Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an endless spiral wound abrasive article and the resulting article. The apparatus includes first and second spaced-apart hubs, configured so that a portion of first and second webs passing between the first hub and the second hub is oriented substantially in a plane which remains stationery even if a position of a hub is changed. The apparatus further includes winders and a web joiner. The method includes providing a second web which includes an adhesive disposed on a first surface and a liner releasably affixed to the adhesive. The method includes removing the liner from the second web before positioning the second web adjacent the first web. The first and second webs are wound about the first and second hubs to form a spiral wound article having a desired circumference.

Abstract: A spiral wound abrasive belt is formed from an abrasive media including a plurality of webs. The webs of the abrasive media may include coated abrasives joined by splicing media or other suitable joining material. Alternatively, the webs may include individual single or multiple layers that form a coated abrasive simultaneously along with the spiral belt without the use of additional joining material. A method of forming the spiral belt includes draping the abrasive media over a fixed hub at an angle to form the spiral belt while abutting the edges of the outermost web and overlapping the outermost web and adjacent web or webs. Heat and pressure may be applied to the joined edges to form a strong bond along the spiral seam. Another method includes introducing the webs forming the abrasive media at an angle and draping the webs over a fixed hub. The abrasive media may then be passed around an adjustable hub that provides tension in the spiral belt while allowing for different circumferentially sized belts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an endless spiral wound abrasive article and the resulting article. The apparatus includes first and second spaced-apart hubs, configured so that a portion of first and second webs passing between the first hub and the second hub is oriented substantially in a plane which remains stationery even if a position of a hub is changed. The apparatus further includes winders and a web joiner. The method includes providing a second web which includes an adhesive disposed on a first surface and a liner releasably affixed to the adhesive. The method includes removing the liner from the second web before positioning the second web adjacent the first web. The first and second webs are wound about the first and second hubs to form a spiral wound article having a desired circumference.

Abstract: A spiral wound abrasive belt is formed from an abrasive media including a plurality of webs. The webs of the abrasive media may include coated abrasives joined by splicing media or other suitable joining material. Alternatively, the webs may include individual single or multiple layers that form a coated abrasive simultaneously along with the spiral belt without the use of additional joining material. A method of forming the spiral belt includes draping the abrasive media over a fixed hub at an angle to form the spiral belt while abutting the edges of the outermost web and overlapping the outermost web and adjacent web or webs. Heat and pressure may be applied to the joined edges to form a strong bond along the spiral seam. Another method includes introducing the webs forming the abrasive media at an angle and draping the webs over a fixed hub. The abrasive media may then be passed around an adjustable hub that provides tension in the spiral belt while allowing for different circumferentially sized belts.

Abstract: Methods for preparing abrasive articles and novel methods of making abrasive articles are presented. One method includes inserting a fibrous material adjacent an interior surface of a drum. A composition comprising an organic binder precursor material is then placed in the drum, and the drum is rotated such that centrifugal forces distribute the composition, including the organic binder precursor material, uniformly about the fibrous material. The composition is exposed to conditions sufficient to solidify the organic binder precursor material such that an endless, flexible, seamless substrate is formed having an outer surface formed adjacent the interior surface of the drum, an inner surface opposite the outer surface and the fibrous material embedded therein. Coated abrasives formed by this method, as well as other methods, are provided wherein an effective amount of a fibrous reinforcing material is engulfed within an organic polymeric binder material.

Abstract: Methods for preparing abrasive articles and novel methods of making abrasive articles are presented. One method includes inserting a fibrous material adjacent an interior surface of a drum. A composition comprising an organic binder precursor material is then placed in the drum, and the drum is rotated such that centrifugal forces distribute the composition, including the organic binder precursor material, uniformly about the fibrous material. The composition is exposed to conditions sufficient to solidify the organic binder precursor material such that an endless, flexible, seamless substrate is formed having an outer surface formed adjacent the interior surface of the drum, an inner surface opposite the outer surface and the fibrous material embedded therein. Coated abrasives formed by this method, as well as other methods, are provided wherein an effective amount of a fibrous reinforcing material is engulfed within an organic polymeric binder material.