Abstract: The use of a solid state waveform generator together with a suitable non-inverting amplifier provides a very versatile system for depositing particles on a substrate by an upward deposition, or “UP”, technique.

Abstract: The invention provides a double sided waffle-surfaced foam polishing pad and a polishing system with which it can be used. The double sided feature allows great versatility in the type of polishing that can be accomplished using the same pad.

Abstract: An electrostatic abrasive grain upward projection deposition process utilizing opposed electrodes produces a patterned abrasive surface by controlling the local intensity of the field by which the grain is projected on to a substrate.

Abstract: Alpha alumina milling media made by a sol-gel process have improved utility in milling alumina materials in a bead mill.

Abstract: Fine abrasive powders can be made more free-flowing and better adapted to electrostatic upward projection deposition in the production of coated abrasives by the control of the volume resistivity of the powder to a level that is not greater than 1014 ohms.cm by incorporation of a silica powder.

Abstract: Coated abrasives suitable for very fine abrading applications can be obtained by depositing a layer of a formulation comprising abrasive grits, fillers, grinding aid, additives and a binder resin on a substrate in the form of a structured abrasive, adhering to the surface of the structured abrasive a functional powder; and then applying a top size coat over the functional powder.

Abstract: Sanding tools made from a block of a foamed polymer sponge having two contiguous sides meeting at a right angle that are provided with an abrasive coating and which have in addition a means for grasping the tool formed in the body of the sponge so that the user can simultaneously sand two walls meeting to form a corner.

Abstract: The production of an engineered surface on a coated abrasive is made more versatile by the use of a production tool obtained using a master tool created by a rapid prototyping technique.

Abstract: It is found that calcining chromium oxide powders having a particle size component smaller than 10 microns reduces the volume proportion of smaller particles and increases the general uniformity of particle sizes in the distribution and the roundness of the particles.

Abstract: The invention provides individually made abrasive discs with the primary abrasive surface around the periphery of the disc where the bulk of the abrading action occurs when the disc is in use. The invention also provides a process by which these discs can be made using a unique grain feeding technique which is capable of depositing abrasive grain on a backing surface accurately and in annular patterns.

Abstract: The invention provides coated abrasives with an engineered surface that releases a pleasing fragrance when used.

Abstract: Providing an abrasive belt with a pattern of holes through the abrasive-containing layer greatly increases the flexibility of the belt and reducing the need for flexing to generate a pattern of potentially destructive cracks in the abrasive surface.

Abstract: Alpha alumina abrasive grits which are particularly well-suited to medium to low pressure grinding applications wherein the grits comprise uniformly dispersed microvoids.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel improved packing element having the basic shape of a polygon with arches formed around the periphery by deforming the edge area in one direction and an area axially within the edge area to form arches projecting in the opposite direction and providing an axially located aperture. Such packing elements can be conveniently formed using a simple cutting and stamping operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of purifying hydrocarbon streams from metallic impurities which comprises passing the stream through media comprising alumina with relatively minor amounts of calcia and magnesia.

Abstract: Backing plates are provided for use with abrasive disks designed to permit a view of the surface while abrading is occurring. This is achieved by the removal of portions of the circumference of the plate and preferably also viewing apertures in the body of the plate.

Abstract: CMP formulations comprising alumina particles and an iodate oxidizer can be stabilized against pH drift during use by acidification using an organic acid. Formulation pH stability can be further enhanced by treating the formulation at an elevated temperature before it is used.

Abstract: Accessories for an angle grinder include a disposable rotary sanding disk having quite large shaped ventilating/viewing apertures, for use with a resilient backing plate also having shaped ventilating apertures. The apertures of one or both parts are shaped so that snagging of the apertures on projections from the work surface is minimized and to facilitate air flow across the work surface during use. This air flow helps in cooling the work and ejecting detritus, so minimising clogging effects. The ventilating apertures also facilitate viewing the work to be sanded through the spinning disk during the abrasion process, so that operator feedback is immediate. The holes also give the sanding disk more resilience so that a greater area comes in contact with the work and the disk wears more evenly over its abrasive surface.

Abstract: Coated abrasives comprising shaped structures deposited on a backing can be given increased versatility can be made by a process in which the shaped structure is imposed on a structure deposited in layers on the backing before the shaped structures are formed such that different characteristics are revealed as the structure is eroded during use.

Abstract: The invention provides a useful tool for advising customers for abrasive tools on the selection of optimum grinding conditions for the use of a specific tool wherein the tool is in the form of a performance map generated from a plurality of data points obtained by measuring performance for a plurality of combinations of the two key grinding process variables.