TECHNICAU FIEUD

The present disclosure broadly relates to coated abrasive discs, methods of making them, and methods of using them.

BACKGROUND

Coated abrasive discs made from triangular abrasive platelets are useful for abrading, finishing, or grinding a wide variety of materials and surfaces in the manufacturing of goods. In particular, finishing of welding beads (e.g., especially mild (i.e., low-carbon) steel welds), flash, gates, and risers off castings by off-hand abrading with a handheld right-angle grinder is an important application for coated abrasive discs. In view of the above, there continues to be a need for improving the cost, performance, and/or life of the coated abrasive discs.

Coated abrasive articles having rotationally aligned triangular abrasive platelets are disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 9,776,302 (Keipert). The coated abrasive articles have a plurality of triangular abrasive platelets each having a surface feature. The plurality of triangular abrasive platelets is attached to a flexible backing by a make coat comprising a resinous adhesive forming an abrasive layer. The surface features have a specified Z-axis rotational orientation that occurs more frequently in the abrasive layer than would occur by a random Z-axis rotational orientation of the surface feature.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc comprising:

an abrasive layer disposed on a major surface of a disc backing, wherein the abrasive layer comprises triangular abrasive platelets secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material, wherein the triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed from the major surface at contiguous intersections of horizontal and vertical lines of a rectangular grid pattern, wherein the

2

intersections of the rectangular grid pattern have an areal density (intersections / centimeter ) defined by C/(UT) where C is a unitless coverage factor having a value between 0.1 and 0.4, U is the average major triangular abrasive platelet side length and T is the average triangular abrasive platelet thickness, both in centimeters wherein at least 70 percent of the intersections have a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat,

wherein each one of the triangular abrasive platelets has respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls, and

wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 10 degrees of the vertical lines. Advantageously, coated abrasive discs according to the present disclosure are useful for off-hand abrading of mild steel (e.g., mild steel weld finishing), where they exhibit superior performance as compared to previous similar discs.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of abrading a workpiece, the method comprising frictionally contacting a portion of the abrasive layer of a coated abrasive disc according to the present disclosure with a workpiece, and moving at least one of the workpiece and the coated abrasive disc relative to the other to abrade the workpiece.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a coated abrasive disc, the method comprising:

disposing a curable make layer precursor on a major surface of a disc backing;

embedding triangular abrasive platelets into the curable make layer precursor, wherein the

triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed from the major surface at contiguous intersections of a horizontal and vertical rectangular grid pattern, wherein the intersections of the rectangular grid pattern have an areal density (intersections /

2

centimeter ) defined by C/(LT) where C is a unitless coverage factor having a value between 0.1 and 0.4, L is the average major triangular abrasive platelet side length and T is the average triangular abrasive platelet thickness, both in centimeters , wherein at least 70 percent of the intersections have one of the triangular abrasive platelets disposed thereat,

wherein each one of the triangular abrasive platelets has respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls, and

wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 10 degrees of the vertical lines;

at least partially curing the curable make layer precursor to provide a make layer;

disposing a curable size layer precursor over the at least partially cured make layer precursor and triangular abrasive platelets; and

at least partially curing the curable size layer precursor to provide a size layer.

As used herein:

the term "contiguous" means in close proximity without actually touching;

the term "mild steel" refers to a carbon-based steel alloy containing less than about 0.25 percent by weight of carbon;

the term stainless steel refers to a chromium based steel alloy of iron and chromium containing at least 10.5 percent by weight of chromium;

the term "offhand abrading" means abrading where the operator manually urges the disc/wheel against a workpiece or vice versa; the term "proximate" means very near or next to (e.g., contacting or embedded in a binder layer contacting); and

the term "workpiece" refers to a thing being abraded.

As used herein, the term "triangular abrasive platelet", means a ceramic abrasive particle with at least a portion of the abrasive particle having a predetermined shape that is replicated from a mold cavity used to form the shaped precursor abrasive particle. The triangular abrasive platelet will generally have a predetermined geometric shape that substantially replicates the mold cavity that was used to form the triangular abrasive platelet. Triangular abrasive platelet as used herein excludes randomly sized abrasive particles obtained by a mechanical crushing operation.

As used herein, "Z-axis rotational orientation" refers to the angular rotation, about a Z-axis perpendicular to the major surface of the disc backing, of the longitudinal dimension the triangular abrasive platelet sidewall that most faces the disc backing.

Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be further understood upon consideration of the detailed description as well as the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of exemplary coated abrasive disc 100.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of region 1A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of coated abrasive disc 100 taken along line 1B-1B in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a schematic top view of a representative triangular abrasive platelet 130 showing its Z- axis orientation.

FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of exemplary triangular abrasive platelet 130a.

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of exemplary triangular abrasive platelet 130a.

FIG. 3 A is a schematic top view of exemplary triangular abrasive platelet 330.

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of exemplary triangular abrasive platelet 330.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a production tool 400 useful for making coated abrasive disc

100

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of region 4A in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of production tool 400 taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional end view of production tool 400 taken along line 4C-4C in FIG. 4A.

Repeated use of reference characters in the specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the disclosure. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the disclosure. The figures may not be drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary coated abrasive disc 100 according to the present disclosure, wherein triangular abrasive platelets 130 are secured at precise locations and Z-axis orientations to a disc backing 110

Referring now to FIG. 1A, triangular abrasive platelets 130 are outwardly disposed from major surface 115 of disc backing 110 at contiguous intersections 150 of horizontal and vertical lines (162,164)

2 of rectangular grid pattern 160. Intersections 150 have an areal density (intersections / centimeter , 43.4 illustrated), defined by C/(LT) where C is a unitless coverage factor having a value between 0.1 and 0.4, (0.213 illustrated), L is the average major triangular abrasive platelet side length, (0.14 illustrated), and T is the average triangular abrasive platelet thickness, (0.035 illustrated), both in centimeters. At least 70 percent of intersections 150 have a triangular abrasive platelet 130 disposed thereat.

In some preferred embodiments, the triangular abrasive platelets are arranged on the disc backing such that their projected collective area along a perpendicular direction to the major surface covers from 10 to 40 area percent of the major surface of the disc backing. In some embodiments, the triangular abrasive platelets collectively cover from 15 to 35 area percent of the major surface of the disc backing.

In some embodiments, the triangular abrasive platelets collectively cover from 20 to 30 area percent of the major surface of the disc backing.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, coated abrasive disc 100 comprises abrasive layer 120 disposed on major surface 115 of disc backing 110. Abrasive layer 120 comprises triangular abrasive platelets 130 secured to major surface 115 by at least one binder material 140 (shown as make layer 142 and size layer 144). Optional supersize layer 146 is disposed on size layer 144.

The coated abrasive disc in FIGS. 1 and 1A is an idealized depiction, in actuality, some deviation in alignment of the abrasive particles will normally occur, resulting in a respective Z-axis rotational orientation for each particle. Referring now to FIG. 1C, one sidewall 136a facing the disc backing 110 of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets 130 has a respective Z-axis rotational orientation 166 (around Z-axis 168, see FIG. 1C) within 10 degrees of the vertical lines 164.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, each triangular abrasive platelet l30a has respective top and bottom surfaces (132, 134) connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls (l36a, l36b, l36c).

FIGS. 3A and 3B show another embodiment of useful triangular abrasive platelets 330, triangular abrasive platelet 330 has respective top and bottom surfaces (332, 334) connected to each other, and separated by, three sloping sidewalls (336).

The disc backing may comprise any known coated abrasive backing, for example. In some embodiments, the disc backing comprises a continuous uninterrupted disc, while in others it may have a central arbor hole for mounting. Likewise, the disc backing may be flat or it may have a depressed central hub, for example, a Type-27 depressed center disc. The disc backing may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In some embodiments, the backing has a mechanical fastener, or adhesive fastener securely attached to a major surface opposite the abrasive layer. Suitable materials for the substrate include polymeric films, metal foils, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, paper, vulcanized fiber, nonwovens, foams, screens, laminates, combinations thereof, and treated versions thereof. For off-hand grinding applications where stiffness and cost are concerns, vulcanized fiber backings are typically preferred. For applications where stiffness of the backing is desired, a flexible backing may also be used by affixing it to a rigid backup pad mounted to the grinding tool.

The disc backing is generally circular and preferably rotationally symmetric around its center. Preferably it has a circular perimeter, but it may have additional features along the perimeter such as, for example, in the case of a scalloped perimeter.

The abrasive layer may comprise a single binder layer having abrasive particles retained therein, or more typically, a multilayer construction having make and size layers. Coated abrasive discs according to the present disclosure may include additional layers such as, for example, an optional supersize layer that is superimposed on the abrasive layer, or a backing antistatic treatment layer may also be included, if desired. Exemplary suitable binders can be prepared from thermally curable resins, radiation-curable resins, and combinations thereof.

The make layer can be formed by coating a curable make layer precursor onto a major surface of the backing. The make layer precursor may comprise, for example, glue, phenolic resin, aminoplast resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, urethane resin, free-radically polymerizable polyfunctional (meth)acrylate (e.g., aminoplast resin having pendant a,b-unsaturated groups, acrylated urethane, acrylated epoxy, acrylated isocyanurate), epoxy resin (including bis-maleimide and fluorene- modified epoxy resins), isocyanurate resin, and mixtures thereof. Of these, phenolic resins are preferred, especially when used in combination with a vulcanized fiber backing.

Phenolic resins are generally formed by condensation of phenol and formaldehyde, and are usually categorized as resole or novolac phenolic resins. Novolac phenolic resins are acid-catalyzed and have a molar ratio of formaldehyde to phenol of less than 1: 1. Resole (also resol) phenolic resins can be catalyzed by alkaline catalysts, and the molar ratio of formaldehyde to phenol is greater than or equal to one, typically between 1.0 and 3.0, thus presenting pendant methylol groups. Alkaline catalysts suitable for catalyzing the reaction between aldehyde and phenolic components of resole phenolic resins include sodium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, organic amines, and sodium carbonate, all as solutions of the catalyst dissolved in water.

Resole phenolic resins are typically coated as a solution with water and/or organic solvent (e.g., alcohol). Typically, the solution includes about 70 percent to about 85 percent solids by weight, although other concentrations may be used. If the solids content is very low, then more energy is required to remove the water and/or solvent. If the solids content is very high, then the viscosity of the resulting phenolic resin is too high which typically leads to processing problems.

Phenolic resins are well-known and readily available from commercial sources. Examples of commercially available resole phenolic resins useful in practice of the present disclosure include those marketed by Durez Corporation under the trade designation VARCUM (e.g., 29217, 29306, 29318, 29338, 29353); those marketed by Ashland Chemical Co. of Bartow, Florida under the trade designation AEROFENE (e.g., AEROFENE 295); and those marketed by Kangnam Chemical Company Ltd. of Seoul, South Korea under the trade designation PHENOLITE (e.g., PHENOLITE TD-2207).

The make layer precursor may be applied by any known coating method for applying a make layer to a backing such as, for example, including roll coating, extrusion die coating, curtain coating, knife coating, gravure coating, and spray coating.

The basis weight of the make layer utilized may depend, for example, on the intended use(s), type(s) of abrasive particles, and nature of the coated abrasive disc being prepared, but typically will be in the range of from 1, 2, 5, 10, or 15 grams per square meter (gsm) to 20, 25, 100, 200, 300, 400, or even 600 gsm. The make layer may be applied by any known coating method for applying a make layer (e.g., a make coat) to a backing, including, for example, roll coating, extrusion die coating, curtain coating, knife coating, gravure coating, and spray coating.

Once the make layer precursor is coated on the backing, the triangular abrasive platelets are applied to and embedded in the make layer precursor. The triangular abrasive platelets are applied nominally according to a predetermined pattern and Z-axis rotational orientation onto the make layer precursor.

The triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed (i.e., they extend away from the disc backing) at intersections of the horizontal and vertical lines of the rectangular grid pattern. At least 70 percent (e.g., at least 80 percent or at least 90 percent or even at least 95 percent) of the intersections have one of the triangular abrasive platelets disposed thereat. As used herein the term "outwardly disposed" means that the triangular abrasive platelets extend away from the disc backing, typically forming a dihedral angle of from 45 to 90 degrees, preferably from 60 to 90 degrees, and more preferably from 75 to 90 degrees, relative to the nearest surface of the backing.

In order for the coated abrasive disc to perform well for mild steel grinding, the coverage factor is preferentially from 0.1 to 0.4 inclusive, more preferentially between 0.15 and 0.30, and even more preferentially between 0.2 and 0.3. At higher and lower areal densities, the mild steel grinding performance typically decreases.

One sidewall of at least 90 percent (e.g., at least 95 percent, at least 99 percent, or even 100 percent) of each one of the triangular abrasive platelets is disposed facing (and preferably proximate to) the disc backing. Further, each sidewall that is entirely disposed facing the disc backing has a Z-axis rotational orientation that is within 10 degrees (preferably within 5 degrees, and more preferably within 2 degrees) of the vertical lines. In this regard, the Z-axis rotational direction is considered to be within 10 degrees of the vertical lines if its Z-axis projection onto the rectangular grid pattern (which is planar) intersects at least one of the vertical lines at an angle of 10 degrees or less. Collinear and parallel configurations a considered to be a 0 degree angle of intersection.

The triangular abrasive platelets may comprise any abrasive material having a Mohs hardness of at least 6, preferably at least 7, and more preferably at least 7.5. Preferably, they comprise alpha alumina. In some embodiments, the triangular abrasive platelets are shaped as thin triangular prisms, while in other embodiments the triangular abrasive platelets are shaped as truncated triangular pyramids (preferably with a taper angle of about 8 degrees). The triangular abrasive platelets may have different side lengths, but are preferably equilateral on their largest face.

The triangular abrasive platelets have sufficient hardness to function as abrasive particles in abrading processes. Preferably, the triangular abrasive platelets have a Mohs hardness of at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, or even at least 8.

Crushed abrasive or non-abrasive particles may be included in the abrasive layer between the abrasive elements and/or abrasive platelets, preferably in sufficient quantity to form a closed coat (i.e., substantially the maximum possible number of abrasive particles of nominal specified grade(s) that can be retained in the abrasive layer).

Examples of suitable abrasive particles include: fused aluminum oxide; heat-treated aluminum oxide; white fused aluminum oxide; ceramic aluminum oxide materials such as those commercially available under the trade designation 3M CERAMIC ABRASIVE GRAIN from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN; brown aluminum oxide; blue aluminum oxide; silicon carbide (including green silicon carbide); titanium diboride; boron carbide; tungsten carbide; garnet; titanium carbide; diamond; cubic boron nitride; garnet; fused alumina zirconia; iron oxide; chromia; zirconia; titania; tin oxide; quartz; feldspar; flint; emery; sol-gel-derived abrasive particles; and combinations thereof. Of these, molded sol-gel derived alpha alumina triangular abrasive platelets are preferred in many embodiments. Abrasive material that cannot be processed by a sol-gel route may be molded with a temporary or permanent binder to form shaped precursor particles which are then sintered to form triangular abrasive platelets, for example, as described in U. S. Pat. Appln. Publ. No. 2016/0068729 Al (Erickson et al.).

Examples of sol-gel-derived abrasive particles and methods for their preparation can be found in U. S. Pat. Nos. 4,314,827 (Leitheiser et al.); 4,623,364 (Cottringer et al.); 4,744,802 (Schwabel),

4,770,671 (Monroe et al.); and 4,881,951 (Monroe et al.). It is also contemplated that the abrasive particles could comprise abrasive agglomerates such, for example, as those described in U. S. Pat. Nos. 4,652,275 (Bloecher et al.) or 4,799,939 (Bloecher et al.). In some embodiments, the triangular abrasive platelets may be surface-treated with a coupling agent (e.g., an organosilane coupling agent) or other physical treatment (e.g., iron oxide or titanium oxide) to enhance adhesion of the abrasive particles to the binder (e.g., make and/or size layer). The abrasive particles may be treated before combining them with the corresponding binder precursor, or they may be surface treated in situ by including a coupling agent to the binder.

Preferably, the triangular abrasive platelets comprise ceramic abrasive particles such as, for example, sol-gel-derived polycrystalline alpha alumina particles. Triangular abrasive platelets composed of crystallites of alpha alumina, magnesium alumina spinel, and a rare earth hexagonal aluminate may be prepared using sol-gel precursor alpha alumina particles according to methods described in, for example, U. S. Pat. No. 5,213,591 (Celikkaya et al.) and U. S. Pat. Appln. Publ. Nos. 2009/0165394 A1 (Culler et al.) and 2009/0169816 A1 (Erickson et al.).

Alpha alumina-based triangular abrasive platelets can be made according to well-known multistep processes. Briefly, the method comprises the steps of making either a seeded or non-seeded sol- gel alpha alumina precursor dispersion that can be converted into alpha alumina; filling one or more mold cavities having the desired outer shape of the triangular abrasive platelet with the sol-gel, drying the sol- gel to form precursor triangular abrasive platelets; removing the precursor triangular abrasive platelets from the mold cavities; calcining the precursor triangular abrasive platelets to form calcined, precursor triangular abrasive platelets, and then sintering the calcined, precursor triangular abrasive platelets to form triangular abrasive platelets. The process will now be described in greater detail.

Further details concerning methods of making sol-gel-derived abrasive particles can be found in, for example, U. S. Pat. Nos. 4,314,827 (Leitheiser); 5,152,917 (Pieper et al.); 5,435,816 (Spurgeon et al.); 5,672,097 (Hoopman et al.); 5,946,991 (Hoopman et al.); 5,975,987 (Hoopman et al.); and 6,129,540 (Hoopman et al.); and in U. S. Publ. Pat. Appln. Nos. 2009/0165394 Al (Culler et al.).

The triangular abrasive platelets may include a single kind of triangular abrasive platelets or a blend of two or more sizes and/or compositions of triangular abrasive platelets. In some preferred embodiments, the triangular abrasive platelets are precisely-shaped in that individual triangular abrasive platelets will have a shape that is essentially the shape of the portion of the cavity of a mold or production tool in which the particle precursor was dried, prior to optional calcining and sintering.

Triangular abrasive platelets used in the present disclosure can typically be made using tools (i.e., molds) cut using precision machining, which provides higher feature definition than other fabrication alternatives such as, for example, stamping or punching. Typically, the cavities in the tool surface have planar faces that meet along sharp edges, and form the sides and top of a truncated pyramid. The resultant triangular abrasive platelets have a respective nominal average shape that corresponds to the shape of cavities (e.g., truncated pyramid) in the tool surface; however, variations (e.g., random variations) from the nominal average shape may occur during manufacture, and triangular abrasive platelets exhibiting such variations are included within the definition of triangular abrasive platelets as used herein.

In some embodiments, the base and the top of the triangular abrasive platelets are substantially parallel, resulting in prismatic or truncated pyramidal shapes, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the sides of a truncated trigonal pyramid have equal dimensions and form dihedral angles with the base of about 82 degrees. However, it will be recognized that other dihedral angles (including 90 degrees) may also be used. For example, the dihedral angle between the base and each of the sides may independently range from 45 to 90 degrees, typically 70 to 90 degrees, more typically 75 to 85 degrees.

As used herein in referring to triangular abrasive platelets, the term "length" refers to the maximum dimension of a triangular abrasive platelet. "Width" refers to the maximum dimension of the triangular abrasive platelet that is perpendicular to the length. The terms "thickness" or "height" refer to the dimension of the triangular abrasive platelet that is perpendicular to the length and width.

Examples of sol-gel-derived triangular alpha alumina (i.e., ceramic) abrasive particles can be found in U. S. Pat. Nos. 5,201,916 (Berg); 5,366,523 (Rowenhorst (Re 35,570)); and 5,984,988 (Berg). Details concerning such abrasive particles and methods for their preparation can be found, for example, in U. S. Pat. Nos. 8,142,531 (Adefris et al.); 8,142,891 (Culler et al.); and 8,142,532 (Erickson et al.); and in U. S. Pat. Appl. Publ. Nos. 2012/0227333 (Adefris et al.); 2013/0040537 (Schwabel et al.); and

2013/0125477 (Adefris).

The triangular abrasive platelets are typically selected to have a length in a range of from 1 micron to 15000 microns, more typically 10 microns to about 10000 microns, and still more typically from 150 to 2600 microns, although other lengths may also be used.

Triangular abrasive platelets are typically selected to have a width in a range of from 0.1 micron to 3500 microns, more typically 100 microns to 3000 microns, and more typically 100 microns to 2600 microns, although other lengths may also be used.

Triangular abrasive platelets are typically selected to have a thickness in a range of from 0.1 micron to 1600 microns, more typically from 1 micron to 1200 microns, although other thicknesses may be used.

In some embodiments, triangular abrasive platelets may have an aspect ratio (length to thickness) of at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more.

Surface coatings on the triangular abrasive platelets may be used to improve the adhesion between the triangular abrasive platelets and a binder in abrasive articles, or can be used to aid in electrostatic deposition of the triangular abrasive platelets. In one embodiment, surface coatings as described in U. S. Pat. No. 5,352,254 (Celikkaya) in an amount of 0.1 to 2 percent surface coating to triangular abrasive platelet weight may be used. Such surface coatings are described in U. S. Pat. Nos. 5,213,591 (Celikkaya et al.); 5,011,508 (Wald et al.); 1,910,444 (Nicholson); 3,041,156 (Rowse et ah); 5,009,675 (Kunz et al.); 5,085,671 (Martin et al.); 4,997,461 (Markhoff-Matheny et al.); and 5,042,991 (Kunz et al.). Additionally, the surface coating may prevent the triangular abrasive platelet from capping. Capping is the term to describe the phenomenon where metal particles from the workpiece being abraded become welded to the tops of the triangular abrasive platelets. Surface coatings to perform the above functions are known to those of skill in the art.

The abrasive particles may be independently sized according to an abrasives industry recognized specified nominal grade. Exemplary abrasive industry recognized grading standards include those promulgated by ANSI (American National Standards Institute), FEPA (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives), and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard). ANSI grade designations (i.e., specified nominal grades) include, for example: ANSI 4, ANSI 6, ANSI 8, ANSI 16, ANSI 24, ANSI 36, ANSI 46, ANSI 54, ANSI 60, ANSI 70, ANSI 80, ANSI 90, ANSI 100, ANSI 120, ANSI 150, ANSI 180, ANSI 220, ANSI 240, ANSI 280, ANSI 320, ANSI 360, ANSI 400, and ANSI 600. FEPA grade designations include F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F10, F12, F14, F16, F16, F20, F22, F24, F30, F36, F40, F46, F54, F60, F70, F80, F90, F100, F120, F150, F180, F220, F230, F240, F280, F320, F360, F400, F500, F600, F800,

F1000, F1200, F1500, and F2000. JIS grade designations include JIS8, JIS12, JIS16, JIS24, JIS36, JIS46, JIS54, JIS60, JIS80, JIS100, JIS150, JIS180, JIS220, JIS240, JIS280, JIS320, JIS360, JIS400, JIS600, JIS800, JIS1000, JIS 1500, JIS2500, JIS4000, JIS6000, JIS8000, and JIS10000. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the average diameter of the abrasive particles may be within a range of from 260 to 1400 microns in accordance with FEPA grades F60 to F24.

Alternatively, the abrasive particles can be graded to a nominal screened grade using U. S.A. Standard Test Sieves conforming to ASTM E-l 1 "Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes". ASTM E-l l prescribes the requirements for the design and construction of testing sieves using a medium of woven wire cloth mounted in a frame for the classification of materials according to a designated particle size. A typical designation may be represented as -18+20 meaning that the abrasive particles pass through a test sieve meeting ASTM E-l l specifications for the number 18 sieve and are retained on a test sieve meeting ASTM E-l l specifications for the number 20 sieve. In one embodiment, the abrasive particles have a particle size such that most of the particles pass through an 18 mesh test sieve and can be retained on a 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mesh test sieve. In various embodiments, the abrasive particles can have a nominal screened grade of: -18+20, -20/+25, -25+30, - 30+35, -35+40, 5 -40+45, -45+50, -50+60, -60+70, -70/+80, -80+100, -100+120, -120+140, -140+170, - 170+200, -200+230, -230+270, -270+325, -325+400, -400+450, -450+500, or -500+635. Alternatively, a custom mesh size can be used such as -90+100.

Rectangular grid pattern 150 is formed by vertical lines 164 (extending in a vertical direction) and horizontal lines 162 (extending in a horizontal direction), which are by definition perpendicular to the vertical lines. The spacing of the vertical lines and/or horizontal lines may be regular or irregular.

Preferably, it is regular in both of the vertical and horizontal directions, although the horizontal spacing and the vertical spacing will typically be different. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the regular vertical spacing (i.e., vertical pitch) between triangular abrasive platelets may be from 1-3 (more preferably 1.5- 2) times the abrasive platelet thickness. The horizontal spacing (i.e. horizontal pitch) may be from 1-3 (more preferably 1.5-2) times the abrasive platelet length. Of course, these spacings may vary depending on the size and thickness of the triangular abrasive platelets and the limitation of the coverage factor.

Coated abrasive discs according to the present disclosure can be made by a method in which the triangular abrasive platelets are precisely placed and oriented. The method generally involves the steps of filling the cavities in a production tool each with one or more triangular abrasive platelets (typically one or two), aligning the filled production tool and a make layer precursor-coated backing for transfer of the triangular abrasive platelets to the make layer precursor, transferring the abrasive particles from the cavities onto the make layer precursor-coated backing, and removing the production tool from the aligned position. Thereafter, the make layer precursor is at least partially cured (typically to a sufficient degree that the triangular abrasive platelets are securely adhered to the backing), a size layer precursor is then applied over the make layer precursor and abrasive particles, and at least partially cured to provide the coated abrasive disc. The process, which may be batch or continuous, can be practiced by hand or automated, e.g., using robotic equipment. It is not required to perform all steps or perform them in consecutive order, but they can be performed in the order listed or additional steps performed in between.

The triangular abrasive platelets can be placed in the desired Z-axis rotational orientation formed by first placing them in appropriately shaped cavities in a dispensing surface of a production tool arranged to have a complementary rectangular grid pattern.

An exemplary production tool 400 for making the coated abrasive disc 100 shown in FIGS. 1A- 1C, formed by casting a thermoplastic sheet, is shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A-4C. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A-4C, production tool 400 has a dispensing surface 420 comprising a rectangular grid pattern 430 of cavities 410 sized and shaped to receive the triangular abrasive platelets. Cavities 410 are Z-axis rotationally aligned so that when filled with triangular abrasive platelets that when they are subsequently transferred they form the desired corresponding rectangular grid pattern and Z-axis rotational orientation in the resultant coated abrasive disc.

Once most, or all, of the cavities are filled with the desired number of triangular abrasive platelets the dispensing surface is brought into close proximity or contact with the make layer precursor layer on the disc backing thereby embedding and transferring the triangular abrasive platelets from the production tool to the make layer precursor while nominally maintaining horizontal orientation. Of course, some unintended loss of orientation may occur, but it should generally be manageable within the ±10 degree or less tolerance.

In some embodiments, the depth of the cavities in the production tool is selected such that the triangular abrasive platelets fit entirely within the cavities. In some preferred embodiments, the triangular abrasive platelets extend slightly beyond the openings of the cavities. In this way, they can be transferred to the make layer precursor by direct contact with reduced chance of resin transfer to the to the production tool. In some preferred embodiments, the center of mass for each triangular abrasive platelet resides within a respective cavity of the production tool when the triangular abrasive platelet is fully inserted into the cavity. If the depth of the cavities becomes too short, with the triangular abrasive platelet’s center of mass being located outside of the cavity, the triangular abrasive platelets are not readily retained within the cavities and may jump back out as the production tool is used in the apparatus.

In order to fill the cavities in the production tool, an excess of the triangular abrasive platelets is preferably applied to the dispensing surface of the production tool such that more triangular abrasive platelets are provided than the number of cavities. An excess of triangular abrasive platelets, which means that there are more triangular abrasive platelets present per unit length of the production tool than cavities present, helps to ensure that most or all cavities within the production tool are eventually filled with a triangular abrasive platelet as the triangular abrasive platelets accumulate onto the dispensing surface and are moved about either due to gravity or other mechanically applied forces to translate them into a cavity. Since the bearing area and spacing of the abrasive particles is often designed into the production tooling for the specific grinding application, it is generally desirable to not have too much variability in the number of unfilled cavities.

Preferably, a majority of the cavities in the dispensing surface are filled with a triangular abrasive platelet disposed in an individual cavity such that the sides of the cavity and platelet are at least approximately parallel. This can be accomplished by shaping the cavities slightly larger than the triangular abrasive platelets (or multiple thereof). To facilitate filling and release it may be desirable that the cavities have inwardly sloping sidewalls with increasing depth and/or have vacuum openings at the bottoms of the cavities, wherein the vacuum opening lead to a vacuum source. It is desirable to transfer the triangular abrasive platelets onto the make layer precursor-coated backing such that they stand up or are erectly applied. Therefore, the cavity shape is designed to hold the triangular abrasive platelet erectly.

In various embodiments, at least 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95 percent of the cavities in the dispensing surface contain a triangular abrasive platelet. In some embodiments, gravity can be used to fill the cavities. In other embodiments, the production tool can be inverted and vacuum applied to hold the triangular abrasive platelets in the cavities. The triangular abrasive platelets can be applied by spray, fluidized bed (air or vibration), or electrostatic coating, for example. Removal of excess triangular abrasive platelets would be done by gravity as any abrasive particles not retained would fall back down. The triangular abrasive platelets can thereafter be transferred to the make layer precursor-coated disc backing by removing vacuum.

As mentioned above, excess triangular abrasive platelets may be supplied than cavities such that some will remain on the dispensing surface after sufficient cavities have been filled. These excess triangular abrasive platelets can often be blown, wiped, or otherwise removed from the dispensing surface. For example, a vacuum or other force could be applied to hold the triangular abrasive platelets in the cavities and the dispensing surface inverted to clear it of the remaining fraction of the excess triangular abrasive platelets.

After substantially all the cavities in the dispensing surface of the production tool are filled with the triangular abrasive platelets, the dispensing surface of the production tool is brought into proximity with the make layer precursor.

In preferred embodiments, the production tool is formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or polycarbonate from a metal master tool. Fabrication methods of production tools, and of master tooling used in their manufacture, can be found in, for example, U. S. Pat. Nos. 5,152,917 (Pieper et ah); 5,435,816 (Spurgeon et ah); 5,672,097 (Hoopman et ah); 5,946,991 (Hoopman et ah); 5,975,987 (Hoopman et ah); and 6,129,540 (Hoopman et ah); and U. S. Pat. Appl. Publ. Nos. 2013/0344786 Al (Keipert) and 2016/0311084 Al (Culler et al.).

In some preferred embodiments, the production tool is manufactured using additive

manufacturing "3-D printing" techniques. Once the triangular abrasive platelets have been embedded in the make layer precursor, it is at least partially cured in order to preserve orientation of the mineral during application of the size layer precursor. Typically, this involves B-staging the make layer precursor, but more advanced cures may also be used if desired. B-staging may be accomplished, for example, using heat and/or light and/or use of a curative, depending on the nature of the make layer precursor selected.

Next, the size layer precursor is applied over the at least partially cured make layer precursor and triangular abrasive platelets. The size layer can be formed by coating a curable size layer precursor onto a major surface of the backing. The size layer precursor may comprise, for example, glue, phenolic resin, aminoplast resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, urethane resin, free-radically polymerizable polyfunctional (meth)acrylate (e.g., aminoplast resin having pendant α,β-unsaturated groups, acrylated urethane, acrylated epoxy, acrylated isocyanurate), epoxy resin (including bis- maleimide and fluorene-modified epoxy resins), isocyanurate resin, and mixtures thereof. If phenolic resin is used to form the make layer, it is likewise preferably used to form the size layer. The size layer precursor may be applied by any known coating method for applying a size layer to a backing, including roll coating, extrusion die coating, curtain coating, knife coating, gravure coating, spray coating, and the like. If desired, a presize layer precursor or make layer precursor according to the present disclosure may be also used as the size layer precursor.

The basis weight of the size layer will also necessarily vary depending on the intended use(s), type(s) of abrasive particles, and nature of the coated abrasive disc being prepared, but generally will be in the range of from 1 or 5 gsm to 300, 400, or even 500 gsm, or more. The size layer precursor may be applied by any known coating method for applying a size layer precursor (e.g., a size coat) to a backing including, for example, roll coating, extrusion die coating, curtain coating, and spray coating.

Once applied, the size layer precursor, and typically the partially cured make layer precursor, are sufficiently cured to provide a usable coated abrasive disc. In general, this curing step involves thermal energy, although other forms of energy such as, for example, radiation curing may also be used. Useful forms of thermal energy include, for example, heat and infrared radiation. Exemplary sources of thermal energy include ovens (e.g., festoon ovens), heated rolls, hot air blowers, infrared lamps, and combinations thereof.

In addition to other components, binder precursors, if present, in the make layer precursor and/or presize layer precursor of coated abrasive discs according to the present disclosure may optionally contain catalysts (e.g., thermally activated catalysts or photocatalysts), free-radical initiators (e.g., thermal initiators or photoinitiators), curing agents to facilitate cure. Such catalysts (e.g., thermally activated catalysts or photocatalysts), free-radical initiators (e.g., thermal initiators or photoinitiators), and/or curing agents may be of any type known for use in coated abrasive discs including, for example, those described herein.

In addition to other components, the make and size layer precursors may further contain optional additives, for example, to modify performance and/or appearance. Exemplary additives include grinding aids, fillers, plasticizers, wetting agents, surfactants, pigments, coupling agents, fibers, lubricants, thixotropic materials, antistatic agents, suspending agents, and/or dyes.

Exemplary grinding aids, which may be organic or inorganic, include waxes, halogenated organic compounds such as chlorinated waxes like tetrachloronaphthalene, pentachloronaphthalene, and polyvinyl chloride; halide salts such as sodium chloride, potassium cryolite, sodium cryolite, ammonium cryolite, potassium tetrafluoroborate, sodium tetrafluoroborate, silicon fluorides, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride; and metals and their alloys such as tin, lead, bismuth, cobalt, antimony, cadmium, iron, and titanium. Examples of other grinding aids include sulfur, organic sulfur compounds, graphite, and metallic sulfides. A combination of different grinding aids can be used.

Exemplary antistatic agents include electrically conductive material such as vanadium pentoxide (e.g., dispersed in a sulfonated polyester), humectants, carbon black and/or graphite in a binder.

Examples of useful fillers for this disclosure include silica such as quartz, glass beads, glass bubbles and glass fibers; silicates such as talc, clays, (montmorillonite) feldspar, mica, calcium silicate, calcium metasilicate, sodium aluminosilicate, sodium silicate; metal sulfates such as calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, sodium sulfate, aluminum sodium sulfate, aluminum sulfate; gypsum; vermiculite; wood flour; aluminum trihydrate; carbon black; aluminum oxide; titanium dioxide; cryolite; chiolite; and metal sulfites such as calcium sulfite.

Optionally a supersize layer may be applied to at least a portion of the size layer. If present, the supersize typically includes grinding aids and/or anti-loading materials. The optional supersize layer may serve to prevent or reduce the accumulation of swarf (the material abraded from a workpiece) between abrasive particles, which can dramatically reduce the cutting ability of the coated abrasive disc. Useful supersize layers typically include a grinding aid (e.g., potassium tetrafluoroborate), metal salts of fatty acids (e.g., zinc stearate or calcium stearate), salts of phosphate esters (e.g., potassium behenyl phosphate), phosphate esters, urea-formaldehyde resins, mineral oils, crosslinked silanes, crosslinked silicones, and/or fluorochemicals. Useful supersize materials are further described, for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 5,556,437 (Lee et ah). Typically, the amount of grinding aid incorporated into coated abrasive products is about 50 to about 400 gsm, more typically about 80 to about 300 gsm. The supersize may contain a binder such as for example, those used to prepare the size or make layer, but it need not have any binder.

Further details concerning coated abrasive discs comprising an abrasive layer secured to a backing, wherein the abrasive layer comprises abrasive particles and make, size, and optional supersize layers are well known, and may be found, for example, in U. S. Pat. Nos. 4,734,104 (Broberg); 4,737,163 (Larkey); 5,203,884 (Buchanan et al.); 5,152,917 (Pieper et al.); 5,378,251 (Culler et al.); 5,417,726 (Stout et al.); 5,436,063 (Follett et al.); 5,496,386 (Broberg et al.); 5,609,706 (Benedict et al.); 5,520,711 (Helmin); 5,954,844 (Law et al.); 5,961,674 (Gagliardi et al.); 4,751,138 (Bange et al.); 5,766,277 (DeVoe et al.); 6,077,601 (DeVoe et al.); 6,228,133 (Thurber et al.); and No. 5,975,988 (Christianson). Coated abrasive discs according to the present disclosure are useful for abrading a workpiece; for example, by off-hand abrading with a handheld right angle grinder. Preferred workpieces include welding beads (e.g., especially mild steel welds), flash, gates, and risers off castings.

SELECT EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc comprising:

an abrasive layer disposed on a major surface of a disc backing, wherein the abrasive layer comprises triangular abrasive platelets secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material, wherein the triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed from the major surface at contiguous intersections of horizontal and vertical lines of a rectangular grid pattern, wherein the intersections of the rectangular grid pattern have an areal density (intersections / centimeter ² ) defined by C/(LT) where C is a unitless coverage factor having a value between 0.1 and 0.4, L is the average major triangular abrasive platelet side length and T is the average triangular abrasive platelet thickness, both in centimeters, wherein at least 70 percent (preferably at least 80 percent, more preferably at least 90 percent) of the intersections have a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat,

wherein each one of the triangular abrasive platelets has respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls, and

wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 10 degrees of the vertical lines.

In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc according to the first embodiment, wherein at least 95 percent of the intersections have one of the triangular abrasive platelets disposed thereat.

In a third embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc according to the first or second embodiment, wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 5 degrees of the vertical lines.

In a fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 2 degrees of the vertical lines.

In a fifth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the abrasive layer further comprises crushed abrasive or non abrasive particles.

In a sixth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein the disc backing comprises vulcanized fiber. In a seventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the abrasive layer comprises a make layer and a size layer disposed over the make layer and the triangular abrasive platelets.

In an eighth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a coated abrasive disc according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the triangular abrasive platelets comprise alpha alumina.

In a ninth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of abrading a workpiece, the method comprising frictionally contacting a portion of the abrasive layer of a coated abrasive disc according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments with the workpiece, and moving at least one of the workpiece and the coated abrasive disc relative to the other to abrade the workpiece.

In a tenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of abrading a workpiece according to the ninth embodiment, wherein the workpiece comprises a mild steel weld, and wherein the abrasive layer contacts the mild steel weld.

In an eleventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of making a coated abrasive disc, the method comprising:

disposing a curable make layer precursor on a major surface of a disc backing;

embedding triangular abrasive platelets into the curable make layer precursor, wherein the

triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed from the major surface at contiguous intersections of a horizontal and vertical rectangular grid pattern, wherein the intersections of the rectangular grid pattern have an areal density (intersections /

2

centimeter ) defined by C/(LT) where C is a unitless coverage factor having a value between 0.1 and 0.4, L is the average major triangular abrasive platelet side length and T is the average triangular abrasive platelet thickness, both in centimeters, wherein at least 70 percent (preferably at least 80 percent, more preferably at least 90 percent) of the intersections have one of the triangular abrasive platelets disposed thereat, wherein each one of the triangular abrasive platelets has respective top and bottom surfaces

connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls, and

wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 10 degrees of the vertical lines;

at least partially curing the curable make layer precursor to provide a make layer;

disposing a curable size layer precursor over the at least partially cured make layer precursor and triangular abrasive platelets; and

at least partially curing the curable size layer precursor to provide a size layer.

In a twelfth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to the eleventh embodiment, wherein at least 95 percent of the intersections have one of the triangular abrasive platelets disposed thereat. In a thirteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to the eleventh or twelfth embodiment, wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 5 degrees of the vertical lines.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to the eleventh or twelfth embodiment, wherein, on a respective basis, one sidewall facing the disc backing of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets has a Z-axis rotational orientation within 2 degrees of the vertical lines.

In a fifteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments, wherein the abrasive layer further comprises crushed abrasive or non-abrasive particles.

In a sixteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth embodiments, wherein the disc backing comprises vulcanized fiber.

In a seventeenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to any one of the eleventh to sixteenth embodiments, wherein the triangular abrasive platelets comprise alpha alumina.

Objects and advantages of this disclosure are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this disclosure.

EXAMPLES

Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in the Examples and the rest of the specification are by weight. Unless otherwise noted, all reagents were obtained, or are available from chemical vendors such as, for example, Sigma-Aldrich Company, St. Louis, Missouri, or may be synthesized by known methods. Abrasive particles used in the Examples are reported in Table 1, below.

TABLE 1

EXAMPLE 1

A 7-inch (l78-mm) circular plastic transfer tool consisting of a rectangular array of triangular cavities, having geometries such as those described in FIGS. 4A-4C of PCT Pat. Publ. No. WO

2015/100018 Al (Adefris et al.), was prepared by 3-D printing. The array dimensions were 28 cavities per inch ( 11 cavities /cm) in the width direction by 10 cavities per inch (3.94 cavities /cm) in the length direction for a density of 280 cavities per square inch (43.4 cavities /cm ² ) and a total of approximately 10800 cavities in the entire transfer tool. The transfer tool was treated with a molybdenum sulfide spray lubricant (obtained under the trade designation MOLY COAT from the Dow Coming Corporation,

Midland Michigan) to assist abrasive grain release.

An excess of abrasive grain AP1 was applied to the surface of the transfer tool having the cavity openings and the tooling was shaken from side to side by hand. The transfer tooling cavities were soon filled with AP 1 grains held in a vertex down and base up orientation and aligned along the cavity long axis. Additional AP1 was applied and the process repeated until greater than 95 percent of the transfer tooling cavities were filled by AP1 grain. Excess grain was removed from the surface of the transfer tool leaving only the grains contained within the cavities. The combination of AP1 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.286.

A make resin was prepared by mixing 49 parts resole phenolic resin (based-catalyzed condensate from 1.5: 1 to 2.1: 1 molar ratio of formaldehyde: phenol), 41 parts of calcium carbonate (HUBERCARB, Huber Engineered Materials, Quincy, IL) and 10 parts of water. 2.8 grams of make resin was applied via a brush to a 7-inch (17.8 -cm) diameter x 0.83 mm thick vulcanized fiber web (DYNOS VULCANIZED FIBER, DYNOS GmbH, Troisdorf, Germany) having a 0.875-inch (2.22-cm) center hole.

The AP1 filled transfer tool was placed cavity side up on a 7-inch (l8-cm) by 7-inch (l8-cm) square wooden board. The make resin coated surface of the vulcanized fiber disc was brought into contact with the filled transfer tool and another 7-inch by 7-inch (18 cm x 18 cm) square wooden board was placed on top. The resulting assembly was inverted while being held in rigid contact and gently tapped to dislodge the AP1 grains from the transfer tool so as to fall base first onto the make resin surface. The vulcanized fiber disc backing was then allowed to fall away from the now substantially grain-free transfer tool resulting in an AP1 coated vulcanized fiber disc replicating the transfer tooling pattern.

A drop-coated filler grain consisting of AP5 was applied in excess to the wet make resin and agitated until the entire exposed make resin surface was filled to capacity with AP5. The disc was inverted to remove excess AP5. The amount of AP5 addition was 10.4 +/- 0.1 grams.

The make resin was partially cured in an oven by heating for 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 3 hours at l05°C. The disc was then coated with 13.4 +/- 0.1 grams of a conventional cryolite -containing phenolic size resin and cured for 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 16 hours at l05°C. EXAMPLE 1 was used to grind AISI 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. AISI 1018 mild steel has the composition, on a weight basis: 0.18 percent carbon, 0.6-0.9 percent manganese, 0.04 percent (max) phosphorus, 0.05 percent (max) of sulfur, and 98.81-99.26 percent iron. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 2. The resultant disc had shaped abrasive particles arranged according to the pattern shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A wherein the center-to-center row particle spacing was 2.54 mm, and the column center-to-center particle spacing was 0.907 mm.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 2

EXAMPLE 2 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 with the exception that AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.213. EXAMPLE 2 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 2.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 3

EXAMPLE 3 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 with the exception that AP3 grain was used instead of AP1 grain, the make resin weight was 3.2 +/- 0.2 grams, AP4 was used instead of AP5 and the size resin weight was 12.2 +/- 0.1 grams. The combination of AP3 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.170. EXAMPLE 3 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 2.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 4

EXAMPLE 4 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 with the exception that AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain. Make resin weight was 3.0 +/- 0.1 grams. AP4 drop coated secondary grain was used in the amount of 9.7 +/- 0.2 grams. Size resin weight was 14.0 +/- 0.2 grams. The final l05°C size cure sequence was reduced from 16 to 3 hours after which an additional KBF ₄ supersize coating was applied at a weight of 11.4 +/- 0.2 grams. Final cure was 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 12 hours at l05°C. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.213. EXAMPLE 4 was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 3.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 5

EXAMPLE 5 was prepared generally by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 220 (10 x 22) cavities per square inch (34.1 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 4.0 +/- 0.3 grams. Drop coated AP4 secondary grain was used in the amount of 12.6 +/- 0.6 grams. Size resin weight was 12.3 +/- 0.3 grams. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.167. EXAMPLE 5 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 6

EXAMPLE 6 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 264 (24 x 11) cavities per square inch (40.9 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 4.1 +/- 0.2 grams. Drop coated AP4 secondary grain was used in the amount of 13.8 +/- 1.1 grams. Size resin weight was 13.5 +/- 0.5 grams. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.200. EXAMPLE 6 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 7

EXAMPLE 7 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 280 (28 x 10) cavities per square inch (43.4 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.6 +/- 0.2 grams. Drop coated AP4 secondary grain was used in the amount of 13.3 +/- 0.7 grams. Size resin weight was 13.2 +/- 0.2 grams. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.213. EXAMPLE 7 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 8

EXAMPLE 8 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 312 (26 x 12) cavities per square inch (48.4 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.3 +/- 0.2 grams. Drop coated AP4 secondary grain was used in the amount of 13.3 +/- 0.2 grams. Size resin weight was 13.6 +/- 0.3 grams. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C of 0.237. EXAMPLE 8 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 9

EXAMPLE 9 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 364 (28 x 13) cavities per square inch (56.4 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.8 +/- 0.2 grams. Drop coated AP4 secondary grain was used in the amount of 12.7 +/- 0.3 grams. Size resin weight was 13.8 +/- 0.2 grams. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.276. EXAMPLE 9 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 10

EXAMPLE 10 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 220 (22 x 11) cavities per square inch (34.1 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.7 +/- 0.2 grams. AP4 drop coated secondary grain was used in the amount of 12.1 +/- 0.7 grams. Size resin weight was 12.6 +/- 0.1 grams. The final l05°C size cure sequence was reduced from 16 to 3 hours after which an additional KBF ₄ supersize coating was applied at a weight of 6.8 grams. Final cure was 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 12 hours at l05°C. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.167. EXAMPLE 10 was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 5.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 11

EXAMPLE 11 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 264 (24 x 11) cavities per square inch (40.9 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.5 +/- 0.2 grams. AP4 drop coated secondary grain was used in the amount of 12.5 +/- 0.5 grams. Size resin weight was 12.7 +/- 0.2 grams. The final l05°C size cure sequence was reduced from 16 to 3 hours after which an additional KBF ₄ supersize coating was applied at a weight of 7.4 +/- 0.2 grams. Final cure was 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 12 hours at l05°C. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.200. EXAMPLE 11 was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 5.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 12

EXAMPLE 12 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 280 (20 x 14) cavities per square inch (43.4 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.6 +/- 0.2 grams. AP4 drop coated secondary grain was used in the amount of 13.1 +/- 0.2 grams. Size resin weight was 12.8 +/- 0.3 grams. The final l05°C size cure sequence was reduced from 16 to 3 hours after which an additional KBF ₄ supersize coating was applied at a weight of 8.3 +/- 0.1 grams. Final cure was

45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 12 hours at l05°C. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.213. EXAMPLE 12 was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 5.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

EXAMPLE 13

EXAMPLE 13 was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 312 (26 x 12) cavities per square inch (48.4 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.7 +/- 0.2 grams. AP4 drop coated secondary grain was used in the amount of 10.1 +/- 0.3 grams. Size resin weight was 13.2 +/- 0.2 grams. The final l05°C size cure sequence was reduced from 16 to 3 hours after which an additional KBF ₄ supersize coating was applied at a weight of 9.3 +/- 0.1 grams. Final cure was 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 12 hours at l05°C. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.237. EXAMPLE 13 was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B.

At least 70 percent of the intersections corresponding to the tool pattern had a triangular abrasive platelet disposed thereat.

Grinding performance results are reported in Table 5.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE A

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE A was a commercially available electro-coated vulcanized fiber disc made with AP2 abrasive particles (obtained under the trade designation 982C grade 36+, 3M Company, Saint Paul, Minnesota). COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE A was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 2.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE B

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE B was prepared generally as described in EXAMPLE 1. The transfer tool cavities were arranged in a square grid pattern where the radial orientation of the grains alternates by 90 degrees in both grid directions. The cavity array was 17 per inch (6.7 per cm) in both directions for a total cavity density of 289 per square inch (44.8 per square cm) or approximately 10950 cavities for the entire tool. This pattern has been described previously as EXAMPLE 4 in the U. S. Pat. No. 9,776,302 (Keipert). The transfer tool was filled with AP3 grain. The make resin amount was 3.5 grams. The drop coated secondary grain was 9.4 grams of AP4. The cryolite size resin level was 12.1 grams. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE B was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 2.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE C

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE C was prepared as described in EXAMPLE 1. The transfer tool pattern was a spiral pattern from center to edge where all of the cavity openings were oriented substantially edgewise with respect to the grinding direction of the rotating abrasive disc. The cavity spacing down the length of the spiral was approximately 9 per inch (3.5 per cm) and the spiral pitch was approximately 30 rows per inch (11.8 rows per cm). The total cavity density and number of cavities per disc was comparable to the transfer tools in EXAMPLE 1 and COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE B. The abrasive grain used was AP2. The amount of AP5 drop coated secondary grain was 11 +/- 0.1 grams and the amount of cryolite size resin was 13.7 +/- 0.1 grams. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE C was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 2

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE D

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE D was prepared as described in COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE C. Make resin weight was 3.0 grams. AP4 drop coated secondary grain in the amount of 11.5 +/- 0.2 grams was used. Size resin weight was 12.3 grams. The final l05°C size cure sequence was reduced from 16 to 3 hours and an additional KBF4 supersize coating was applied at a weight of 12.3 grams. Final cure was 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 12 hours at l05°C. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE D was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE E

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE E was a commercially available electrostatic coated vulcanized fiber disc (obtained as 987C grade 36+, 3M Company). COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE E was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4 and.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE F

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE F was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using the transfer tool described for Control 1 fiber disc in WO 2016/028683 Al (Keipert et al.). This tool (see FIG. 5A of WO 2016/028683 Al) had a cavity density of 429 (33 x 13) cavities per square inch (66.5 cavities per square centimeter). Make resin weight was 4.2 +/- 0.1 grams. Drop coated AP4 secondary grain was used in the amount of 13.6 +/- 0.6 grams. Size resin weight was 15.8 +/- 0.2 grams. The combination of AP1 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.438. EXAMPLE 9 was used to grind 1018 mild steel using Grinding Test Method A. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 4.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE G

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE G was prepared by the method of EXAMPLE 1 using a transfer tool having a cavity density of 364 (28 x 13) cavities per square inch (56.4 cavities per square centimeter). AP2 grain was used instead of AP1 grain and AP4 filler grain was used instead of AP5. Make resin weight was 3.6 grams. AP4 drop coated secondary grain was used in the amount of 7.7 +/- 1.3 grams. Size resin weight was 13.9 +/- 0.1 grams. The final l05°C size cure sequence was reduced from 16 to 3 hours after which an additional KBF ₄ supersize coating was applied at a weight of 9.6 +/-

0.1 grams. Final cure was 45 minutes at 70°C, followed by 45 minutes at 90°C, followed by 12 hours at l05°C. The combination of AP2 and this transfer tool resulted in a coverage parameter "C" of 0.276. COMPARATIVE G was used to grind 304 stainless steel using Grinding Test Method B. Grinding performance results are reported in Table 5.

GRINDING TEST METHOD A

The grinding performance of the various discs was evaluated by grinding 1018 mild carbon steel using the following procedure. Seven-inch (17.8 cm) diameter abrasive discs for evaluation were attached to a drive motor running at a constant rotational speed of 5000 rpm and fitted with a 7-inch (17.8 cm) ribbed disc pad face plate (051144 EXTRA HARD RED RIBBED, obtained from 3M

Company). The grinder was activated and urged against an end face of a 1 x 1 in (2.54 x 2.54 cm) pre weighed 1018 steel bar under a controlled force. The workpiece was abraded under these conditions for l3-second grinding intervals (passes). Following each l3-second interval, the workpiece was cooled to room temperature and weighed to determine the cut of the abrasive operation. The test end point was determined when the cut fell below 15 grams per cycle. Test results were reported as the incremental cut (g/cycle) for each interval and the total stock removed (g).

METHOD B

The grinding performance of the various discs was evaluated by grinding 304 stainless steel using the following procedure. Seven-inch (l7.8-cm) diameter abrasive discs for evaluation were attached to a drive motor running at a constant rotational speed of 5000 rpm and fitted with a 7-inch (17.8 cm) ribbed disc pad face plate (051144 EXTRA HARD RED RIBBED, obtained from 3M Company). The grinder was activated and urged against an end face of a 1 x 1 in (2.54 x 2.54 cm) pre-weighed 304 stainless steel bar under a controlled force. The workpiece was abraded under these conditions for 13 -second grinding intervals (passes). Following each l3-second interval, the workpiece was cooled to room temperature and weighed to determine the cut of the abrasive operation. The test end point was determined when the cut fell below 10 grams per cycle. Test results were reported as the incremental cut (g/cycle) for each interval and the total stock removed (g).

Results reported in Table 2 were obtained according to the Grinding Test, Method A. Results reported in Table 3 were obtained according to the Grinding Test, Method B. Results reported in Table 4 were obtained according to the Grinding Test, Method A. Results reported in Table 5 were obtained according to the Grinding Test, Method B.

TABLE 3

All cited references, patents, and patent applications in the above application for letters patent are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety in a consistent manner. In the event of inconsistencies or contradictions between portions of the incorporated references and this application, the information in the preceding description shall control. The preceding description, given in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the claimed disclosure, is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims and all equivalents thereto.