Abstract: A composite abrasive article comprises an open mesh backing member having first and second major surfaces and coated abrasive members secured to the first major surface. Independently, each coated abrasive member respectively comprises an abrasive layer comprising abrasive particles secured to a coated abrasive backing by at least one binder material. A method of making a composite abrasive article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robotic manipulator with a stationary base, and an end effector actuated by the robotic manipulator, wherein the end effector is adjacent to a workpiece. A scanning laser head unit includes a laser and an optical train configured to move a laser beam over the workpiece. A control unit is configured to move the robotic manipulator such that movement of the end effector tracks movement of the laser beam.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus (52) for supporting sheet material during cutting by laser radiation comprising a support member (42) having a gold facing layer. A method for cutting sheet material using such apparatus is also defined.

Abstract: Provided are abrasive articles in which the make layer, abrasive particle layer, and size layer are coated onto a backing according to a pre-determined coating pattern. All three components are generally in registration with each other, thereby providing a pervasive uncoated area extending across the backing. Advantageously, this configuration provides a coated abrasive that displays superior curl-resistance compared with previously disclosed abrasive articles. Moreover, this configuration resists loading, resists de-lamination, has enhanced flexibility, and decreases the quantity of raw materials required to achieve the same level of performance as conventional abrasive articles.

Abstract: The provided containers (100, 200) and methods provide for gravitational alignment of a plurality of stacked articles (120), in which at least two edges (140, 142) of each article align along inner walls (108, 114, 208, 214) of a respective container. The aligning walls of the container are provided with low-friction surfaces to facilitate sliding and alignment of the articles. By aligning the stack of articles along two edges, the articles can be registered relative to not only each other but the container itself, thereby facilitating loading, unloading, and conversion of articles in the stack. Optionally, a compressible layer (147) opposing one or both of the aligning walls conforms and distributes stress along the non-aligning edges, thereby preserving registration of the articles relative to each other when the container is transported.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robotic manipulator with a stationary base, and an end effector actuated by the robotic manipulator, wherein the end effector is adjacent to a workpiece. A scanning laser head unit includes a laser and an optical train configured to move a laser beam over the workpiece. A control unit is configured to move the robotic manipulator such that movement of the end effector tracks movement of the laser beam.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises an abrasive layer secured to a backing. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive particles secured by at least one binder to a first major surface of the backing. A supersize is disposed on at least a portion of the abrasive layer. The coated abrasive article has a melt flow zone adjacent to an edge of the coated abrasive article, wherein the melt flow zone has a maximum width of less than 100 micrometers, and the melt flow zone has a maximum height of less than 40 micrometers. Methods of using infrared lasers to ablate coated abrasive articles are also disclosed, wherein a laser wavelength is matched to a component of the coated abrasive article.

Abstract: The provided containers (100, 200) and methods provide for gravitational alignment of a plurality of stacked articles (120), in which at least two edges (140, 142) of each article align along inner walls (108, 114, 208, 214) of a respective container. The aligning walls of the container are provided with low-friction surfaces to facilitate sliding and alignment of the articles. By aligning the stack of articles along two edges, the articles can be registered relative to not only each other but the container itself, thereby facilitating loading, unloading, and conversion of articles in the stack. Optionally, a compressible layer (147) opposing one or both of the aligning walls conforms and distributes stress along the non-aligning edges, thereby preserving registration of the articles relative to each other when the container is transported.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus (52) for supporting sheet material during cutting by laser radiation comprising a support member (42) having a gold facing layer. A method for cutting sheet material using such apparatus is also defined.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article (1) comprises a backing (3) having an abrasive coating (5) on one side, an attachment layer (7) on the other side of the backing, and a line of weakness (9) that does not penetrate the front face of the abrasive coating (5). The line of weakness, which may be formed using a laser beam, comprises a through-cut (11) in the attachment layer (7) and perforations (13) in the backing (3), and permits one part of the abrasive article (1) to be separated from another part. Alternatively, the abrasive article can be used in its original form.

Abstract: Provided is a flat-faced buffing pad that includes a plurality of apertures of variable size. The apertures are generally larger in the areas toward the center of the pad, while being generally smaller in the areas toward the periphery of the pad. Some embodiments further include apertures disposed along one or more concentric circular rings located along the front surface and generally symmetrical about the rotation axis. These configurations of apertures provide both superior cut performance and superior finish. Moreover, these configurations minimize several undesirable aspects in a polishing operation, such as slinging of the polishing compound, vibration, wobbling, and drag felt by the operator as the rotary pad slides across the surface to be polished.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises an abrasive layer secured to a backing. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive particles secured by at least one binder to a first major surface of the backing. A supersize is disposed on at least a portion of the abrasive layer. The coated abrasive article has a melt flow zone adjacent to an edge of the coated abrasive article, wherein the melt flow zone has a maximum width of less than 100 micrometers, and the melt flow zone has a maximum height of less than 40 micrometers. Methods of using infrared lasers to ablate coated abrasive articles are also disclosed, wherein a laser wavelength is matched to a component of the coated abrasive article.

Abstract: Provided are abrasive articles in which the make layer, abrasive particle layer, and size layer are coated onto a backing according to a pre-determined coating pattern. All three components are generally in registration with each other, thereby providing a pervasive uncoated area extending across the backing Advantageously, this configuration provides a coated abrasive that displays superior curl-resistance compared with previously disclosed abrasive articles. Moreover, this configuration resists loading, resists de-lamination, has enhanced flexibility, and decreases the quantity of raw materials required to achieve the same level of performance as conventional abrasive articles.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article (1) comprises a backing (3) having an abrasive coating (5) on one side, an attachment layer (7) on the other side of the backing, and a line of weakness (9) that does not penetrate the front face of the abrasive coating (5). The line of weakness, which may be formed using a laser beam, comprises a through-cut (11) in the attachment layer (7) and perforations (13) in the backing (3), and permits one part of the abrasive article (1) to be separated from another part. Alternatively, the abrasive article can be used in its original form.