Abstract: A polishing tool component comprises a carrier and a plurality of spaced abrasive elements located in a surface of the carrier. Each abrasive element presents a working surface having a perimeter which is circular, polygon or of like non-elongate shape, and comprises a mass of abrasive particles such as diamond or cubic boron nitride uniformly dispersed in a bonding matrix. The bonding matrix may be metal, ceramic or polymeric. The working surfaces of the elements together define a working surface for the component. The working surfaces may be located in the surface in which the elements are located, or project beyond that surface.

Abstract: A polishing pad comprises a carrier and layer of a non-porous thermoplastic polymer secured to a surface thereof and containing a mass of discrete abrasive particles, comprising diamond or cubic boron nitride, uniformly dispersed therein. The abrasive particles have a particle size of up to 500 microns and are present in the layer in a concentration of up to 30 volume percent. The layer presents an abrasive polishing surface. The abrasive layer may also comprise a plurality of spaced strips secured to a surface of the carrier and each strip presents an abrasive polishing surface.

Abstract: The abrasive polishing device has a carrier, typically in the form of a rotatable polishing head (10) and abrasive polishing pads (16) mounted on the carrier. Each polishing pad (16) includes an abrasive body (18) which is provided by a thermoplastic polymer impregnated with ultrahard abrasive particles and which presents an abrasive polishing surface for performing an abrasive polishing action in use. The abrasive body (18) is formed with a regular array of recesses, typically narrow capillarytype passages therein which extend to the abrasive surface. The recesses result in improved cooling of the abrasive layer during a polishing operation.

Abstract: An abrasive tool such as a grinding wheel or a saw is characterized by the working portion comprising a mass of ultra-hard abrasive particles dispersed in a non-porous thermoplastic polymer matrix. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers are polyetheretherketone, polyaryletherketone, poly (amide-imide), polyphenylene sulphide, liquid crystal polymer and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A semi-permanent peripheral grinding wheel comprising ultrahard abrasives such as diamond or cubic boron nitride is provided which overcomes the serious problems caused by "chatter". The wheel comprises a hub mounting the ultrahard abrasive, the abrasive being resiliently depressible radially inwardly of the wheel. The wheel preferably has a radial static stiffness of no more than 1.5.times.10.sup.6 N/m per mm. of wheel width and a first radial natural frequency of at least 500 Hertz. The resiliency may be provided by rubber pads between the abrasive and the hub, or by mounting the abrasive on a hub made of resiliently deformable metal such as "RETIMET" (Registered Trade Mark) sponge-like metal.