as the distribution device 22 (FIG. 1) are shown in simplified form in FIG. 2A-2C. In general terms, the distribution tool 50 includes a frame 58 and a plurality of strips 60. The strips 60 are maintained by the frame 58 in a spaced apart manner such that a channel 62 is defined between immediately adjacent ones of the strips 60. The distribution tool 50 is configured to distribute abrasive particles (not shown) from a lower side 64 (referenced generally in FIG. 2C) thereof in a manner that grossly orients and aligns the abrasive particles. For example, and as described in greater detail below, the strands 60 are arranged such that the channels 62 have a substantially similar width Wc (e.g., the width Wc of the channel 62 varies from one another by no more than 10%) that is selected in accordance with expected nominal dimensions of the abrasive particles so as to grossly bias the abrasive particles to a spatial orientation at the lower side 64.

[43] The strips 60 are elongated bodies that either self-maintain, or can be held by the frame 58 in, a substantially linear or planar shape (e.g., within 10% of the truly linear or planar shape). For example, the strips 60 can be strings (e.g., nylon strings), wires, bands, strands, straps, etc., that are held in tension between opposing end walls 70a, 70b of the frame 58. Alternatively, the strips 60 can have a more rigid and robust construction, and need not be tensioned across the frame 58. Thus, the frame 58 can incorporate various features that facilitate assembly of the strips 60 (e.g., the mounting holes 72 shown in FIG. 2A). Regardless of an exact construction, the frame walls 70a, 70b maintain the strips 60 in a substantially parallel manner (e.g., the strips 60 are arranged to be within 10% of a truly parallel relationship with one another). [44] A linear distance between the end walls 70a, 70b serves to define an effective length Ls of each of the strips 60, as well as a length Lc of each of the channels 62. The channel length Lc is selected in accordance with expected nominal dimensions of the abrasive particles (not shown) with which the distribution tool 50 will be used as described in greater detail below, including the channel length Lc being sufficient to simultaneously receive a multiplicity of the abrasive particles.

[45] The distribution tool 50 is configured such that upon final assembly and use as part of the abrasive article manufacturing system 20 (FIG. 1), abrasive particles (not shown) will become loaded into the channels 62, and subsequently be caused to move relative to the channels 62 in a direction of the channel length Lc. Thus, the distribution tool 50 can be viewed has providing a length direction DL, commensurate with the channel lengths Lc, from an entrance side 90 to an exit side 92. The first end wall 70a is at the entrance side 90, and the second end wall 70b is at the exit side 92. As best reflected by FIG. 2C, the frame 58 maintains the strips 60 at an angle relative to horizontal, extending generally upwardly from the entrance side 90 to the exit side 92. The second end wall 70b is shorter than the first end wall 70a such that a bottom edge 94a of the first end wall 70a is vertically below (relative to the upright orientation of FIG. 2C) a bottom edge 94b of the second end wall 70b for reasons made clear below. Alternatively, the strips 60 can be arranged and held substantially parallel to horizontal.

[46] While the distribution tool 50 is illustrated as including nine of the strands

60, any other number, either greater or lesser, is equally acceptable. In more general terms, the number of strips 60 provided with the distribution tool 50 is selected as a function of the desired channel width Wc and a dimension (e.g., cross-web width) of the backing construction web 24 (FIG. 1) as described in greater detail below. In yet other embodiments, the distribution device 22 (FIG. 1) can include two or more of the distribution tools 50 assembled in series to a carrier frame or similar structure.

[47] Incorporation of the distribution tool 50 as part of the abrasive article manufacturing system 20 is generally reflected by FIGS. 3A-3C. The distribution tool 50 is located immediately adjacent (e.g., slight above by a distance described in greater detail below) the backing construction web 24. The elongated strips 60 (and thus the channels 62) are substantially aligned (e.g., within 10% of a truly aligned relationship) with the machine direction 26 (e.g., the length direction DL is substantially aligned or parallel with (e.g., within 10% of a truly aligned or parallel relationship) the machine direction 26.

[48] During use, a supply 100 (referenced generally) of the abrasive particles

36 is loaded onto the distribution tool 50 at or adjacent the entrance side 90. Individual ones of the abrasive particles 36 will enter a respective one of the channels 62 only upon achieving a gross spatial orientation dictated by dimensions of the channels 62. For example, a first abrasive particle 36a in FIGS. 3A and 3B is spatially oriented so as to enter the channel 62a, whereas a spatial orientation of a second abrasive particle 36b prevents entry into any of the channels 62. As a point of reference, loading of the supply 100 can include pouring or funneling (e.g., via vibratory feeder, belt driven drop coater, etc.) a large number of the abrasive particles 36 on to the distribution tool 50 under the force of gravity, with individual ones of the so-loaded abrasive particles 36 randomly assuming any spatial orientation. As the individual abrasive particles 36 repeatedly contact one or more of the strips 60, it deflects and assumes a new spatial orientation, eventually becoming generally aligned with and assuming a spatial orientation appropriate for entering one of the channels 62. In this regard, as the supply 100 of the abrasive particles 36 flows on to the strips 60, the strips 60 are caused to vibrate, with this vibration, in turn, causing the abrasive particles 36 to vibrate around on surfaces of the distribution tool 50 until they obtain a suitable orientation and fall through one of the channels 62. Regardless, a large number of abrasive particles 36 can be disposed within individual one of the channels 62 at any one point in time.

[49] Once a necessary spatial orientation is achieved, the so-arranged abrasive particle 36 passes through the corresponding channel 62, falls on to the backing construction web 24 and is at least partially bonded thereto (e.g., the third abrasive particles 36c identified in FIGS. 3A-3C). The lower side 64 of the distribution tool 50, and in particular the strips 60, is spaced from the backing construction web 24 by a gap G that, at least at the entrance side 90, is less than a maximum dimension(s) of the abrasive particles 36. Thus, a portion of the applied abrasive particles 36c remains within the corresponding channel 62 when located at or near the entrance side 90. The backing construction web 24 is driven relative to the distribution tool 50 in the machine direction 26, such that the applied abrasive particles 36c travel relative to the distribution tool 50 with movement of the backing construction web 24, freely sliding within the corresponding channel 62. During this movement, one or more of the strips 60 of the distribution tool 50 support the applied abrasive particles 36c, preventing the applied abrasive particles 36c from experiencing an overt change in spatial orientation (e.g., the applied abrasive particles 36c are preventing from overtly tipping or rotating in a direction perpendicular to the corresponding channel 62). As mentioned above, in some embodiments the strips 60 extend at an angle relative to horizontal, and thus relative to a plane of the backing construction web 24, between the entrance and exit sides 90, 92. With this arrangement, a size of the gap G at the entrance side 90 is less than a size of the gap G at the exit side 92. At the exit side 92, the size of the gap G is greater than the maximum dimension(s) of the abrasive particles 36, as is the distance between the bottom edge 94b of the second end wall 70b and the backing construction web 24. Thus, the applied abrasive particles 36c freely pass beneath the second end wall 70b. Alternatively, the strips 60 can be substantially parallel to horizontal, and the direction of the backing construction web 24 can be arranged downward (in the machine direction) to establish the expanding gap G as described above (i.e., the size of the gap G at the entrance side 90 is less than the size of the gap G at the exit side 92). Upon traveling beyond the exit side 92, the abrasive particles 36 are now more firmly bonded to the backing construction web 24 (e.g., abrasive particles 36d identified in FIGS. 3A and 3B), and maintain the gross biased orientation and alignment dictated by the distribution tool 50. In other words, systems and methods of the present disclosure include the applied abrasive particles 36c being in simultaneous contact with the backing construction web 24 and one (or more) of the strips 60 of the distribution tool 50 over a dwell period in which the applied abrasive particle 36c is caused to travel the length of the distribution tool 50 and progress beyond the exit side 92.

In some embodiments, some of the abrasive particles 36 included with the supply 100 dispensed or loaded on to the distribution tool 50 will not experience the gross bias orientation and alignment sequence or steps described above. For example, as the supply 100 flows on to the distribution tool 50 at the entrance side 90, individual ones of the abrasive particles 36 can defect or "bounce" off the strips 60 in a direction of the exit side 92; invariably, individual ones of the abrasive particles 36 will deflect or bounce off of the strips 60, beyond the exit side 92 (i.e., "over" the second end wall 70b) and onto the backing construction web 24. FIG. 3B illustrates one example of a random abrasive particle 36e that has secured on to the backing construction web 24 without passing through one of the channels 62. Abrasive article manufacturers and end-users may prefer this random occurrence of non-biased abrasive particles 36e. Thus, systems and methods of the present disclosure include at least a majority, optionally at least 75%, 85%, 90% or 95%, of the abrasive particles 36 included with the supply 100 as loaded to the distribution tool 50 undergoing a particle orientation sequence in which the abrasive particle 36: 1) enters one of the channels 62; 2) passes partially through the corresponding channel 62 such that a first portion of the abrasive particle is beyond the lower side 64 and in contact with the major face 38 of the backing construction web 24 and a second portion is within the channel 62; and 3) remains in simultaneous contact with at least one of the strips 60 and the major face 38 for a dwell period. Optionally, the backing construction web 24 moves relative to the distribution tool 50 and/or the distribution tool 50 moves relative to the backing construction web 24 during part, or an entirety, of the dwell period. In other embodiments, the backing construction web 24 and the distribution tool 50 do not move relative to one another as the abrasive particles 36 are being applied (e.g., the backing construction web 24 and the distribution tool 50 both remain stationary, or the backing construction web 24 and the distribution tool 50 move in tandem). Less than 100% of the abrasive particles 36 included with the supply 100 as loaded onto the distribution tool 50 undergo the particle orientation sequence in some embodiments.

The gross biased orientation and alignment provided by distribution tools of the present disclosure can be characterized by reference to major axes and dimensions of the abrasive particle. FIG. 4 is a generic, non-limiting example of the abrasive particle 36, the exterior shape of which defines a particle maximum length, maximum height and maximum thickness Lp, Hp, Tp dimensions that represent maximum dimensions of the abrasive particles 36 in three orthogonal planes. The particle maximum length, height and thickness Lp, Hp, Tp are a function of a shape of the abrasive particle 36, and the shape may or may not be uniform. The present disclosure is in no way limited to any particular abrasive particle shape, dimensions, type, etc. , and several exemplary abrasive particles useful with the present disclosure are described in greater detail below. However, with some shapes, the "height" of the abrasive particle 36 may more conventionally be referred to as a "width". The abrasive particle 36 is shown in FIG. 4 as arbitrarily having a rectangular prism shape, with opposing major faces 104 (one of which is visible), opposing major side faces 106 (one of which is visible), and opposing minor side faces 108 (one of which is visible). Regardless of an exact shape, any abrasive particle can be described as providing the particle maximum length Lp as the largest dimension in any one plane, the particle maximum height Hp as being the largest dimension in any plane orthogonal to the plane of the maximum length Lp, and the maximum thickness Tp as being the largest dimension in a third plane orthogonal to the planes of the maximum length Lp and height Hp. The particle maximum length Lp is greater than or equal to the particle maximum height Hp, and the particle maximum height Hp is greater than or equal to the particle maximum thickness Tp. Abrasive particles useful with the present disclosure can have circular geometries such that the terms "length", "height" or "thickness" are inclusive of diameter.

A shape of the abrasive particle 36 defines a centroid at which particle Xp, Yp and Zp axes can be defined (the particle Xp, Yp and Zp axes are orthogonal relative to one another). With the conventions of FIG. 4, the particle Zp axis is parallel with the maximum height Hp, the Yp axis is parallel with the maximum length Lp, and the Xp axis is parallel with the maximum thickness Tp. As a point of reference, the particle Xp, Yp, Zp axes are identified for the abrasive particle 36 as a standalone object independent of the backing construction web 24 (FIG. 3 A); once applied to the backing construction web 24, a "z-axis rotation orientation" of the abrasive particle 36 is defined by the particle's angular rotation about a z- axis passing through the particle and through the backing to which the particle is attached at a 90 degree angle to the backing. [53] The gross biased orientation effected by the distribution tools of the present disclosure entail dictating or limiting a spatial arrangement of the abrasive particle to a range of rotational orientations about the particle Zp axis and to a range of rotational orientations about the particle Yp axis; the gross biased orientation does not dictate or limit a rotational orientation about the particle Xp axis. For example, FIG. 5A provides a top view of the abrasive particle 36 within one of the channels 62. The opposing strips 60 limit a rotational orientation of the abrasive particle 36 about the Zp axis to a range reflected by phantom representations of the abrasive particle 36. Similarly, FIG. 5B is an end view of the abrasive particle 36 within the channel 62. Gross biased orientation includes the opposing strips 60 limiting a rotational orientation of the abrasive particle 36 about the Yp axis within a range reflected by phantom representations of the abrasive particle 36. Finally, FIG. 5C is a side view of the abrasive particle 36 within the channel 62 (referenced generally) relative to one of the strips 60 (it being understood that the opposing strand of the channel 62 is not shown). The abrasive particle 36 can freely assume any rotational orientation about the Xp axis (one possible rotational orientation about the Xp axis is represented in phantom in FIG. 5C).

[54] Depending upon the dimensions of the channel 62 and of the abrasive particle 36, the abrasive particle 36 may be able to "fit" within the channel 62 such that the particle Yp and Zp axes are rotated 90 degrees from the representations of FIGS. 5 A and 5B in which the abrasive particle 36 is randomly arranged with the major side faces 106 parallel with the channel length Lc. FIGS. 6A-6C is another possible arrangement in which the minor side faces 108 are parallel with the channel length Lc. Once again, a gross biased orientation is achieved in which the abrasive particle 36 is limited to a range of orientations about the particle's Yp and Zp axes; the abrasive particle 36 can assume any rotational orientation about the particle Xp axis.

[55] With the above general explanations in mind and with reference between

FIGS. 2A-2C and 4, it will be recalled that arrangement of the strips 60 and dimensions of the channels 62 are selected as a function of expected geometry or dimensions of the abrasive particles 36 to be processed. In more general terms, the arrangement and dimensions of the strips 60 and the channels 62 are selected based upon the particle maximum length Lp, maximum height Hp, and maximum thickness Tp of the abrasive particles to be processed (it being understood that a bulk supply of a particular abrasive particle will purport to contain identically sized and shaped abrasive particles; invariably, however, individual ones of the abrasive particles within the bulk supply will have dimensions that slightly vary from one another within an accepted tolerances; thus, when selecting arrangement and dimensions for the strips 60 and the channels 62 for distributing the abrasive particles of the bulk supply as described in the present disclosure, the "dimensions" of any one abrasive particle of the bulk supply can be with reference to nominal dimension of the bulk supply).

Arrangement and dimensions of the strips 60 and the channels 62 are generally configured such that the channel width Wc is less than at least the abrasive particle maximum length Lp, and optionally less than the abrasive particle maximum height Hp, dictating that the abrasive particle 36 must achieve a gross biased orientation before entering and passing through one of the channels 62, with the strips 60 further serving to support the abrasive particle 36 in the biased orientation as described below. While the channel width Wc can closely approximate the maximum thickness Tp so as to dictate a more precise particle Zp axis and Yp axis rotational orientation of the applied abrasive particles 36 (i.e., as the channel width Wc approaches the maximum thickness Tp, the range of possible Zp axis and Yp axis rotational orientations the abrasive particle 36 can assume and still "fit" in the channel 62 is reduced), in some embodiments, the channel width Wc is greater than the maximum thickness Tp for enhanced throughput time (i.e., by providing a larger channel width Wc, abrasive particles 36 can randomly assume a larger range of Zp axis and Yp axis rotational orientations and still enter/pass through one of the channels 62, thereby making it "easier" for an individual abrasive particle 36 to obtain an appropriate spatial orientation thus improving the mass flow rate of the abrasive particles 36 through the distribution tool 50), approaching, but not exceeding, the particle maximum length and maximum height Lp, Hp. For example, the channel width Wc can be at least 125%, alternatively at least 150%, of the particle maximum thickness Tp. Alternatively or in addition, the channel width Wc can be 50 - 75% of the maximum height Hp (so long as the calculated value is greater than the maximum thickness Tp). In yet other embodiments, the selected channel width Wc is a non- integer factor of the maximum thickness Tp (i.e., the channel width Wc is not equal to the maximum thickness Tp, 2Tp, 3Tp, etc. ) to avoid clogging (e.g., were the channel width Wc to be equal to two times the maximum thickness Tp, two abrasive particles 36 could become aligned side-by-side each other and then collectively become lodged to the opposing strips 60 of one of the channels 62).

Dimensions of the abrasive particles 36 can also be utilized to determine a size of the gap G between the lower side 64 of the distribution tool 50 and the backing construction web 24 as shown in FIG. 7. In particular, the gap G is sized so as to ensure that once in contact with the backing construction web 24 at or adjacent the entrance side 90, a portion of the abrasive particle 36 remains "within" the corresponding channel 62 (referenced generally in FIG. 7, it being understood that in the view of FIG. 7, the channel 62 is "hidden" behind the strip 60 otherwise visible in the illustration), supported by at least one of the corresponding strips 60. In some embodiments, and with cross-reference between FIGS. 4 and 7 at the entrance side 90, the size of the gap G is 10 - 90% of the particle maximum height Hp, alternatively 25 - 75% of the particle maximum height Hp. For example, in the illustration of FIG. 7, a first abrasive particle 36a has achieved the gross biased orientation dictated by the distribution tool 50, fallen along one of the channels 62, and become arranged on the backing construction web 24 near the entrance side 90. Because a size of the gap G at the entrance side 90 is less that the particle maximum height Hp, a first portion 110 of the abrasive particle 36a remains within the channel 62 or "above" the strips 60, and a second portion 112 is beyond the lower side 64. Thus, the abrasive particle 36 is supported by at least one of the strips 60 (i.e., the first portion 110 contacts at least one of the strips 60) as the abrasive particle 36a traverses along the distribution tool 50 with movement of the backing construction web 24 in the machine direction 26. As the applied abrasive particles approach the exit side 92 (e.g., the second abrasive particle 36b in FIG. 7), the abrasive particle 36b no longer contacts the strip(s) 60 due to the increasing size of the gap G (in the machine direction 26). The applied abrasive particle 36b freely passes under the second end wall 70b (FIG. 2C). [58] The above criteria for construction of the distribution tools of the present disclosure, and in particular arrangement and dimensions of the strips 60, the channels 62 and the gap G, can be applied to a plethora of different abrasive particle constructions. For example, particle maximum length, height and thickness LPI, HPI, TPI are designated for one exemplary abrasive particle 200 shape in FIGS. 8A-8C. A shape of the abrasive particle 200 is akin to an equilateral triangular prism, with FIG. 8A providing a top view, FIG. 8B an end view, and FIG. 8C a side view. Due to the equilateral triangular prism shape, the maximum length LPI and the maximum height HPI are uniform across a thickness of the abrasive particle 200 (i.e., the abrasive particle 200 can be viewed as defining opposing major faces 202, 204; the maximum length and height LPI, HPI exist at both of the faces 202, 204). The maximum height HPI is known or can be calculated, and is less than the maximum length LPI. The maximum thickness TPI is less than the maximum length and height LPI, HPI. Side faces 206-210 of the abrasive particle 200 have an identical shape and size, and are perpendicular to the major faces 202, 204.

[59] An abrasive article manufacturer may prefer that the abrasive particle 200 be applied to and retained at the major face 38 of the backing construction web 24 in an "upright" position as generally reflected by FIG. 9A (i.e., one of the side faces 206-210 of the abrasive particle 200 bears against or is embedded into the backing construction major face 38, as compared to a non-upright orientation in which one of the particle major faces 202, 204 is at the backing construction major face 38). With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and 8A-8C, the distribution tool 50 can be configured to grossly bias the abrasive particle 200 to the desired upright position by forming the channel width Wc to be less than the particle maximum length and height LPI, HPI, and greater than the maximum thickness TPI, commensurate with the descriptions above.

[60] Dimensions of the abrasive particles 200 can also be utilized to determine a size of the gap G between the lower side 64 of the distribution tool 50 and the backing construction web 24 as shown in FIG. 9B. In particular, the gap G is sized so as to ensure that once in contact with the backing construction web 24 near the entrance side 90, a portion of the abrasive particle 200 remains "within" the corresponding channel 62 (referenced generally in FIG. 9B), supported by at least one of the corresponding strips 60. In some embodiments, and with cross- reference between FIGS. 8A and 9B, the size of the gap G at the entrance side is 25 - 75% of the particle maximum height HPI. For example, a first abrasive particle 200a is identified in FIG. 9B. The first abrasive particle 200a has achieved the gross biased orientation dictated by the distribution tool 50, fallen along one of the channels 62, and become arranged on the backing construction web 24 (i.e., the first side face 206 bears on or in the major face 38). Because the size of the gap G relative to a location of the abrasive particle 200a is less that the particle maximum height HPI, a first portion 220 of the abrasive particle 200a remains within the channel 62, and a second portion 222 is beyond the lower side 64. Thus, the abrasive particle 200a is supported by at least one of the strips 60 (i.e., the first portion 220 contacts at least one of the strips 60) as the abrasive particle 200a traverses along the distribution tool 50 with movement of the backing construction web 24 in the machine direction 26. As the abrasive particle 200a approaches the exit side 92, contact with the strip(s) 60 no longer occurs and the abrasive particle 200a freely passes under the second end wall 70b (FIG. 2C).

FIG. 9B further reflects that as the abrasive particles 200 initially drop or fall along one of the channels 62, rotational orientation about the particle Xp axis (FIG. 4) is effectively unconstrained, such that the abrasive particle 200 can initially contact the backing construction web 24 at a wide range of particle Xp axis rotational orientations. For example, a second abrasive particle 200b is identified in FIG. 9B as initially contacting the backing construction web 24 at a skewed rotational orientation (i.e., none of the side faces 206-210 are parallel with the major face 38). Once in contact with the backing construction web 24, the abrasive particle 200b will naturally seek a stable orientation as it traverses the distribution tool 50 while being pulled along by the backing construction web 24 in the machine direction 26. This is a "base down" orientation in typically weights of the make coating 30. FIG. 9C represents a later point in time; with movement of the backing construction web 24, the abrasive particle 200b has now naturally attained a stable orientation in which the side face 206 is against or in the major face 38. Commensurate with the above descriptions, in this self- adjusted orientation, a portion of the abrasive particle 200b remains within the channel 62 (referenced generally), supported by at least one of the strips 60. Finally, the end view of FIG. 9D reflects that the gross biased orientation effectuated by the distribution tool 50 limits the z-axis rotational orientation (i.e., the applied particle's 200 angular rotation about a z-axis passing through the particle 200 and through the backing 24 to which the particle 36 is attached at a 90 degree angle to the backing 24) exhibited by each of the attached abrasive particles 200 to a prescribed range, although the z-axis rotational orientations will not be identical for all of the abrasive particles 200.

[62] A number of other abrasive particle shapes are useful with the distribution tools, systems and methods of the present disclosure. For example, the particle maximum length, height and thickness Lp ₂ , Hp ₂ , TP2 are designated for another exemplary abrasive particle 250 shape in FIGS. lOA-lOC. The shape of the abrasive particle 250 is akin to an equilateral triangular tapered prism in which the particle maximum length LP2 is greater than the particle maximum height HP2. The tapered geometry across the thickness dictates that dimensions of the abrasive particle 250 at a first major face 252 differ from those at a second, opposing major face 254. As generally reflected by the views, the maximum length LP2 and the maximum height HP2 are found at the second major face 254; while the first major face 252 has length and height dimensions (labeled as Lminor, Hminor), the length and height of the abrasive particle 250 at the first major face 252 are less than those of the second major face 254, with the maximum length and height dimensions LP2, HP2 existing or being measured at the second major face 254. The maximum thickness TP2 is less than the maximum length and height LP2, HP2. Side faces 256-260 of the abrasive particle 250 have an identical shape and size, and can be characterized as "sloping", defining a draft angle a relative to the first major face 252 and a base angle β relative to the second major face 254. For example, the abrasive particle 250 can assume any of the constructions described in US Publication No. 2010/0151 196 entitled "Shaped Abrasive Particle With A Sloping Sidewall" the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[63] An abrasive article manufacturer may prefer that the abrasive particle 250 be applied to and retained at the major face 38 of the backing construction web 24 in an "upright" position as generally reflected by an exemplary coated abrasive article 270 in FIG. 11 A (i.e., one of the side faces 256-260 of each of the abrasive particles 250 bears against or is embedded into the backing construction major face 38, with the abrasive particle 250 having an overall "tipped" or "leaning" arrangements and covered with the size coat 42). With additional reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and lOA-lOC, the distribution tool 50 can be configured to grossly bias the abrasive particles 250 to the desired upright, tilted orientation by forming the channel width Wc to be less than the particle maximum length and height Lp ₂ , Hp ₂ , and greater than the maximum thickness TP2 commensurate with the descriptions above. In some embodiments, the channel width Wc is sufficiently large so that the abrasive particles 250 can freely assume the tipped or leaning arrangement, such as by being 25% - 75% of the particle maximum height Hp ₂ .

[64] In other embodiments, the channel width Wc can be more precisely calculated as based on geometry of the abrasive particle 250. With constructions in which the abrasive particle 250 has a uniform equilateral triangular tapered prism shape, the side edge dimensions of the first and second major faces 252, 254 can be measured or are known (and serve as the "length" dimension), as are the draft angle a and the base angle β. Due to the equilateral triangular shape and the known/measured length dimension, the height Hminor of the first major face 252 can be calculated as:

Hminor ⁼ 3 ^/2 X Lminor

[65] Alternatively, the height Hminor of the first major face 252 can be measured. With the particle thickness TP2 being known or measured, a width WSF of any side face 256-260 is then calculated as:

[66] With reference to FIG. 11B, the channel width Wc can then be determined as a function of the side face width WSF. In particular, in order to accommodate the footprint of the abrasive particle 250 in the tipped orientation (in which one of the side faces 256-260 is substantially parallel with the major face 38 of the backing construction web 24 and thus substantially perpendicular to the plane of each of the strands 60), the channel width Wc should be equal to or greater than the side face width WSF plus a clearance dimension (designated as "C" in FIG. 1 IB). The clearance dimension C can be calculated as: C = Hminor X COSP

[67] Thus, the channel width Wc can be calculated as:

Wc > Tp2/sinP + (Hminor X COSP)

[68] Dimensions of the abrasive particles 250 can also be utilized to determine a variable size of the gap G (FIG. 7) between the lower side 64 of the distribution tool 50 and the backing construction web 24 as described above.

[69] Use of the distribution tool 50 in applying a plurality of the abrasive particles 250 is highly akin to the descriptions above. In some embodiments, the distribution tool 50 is configured and arranged so that regardless of the particle Yp, Zp axes (FIG. 4) rotational orientation of the abrasive particle 250 as it passes along the corresponding channel 62, the abrasive particle 250 is permitted to self- revert toward the "tilted" orientation, with one or more of the strands 60 supporting the abrasive particle in this tilted orientation. For example, the view of FIG. 12A represents various ones of the abrasive particles 250 falling through various ones of the channels 62 at a first point in time. A first one of the abrasive particles 250a is shown has having contacted the major face 38 of the backing construction web 24 at a rotational orientation in which none of the side faces 256-260 are parallel with the major face 38. In other words, while the first abrasive particle 250a has attained the gross biased orientation referenced above sufficient for passing into and partially through the channel 62, the abrasive particle 250a is not in the desired tilted orientation. Once in contact with the backing construction web 24, the abrasive particle 250a becomes at least partially secured to the make coat 30; however, a surface tension of the make coat 30 and other parameters allow the abrasive particle 250a to naturally tip. FIG. 12B reflects this phenomena, illustrating the arrangement of FIG. 12A at a later point in time. More particularly, the abrasive particle 250a has self-reverted toward the desired "tipped" orientation, and is supported in this tipped arrangement via contact with one of the strips 60.

[70] As a point of reference, as the abrasive particles 250 randomly fall through the corresponding strands 62, each one of the abrasive particles 250 will not necessarily be spatially located to achieve the final or complete tipped arrangement. For example, a second abrasive particle 250b is identified in FIGS. 12A and 12B. In the state of FIG. 12A, the second abrasive particle 250b is dropping through the channel in relatively close proximity to the strips 60. The second abrasive particle 250b contacts the major face 38 of the backing construction web 24 (FIG. 12 A), and then self-tips to the arrangement of FIG. 12B. As shown, the second abrasive particle 250b comes into contact with the strips 60 prior to achieving the fully tipped arrangement (i.e., the side face 256 is not parallel with the major face 38). However, upon later exiting the distribution tool 50 (i.e., the second abrasive article 250b is no longer in contact with any of the strips 60), the make coat 30 remains sufficiently fluid such that the second abrasive particle 250b is likely to self-transition to the desired tipped arrangement.

[71] FIGS. 12A and 12B also illustrate that with the gross biased orientations dictated by the distribution tools of the present disclosure, the abrasive particles 250 can randomly assume different spatial arrangements within the prescribed particle Yp, Zp axes ranges. For example, a third abrasive article 250c is identified and is shown as being spatially arranged approximately 180 degrees (about the particle Zp axis) as compared to the first and second abrasive particles 250a, 250b.

[72] A number of other abrasive particle shapes are equally useful with the present disclosure. By way of further non-limiting example, the particle maximum length, height and thickness Lp ₃ , Hp ₃ , TP3 are designated for another exemplary abrasive particle 300 shape in FIGS. 13A-13C. The shape of the abrasive particle 300 is akin to an isosceles triangular tapered prism. The maximum length LP3 is greater than the maximum height HP3. The tapering geometry dictates that the length and height at a first major face 302 differ from an opposing second major face 304, with the maximum length and height LP3, HP3 being found or measured at the second major face 304 as described above. The maximum thickness TP3 is less than the maximum length and height LP3, HP3. With additional reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and commensurate with the above descriptions, the distribution tool 50 can be configured such that the channel width Wc is less than the particle maximum length LP3, optionally less than the particle maximum height HP3, but is greater than the particle maximum thickness TP3. For example, the view of FIG. 14A illustrates one construction in which the channel width Wc is less than the maximum height Hp ₃ (and thus less than the maximum length Lp ₃ ). As a result, the abrasive particles 300 cannot enter any of the channels 62 whenever spatially arranged such that the maximum length Lp ₃ or the maximum height Hp ₃ is perpendicular to the length direction DL. Alternatively, there may be circumstances where the abrasive article manufacturer is comfortable with a wider range of abrasive particle orientations. Thus, and as reflected by FIG. 14B, the channel width Wc can be selected to be less than the particle maximum length Lp ₃ but greater than the particle maximum height HP3, permitting the abrasive particles 300 to more readily attain a spatial orientation appropriate for entering one of the channels 62.

[73] As evidenced by the above explanations, the distribution tools of the present disclosure are useful with a plethora of abrasive particle shapes, such as any precision shaped grain currently available or in the future developed. Non- limiting examples of other precision shaped grains or abrasive particles useful with the present disclosure include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0169816 entitled "Shaped, Fractured Abrasive Particle, Abrasive Article Using Same and Method of Making"; U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0146867 entitled "Shaped Abrasive Particles With Grooves"; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0319269 entitled "Shaped Abrasive Particles With Low Roundness Factor"; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0227333 entitled "Dual Tapered Shaped Abrasive Particles"; U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0040537 entitled "Ceramic Shaped Abrasive Particles, Methods of Making the Same, and Abrasive Articles Containing the Same"; and U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0125477 entitled "Intersecting Plate Shaped Abrasive Particles"; the entire teachings of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[74] In addition, the tools, systems and methods of the present disclosure are also useful with more abstract or complex abrasive particle shapes (e.g., shards). For example, the particle maximum length, height and thickness Lp ₄ , HP4, TP4 are designated for another exemplary abrasive particle 320 shape in FIGS. 15A-15C. The shape of the abrasive particle 320 is akin to a complex prism in which opposing faces 322, 324 have a random, complex shape. The particle maximum length LP4 is greater than the particle maximum height HP4. The particle maximum thickness TP4 is less than the particle maximum length and height Lp ₄ , HP4. With additional reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and commensurate with the above descriptions, the distribution tool 50 can be configured such that the channel width Wc is less than the maximum length LP4, optionally less than the maximum height HP4, but is greater than the maximum thickness TP4.

[75] Regardless of shape, the tools, systems and methods of the present disclosure are useful with a wide range of abrasive particle materials. Exemplary useful abrasive particles include fused aluminum oxide based materials such as aluminum oxide, ceramic aluminum oxide (which may include one or more metal oxide modifiers and/or seeding or nucleating agents), and heat-treated aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, co-fused alumina-zirconia, diamond, ceria, titanium diboride, cubic boron nitride, boron carbide, garnet, flint, emery, sol-gel derived abrasive particles, and blends thereof. The abrasive particles may be in the form of, for example, individual particles, agglomerates, abrasive composite particles, and mixtures thereof.

[76] Returning to FIG. 1 , apart from the distribution tool 50 (and other optional components of the distribution device 22) and use thereof, other features of the abrasive article manufacturing systems and methods of the present disclosure can assume a wide variety of forms as are known in the art.

[77] For example, the backing 28 can be a flexible backing. Suitable flexible backings include polymeric films, metal foils, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, paper, vulcanized fiber, nonwovens, foams, screens, laminates, and combinations thereof. The coated abrasive articles with a flexible backing may be in the form of sheets, discs, belts, pads, or rolls. In some embodiments, the backing 28 can be sufficiently flexible to allow the coated abrasive article to be formed into a loop to make an abrasive belt that can be run on suitable grinding equipment.

[78] The make coat 30 and, where provided, the size coat 42 comprise a resinous adhesive. The resinous adhesive of the make coat 30 can be the same as or different from that of the size coat 42. Examples of resinous adhesives that are suitable for these coats include phenolic resins, epoxy resins, urea-formaldehyde resins, acrylate resins, aminoplast resins, melamine resins, acrylated epoxy resins, urethane resins and combinations thereof. In addition to the resinous adhesive, the make coat 30 or size coat 42, or both coats, may further comprise additives that are known in the art, such as, for example, fillers, grinding agents, wetting agents, surfactants, dyes, pigments, coupling agents, adhesion promoters, and combinations thereof. Examples of fillers include calcium carbonate, silica, talc, clay, calcium metasailicate, dolomite, aluminum sulfate and combinations thereof.

The distribution tools of the present disclosure are equally useful with other abrasive article manufacturing systems and methods apart from those implicated by FIG. 1. For example, the distribution tools of the present disclosure can be utilized to apply abrasive particles at a grossly biased orientation that is other than downweb and/or onto backing web constructions that have disc or other non-linear shapes. With these and other alternative embodiments, the backing and the distribution tool do not move relative to one another as the abrasive particles are being applied (e.g., the backing construction web and the distribution tool both remain stationary, or the backing construction web and the distribution tool move in tandem). Another alternative embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure is represented by FIG. 16 in which the distribution tool 50 is utilized to apply the abrasive particles 36 to a backing web construction or backing 400. The backing 400 has a disc shape. The abrasive particles 36 are initially supplied to the distribution tool 50, and then applied to a surface of the backing 400 in a biased orientation upon passing through one of the channels 62 as described above. As the abrasive particles 36 are distributed on to the backing 400, the distribution tool 50 and the backing 400 can remain stationary relative to another; once, the abrasive particles 36 have been applied, the distribution tool 50 is incrementally moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the backing 400 in a direction represented by the arrow M (and/or vice-versa) until the distribution tool 40 is over a "new" area of the backing 400 for receiving additional ones of the abrasive particles 36. Alternatively, the distribution tool 50 can be sized and shaped such that as the abrasive particles 36 are being supplied to the distribution tool 50, the distribution tool 50 can be slowly moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the backing 400 in the direction M (and/or vice-versa) at a sufficient rate that permits the applied abrasive particles 36 to pass beyond the channels 62 without experience an overt applied force by the strands 60 (i.e., the applied abrasive particles 36 are not forced to fall over due to contact with one of the stands 60). [80] The distribution tools and corresponding abrasive article manufacturing systems and methods of the present disclosure provide a marked improvement over previous designs. Abrasive particles are randomly loaded on to the distribution tool. In passing through the distribution tool and becoming applied to a backing, the abrasive particles are caused to become grossly oriented and aligned, with minimal costs and restrictions on through put time. Further, the distribution tool supports the oriented and aligned abrasive particles for a dwell period, enhancing the likelihood that the abrasive particles will retain the biased orientation. The distribution tools of the present disclosure are useful with any type or shape of abrasive particle, especially abrasive particles that are not well- suited for electrostatic coating.

[81] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.