Abstract: Objects and methods for the manufacture of objects are provided such that the manufactured objects comprise a plurality of tile pieces and seams between the tile pieces, the seams allowing for controlled breaking of the objects. In some embodiments, the objects comprise casting molds or mold parts comprising a tile structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing fine particles capable of increasing the production and producing fine particles at low costs by feeding a large quantity of material efficiently into the plasma. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a material feeding device connected to the vacuum chamber and feeding material particles into the vacuum chamber from material feeing ports, a plurality of electrodes connected to the vacuum chamber, tip ends of which protrude into the vacuum chamber to generate plasma and a collecting device connected to the vacuum chamber and collecting fine particles, which generates discharge inside the vacuum chamber and produces the fine particles from the material, in which the material feeding ports of the material feeding device are arranged in a lower side than the plural electrodes in the vertical direction in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable pipe outer diameter-chamfering apparatus with improved weldability characterized in that a vertical fixing plate is fixed to the outside of the vertical plate, a horizontal fixing plate is fixed in an orthogonal direction to the tip of the vertical fixing plate, a ? shaped link is coupled to move upward and downward along the vertical fixing plate, a circumscribing roller which is in close contact with an outside of a pipe are installed on the tip of the ? shaped link on either side, the ? shaped link moves up and down along the vertical fixing plate by a circumscribing roller adjustment screw installed on the horizontal fixing plate, a moving body is installed in the horizontal fixing plate, the moving body moves up and down by an inscribing roller adjustment screw installed on the horizontal fixing plate, and an inscribing roller which is in close contact with an inside of the pipe and a pressing force of which is adjusted by a spring is installed on the moving bo

Abstract: A cutting insert includes a leading cutting edge having a rake angle in the range of 20° to 35° in a central region in a width direction; and a rake face having a breaker groove formed in the central region in the width direction and land portions formed in both end regions in the width direction. The land portions have a rake angle smaller than the rake angle in the central region in the width direction. The breaker groove includes opposing side faces separated from each other by a distance that decreases with increasing distance from the leading cutting edge and four shoulder portions of the same height that are formed on the opposing side faces at positions above the land portions, two of the shoulder portions being closer to the leading cutting edge and to outer sides in the width direction than the other two shoulder portions are.

Abstract: A method of machining includes mounting a part to a rotatable chuck of a lathe. A tool is then installed into the lathe. The tool is swung along an arcuate pathway to pass the tool through a smaller diameter area of the part to a larger diameter area of the part. The part is inserted into a cavity of the part. The part is then rotated and material is machine from the part.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a manhole includes a drill comprising a first motor and a drill bit. A rail extends longitudinally away from an exterior surface of the manhole. A carriage is movably engaged with the rail and is coupled to the drill. A mounting device supports the rail on an exterior of the manhole. The mounting device comprises features to transfer axial loading on the drill bit to the manhole. A method for drilling an opening in a manhole includes suspending a drill from a rail coupled to an exterior of the manhole. The rail extends laterally outwardly from the manhole. A drill bit forming part of the drill is rotated while moving the drill longitudinally along the rail toward the manhole. Axial reactive force generated by the drill is transferred to the manhole.

Abstract: A template is provided to assist in the installation of hardware around windows. The template includes openings for use in marking or drilling wall structures. The openings are located with respect to an inside corner feature that is aligned with the window opening. A lip structure is provided at the inside corner feature and configured to engage both cased and non-cased windows.

Abstract: Provided is a drill suitable for high-efficiency working. A cut debris discharge groove is formed in the outer periphery of the drill body front end section rotated about the axis, and a cutting edge is formed at the front end of the drill body. The wall surface of the cut debris discharge groove, which faces the rotational direction of the drill, is formed to have a concave curve line shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis, the concave curve line shape extending along a first circular arc.

Abstract: A drill (1) based on an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with: a first chip discharge flute that is provided on an outer periphery of a drill body and spirally extends around a rotational axis from a first cutting edge toward a rear end of the drill body; a second chip discharge flute that is provided on the outer periphery of the drill body and spirally extends around the rotational axis from a second cutting edge toward the rear end of the drill body; and an auxiliary flute that is provided on the outer periphery of the drill body and extends along the second chip discharge flute on a front side in a rotating direction of the rotational axis, wherein a rear end of the second chip discharge flute extends further toward the rear end of the drill body than the first chip discharge flute.

Abstract: This document provides novel drills and/or reamers that are well-suited for making holes in a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metals, ceramics, glass, wood, plasterboard, plastics, stone, composites, synthetics, silicon or multi-layered or hybridized substrates. In some embodiments, these drilling devices have some centers of mass that are offset from the axis of rotation. Accordingly, such drills and/or reamers may rotate and cut using a precessional pattern of motion. Precessional cutting devices may display a mechanical wave pattern in relationship to the longitudinal axis of the device. If the cutting device is fabricated from a flexible material, for example Nickel-Titanium, bodily deflection of the device may result during rotation.

Abstract: A blade for a blade fastening device is provided with a body having a first end fastened in a blade seat and a second end extending out of the blade seat; a machining point formed at the second end of the body for machining an object being machined; and at least one cutting fluid groove formed on a surface of the body and extending from the second end of the body to the machining point. The blade can guide cutting fluid to an object being machined via the at least one groove so as to clear swarf left at a cutting site and decrease temperature at the cutting site. Further, the structural strength of the blade can be maintained.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods for making a carved crayon are provided. In one aspect, a crayon carving device includes a base, a pantograph armature coupled to the base, a crayon positioner, and at least one guide template parallel to the crayon positioner. The pantograph armature includes a motorized drive shaft with a drill tip for carving an outside surface of a crayon body, as well as a guide tip for tracing along a guide template that directs where the drill tip carves. In some embodiments, the guide template includes a stationary bridge support and a plurality of removable carving bucks that insert into one of multiple openings on the bridge support. The surface features of each of the carving bucks may be traced by the guide tip to generate a corresponding carving on the surface of a crayon body.

Abstract: A round cutting insert has a seating surface with a plurality of projections formed on the seating surface proximate a central opening. The projections do not extend to an outer perimeter of the seating surface such that the outer perimeter is continuous and uninterrupted a full 360 degrees. An insert-receiving pocket includes a seating surface with a plurality of dimples for receiving the plurality of projections to prevent rotation of the cutting insert when mounted in the insert-receiving pocket. The plurality of dimples do not extend to an outer perimeter of the seating surface such that the outer perimeter is continuous and uninterrupted a full 360 degrees, thereby maximizing contact between the cutting insert and the pocket.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes a tool for shear cutting, wherein the tool has a lower blade, a hold-down device and an upper blade, wherein the lower blade has a pressure-loaded surface and a cutting surface, wherein it is possible for a workpiece to be arranged between the hold-down device and the contact surface, wherein the upper blade is movable in relation to the lower blade along a cutting direction predetermined by the cutting surface, wherein a contour profile of the lower blade has a jagged elevation at the transition from the cutting surface to the pressure-loaded surface.

Abstract: A counterweight device for use in a saber saw, including a drive, a reciprocating rod and at least a first articulated rod, whereby the counterweight device can be moved reversibly by the drive in a first pendulum motion and a second pendulum motion. The first pendulum motion of the counterweight device runs essentially opposite to a first pendulum motion of the articulated rod, and the second pendulum motion of the counterweight device runs essentially opposite to a second pendulum motion of the articulated rod.

Abstract: Adjustable blade guide assemblies and their methods of use are described. An adjustable blade guide assembly includes two lateral blade guides arranged to support opposing sides of a blade and a rear blade guide arranged to support a rear edge of the blade. The blade guides are moveable relative to the blade. The blade guide assembly includes biasing members associated with each blade guide which urge the blade guides in a direction away from the blade. Locking interfaces associated with each blade guide restrict displacement of the blade guides relative to the blade when the locking interfaces are in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A hob for a cutting apparatus including a hollow body of a sintered hard, metal composition and a cavity located within the body, the cavity having a volume in the range of about 10% to about 90% of the volume of the body.

Abstract: A method may include positioning a multilayer braze tape at a joint between a first part comprising a ceramic or CMC and a second part comprising at least one of a ceramic, a CMC, a metal, or an alloy. The multilayer braze tape may include at least one layer comprising a silicon-containing braze material and at least one layer comprising a reinforcement material. The method also may include applying pressure to compress the multilayer braze tape between the first part and the second part, and heating the multilayer braze tape to melt the silicon-containing braze material and join the first part and the second part.

Abstract: An amorphous, ductile brazing foil is provided. According to one example embodiment, the composition consists essentially of NirestCraBbPcSid with 2 atomic percent?a?30 atomic percent; 0.5 atomic percent?b?14 atomic percent; 2 atomic percent?c?20 atomic percent; 0 atomic percent?d?14 atomic percent; incidental impurities?0.5 atomic percent; rest Ni, where c>b>c/15 and 10 atomic percent?b+c+d?25 atomic percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding a stream of hot gas to a printed circuit board during convection soldering in a soldering installation. The feed device comprises a nozzle plate (1) having at least one drilled hole (3), which opens into a hot gas nozzle (2) arranged on the nozzle plate (1) and having a nozzle opening (4). The invention is defined in that the hot gas nozzle is formed by a flexible helical spring (2). The invention permits the nozzle plate with the hot gas nozzles to be advanced right up to the printed circuit board under all peripheral conditions which occur. In particular, the printed circuit board can, for instance, be advanced right up to the nozzle plate even when a central support for the printed circuit boards or some other disruptive contour is present.

Abstract: Assembled submarine hull steel components, each steel component having a chemical composition consisting of, in weight percent: 0.030%?C<0.080% 0.040%?Si?0.13% 0.1%?Mn?1.4% 2%?Ni?4% Cr?0.3% 0.30%?Mo+W/2+3(V+Nb/2+Ta/4)?0.89% 0.15%?Mo?0.89% V+Nb/2+Ta/4?0.004% Nb?0.004% Cu?0.45% Al?0.1% Ti?0.04% N?0.0300% impurities resulting from the production operation, said impurities including B?0.0005%, P+S?0.015%, the balance being iron, the chemical composition complying with the condition: 410?540×C0.25+245[Mo+W/2+3(V+Nb/2+Ta/4)]0.30?460.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stainless pipe is provided. The method includes gradually curving the stainless pipe into a ring type, plasma-welding opposite ends of the curved stainless pipe so that back beads are formed, additionally TIG-welding the plasma-welded part to form bead mountings, externally applying pressure force onto an outer portion of the stainless pipe while inserting a mandrel into the welded stainless pipe such that the mandrel comes into contact with the back beads, thereby flattening the back beads, removing the bead mountains, setting an outer diameter of the stainless pipe, RF heat-treating the welded part, cooling the welded part, and a second sizing stage.

Abstract: A system comprises one or more image sensors, processing circuitry, and communication interface circuitry. The image sensor(s) are operable to capture an image of a weld in progress powered by welding equipment. The processing circuitry is operable to, while the weld is in progress, analyze pixel data of the image, generate a welding equipment control signal based on the analysis of the pixel data, and output the generated welding equipment control signal via the communication interface circuit. The image sensor(s), processing circuitry, and communication interface circuitry may be integrated into welding headwear. The processing circuitry may be operable to determine, from the analysis of the pixel data, one or more welding parameters for the weld and to compensate for variations in the parameters by varying the welding equipment control signal to vary the welding equipment settings.

Abstract: Welding headwear comprises one or more image sensors, processing circuitry, and a display. The image sensor(s) are operable to capture an image of an unpowered weld torch as the torch passes along a joint of a workpiece to be welded. The processing circuitry is operable to: determine, through processing of pixel data of the image, one or more welding parameters as the torch passes along the joint to be welded; generate, based on the one or more welding parameters, a simulated weld bead; and superimpose on the image, in real time as the torch passes along the joint, the simulated weld bead on the joint. The display is operable to present, in real time as the torch passes along the joint, the image with the simulated bead overlaid on it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the (at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to reducing magnetic interference between two or more arcs within a geographic proximity to one another performing a welding operation on a workpiece. In an embodiment, a first waveform used to create a first arc on the workpiece and a second waveform used to create a second arc on the workpiece can have a respective phase separated by a number of degrees. In an embodiment, a parameter of a waveform can be adjusted for one or more arcs that are within a geographic proximity to one another in order to avoid interference.

Abstract: A seam welding device sandwiches between a first roller electrode and a second roller electrode a laminate, which is formed by laminating a plurality of workpieces and disposing the thinnest workpiece, which has the smallest thickness among the workpieces, on the outside, to carry out seam welding. The second roller electrode, which is in contact with the thinnest workpiece, is disposed further along the direction of welding progress than the first roller electrode.

Abstract: An overlapped body 10 includes at least three steel plates 1a, 1b and 1c and in which at least one steel plate interface 2a has a contact resistance different from the contact resistance of another steel plate interface 2b. A molten pool is formed at the steel plate interfaces so as to join the steel plates 1a, 1b and 1c, and an energization point 5 is formed at the steel plate interface 2b having the largest contact resistance. Initial spot welding is performed under a condition in which a branch current is generated in the energization point 5 so as to form the molten pool. By doing so, it makes it difficult to generate the expulsion and surface flash at the steel plate interface where resistive heating is large and form the molten pool having a sufficiently large size at the steel plate interface where resistive heating is small.

Abstract: A method that improves the weldability, weld quality and mechanical performance of components involving concentric parts or non-concentric parts with closed weld seams of dissimilar metals and uses a temperature differential concept on one of the parts or both of the parts to be joined is proposed. This method results in improved weldability, prevents weld cracking both during and after welding, and significantly improves structural performance in terms of static, fatigue, and dynamic strengths. For dissimilar metal joints that are prone to formation of intermetallics, the differential temperature technique can significantly reduce the detrimental effects of intermetallics on mechanical performance of joints, as a result of favorable stress state generated by the temperature differential.

Abstract: A laser ablation method is provided for the engraving of a surface (7) of a two or three dimensional workpiece with a texture (16) by the laser beam (2) of a laser machining head (1). The surface engraving is conducted in one or more layers (17.1, 17.2), which are machined consecutively, wherein each defined layer (17.1, 17.2) to be machined is subdivided into one or more patches (11) intended be machined one after another with the laser beam (2). The borderline (18) of at least one patch (19) is determined in such a manner to follow along a path on the layer (17.1, 17.2, 17.x) which will not be affected by the laser beam (2) engraving of the laser machining head (1).

Abstract: A method for determining a laser welding condition of the present disclosure includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. In the first step, workpiece information indicating characteristics of a workpiece is input. In the second step, laser information indicating characteristics of laser light is input. In the third step, a first welding condition is calculated based on the workpiece information and the laser information, and then displayed. The first welding condition is any one of a recommended laser power of the laser light, a recommended welding speed, a recommended welding pattern, an estimated strength of a welded portion, and an estimated weld depth of the welded portion. Furthermore, the workpiece information includes a joint shape of the workpiece. Thus, an optimum weld condition can be set while considering a shape of a joint in welding.

Abstract: A laser machining method includes directing, from an F-theta lens having a long focal length of greater than about 250 millimeters, a laser beam at a non-perpendicular beam tilt angle from an optical axis of the lens having a top-hat profile and a narrow beam divergence angle of between about 1 degree and about 3 degrees towards a workpiece on a stage movable in at least an X-direction and a Y-direction, engaging the directed laser beam with the workpiece disposed in the usable field of view, moving the workpiece and the directed laser beam relative to each other, and removing portions of the workpiece with the directed laser beam to define a machined surface.

Abstract: In order to simplify a configuration even if laser beams of different wavelength bands are used, a laser output device, which oscillates laser beams of plural wavelength bands, and an irradiation head, which performs irradiation by condensing the laser beams of the respective wavelength bands with focal distances thereof being shifted from each other on the same optical axis S, are included.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus has a workpiece holding unit, a laser irradiation unit, a machining feed unit that moves the holding unit and the laser irradiation unit in a machining feed direction, an indexing feed unit that moves the holding unit and the laser irradiation unit in an indexing feed direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of each component. The time required to stop the laser irradiation unit relative to the holding unit can be denoted by ‘ta’ and that required to index the irradiation position of the laser beam at the next scheduled division line can be denoted by ‘tb.’ When tb>ta, the control unit initiates the stopping and indexing simultaneously after a machining step and takes advantage of remaining time (tb?ta) following the end of the stopping to start to accelerate the laser irradiation unit relative to the holding unit.

Abstract: An element manufacturing method in which a section of a substrate that is irradiated with laser light can be covered efficiently. A plurality of protrusions of an intermediate product are lined up in a first direction on a substrate, and a sealing mechanism includes one pair of rollers that rotate around a rotational axis extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The paired rollers are lined up spacedly in the first direction. In a sealing step using the sealing mechanism, a section of a lid member that is being tensioned between the paired rollers is in close contact with a part of the intermediate product. In an irradiation step, light passes through the section of the lid member that is being tensioned between the paired rollers, and reaches the intermediate product.

Abstract: An additive processing apparatus includes a chamber and an irradiation device that together are operable to additively fabricate an article from a powder layer-by-layer in a work space in the chamber. A gas recirculation loop is connected at a first end thereof to an outlet of the chamber and at a second end thereof to an inlet of the chamber. The gas recirculation loop includes at least one purification device that is configured to remove impurities from a cover gas and generate a clean cover gas.

Abstract: An object is to form a rough surface for ensuring adhesion between a metal member and other members, or a rough surface for suppressing solder expansion in the metal member using an energy beam having energy density lower than a related art. A surface processing method of a metal member, in which a metal thin film is arranged on a surface of a base, includes: melting or evaporating a surface portion of the metal thin film by irradiating the metal thin film with a pulse-oscillated laser beam having energy density of 100 J/cm2 or less and a pulse width of 1 ?s or less; and roughening the surface of the metal thin film by solidifying the surface portion of the metal thin film after the melting or evaporating. The metal thin film is made of at least one of Ni, Au, Pd, and Ag as a main component.

Abstract: A fabric cutting system and/or method can include a mandrel having a body and first and second legs, a chuck, the chuck configured to receive either one of the legs or body to rotatingly support the mandrel. The mandrel can be rotated and the fabric mounted on the mandrel can be cut about the leg at a location beyond the end of the other leg. One of the legs can include a leg extension removable from a leg base that when removed allows the other leg to be cut beyond the end of the leg base. The fabric can be cut with a cutting laser, which may be a multi-axis laser, and/or have low power.

Abstract: A wire including, in terms of % by mass with respect to a total mass of the wire, as a total in a steel outer skin and a flux, 0.03 to 0.08% of C, 0.1 to 0.6% of Si, 1.2 to 2.5% of Mn, 0.01 to 0.5% of Cu, 0.5 to 1.5% of Ni, 0.05 to 0.5% of Ti, 0.002 to 0.015% of B, and 0.05% or less of Al, and further including, in the flux, 4 to 8% in terms of TiO2, 0.1 to 0.6% of in terms of SiO2, 0.02 to 0.3% in terms of Al2O3, 0.1 to 0.8% of Mg, 0.05 to 0.3% in terms of F, 0.05 to 0.3% in terms of Na and K in a fluorine compound, 0.05 to 0.2% of Na2O and K2O, and 0.2% or less in terms of ZrO2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail system for welding tables, including a base rail which is designed to be secured on or in a floor and has multiple openings corresponding to the openings of the welding tables; a connecting frame of a rail system for welding tables, said connecting frame being provided with rollers which are designed to interact with a circular rail; and a caster of a rail system for welding tables, said caster comprising a main part, rollers, and a tilting protection device. The is configured in that a circular rail is secured in a recess of the base rail. The connecting frame is configured in that a recess is provided in each base plate of the connecting frame, a rotating assembly roller being securable in the recess in different rotational positions. The caster is configured in that the rollers are designed to interact with a circular rail and the tilting protection device is designed to interact with a tilting protection recess and a tilting protection edge of a rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cutting blade for a device for cutting food products, especially a high-performance slicer, where a single-piece blank having a basic structure of the cutting blade is produced, and the blank is machined and then separated into at least two segments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring.

Abstract: The main spindle device for a machine tool is provided with: a bearing for rotatably supporting the main spindle; a bearing case for holding the bearing; a housing inside which the bearing case is disposed; and a stiffness-switching device, which supports the bearing case with respect to the housing and is able to switch the stiffness of the bearing case support between multiple levels. When the stiffness-switching device is supporting the bearing case at a low stiffness, the main spindle device is formed so that the bearing case slides with respect to the housing. A friction member is disposed on the area where the bearing case slides with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A quill style drilling/milling end effector with high tool positioning accuracy, a pressure foot with fast response in force and displacement feedback, and with automatic mounting and dismounting, normality sensing, and through the tool coolant delivery.

Abstract: A rotary table, which is provided with a rotating shaft rotatably disposed in a casing and a clamping mechanism configured to disable the rotating shaft from rotating, is designed so that another clamping mechanism, in addition to the first clamping mechanism, can be connected to the rotating shaft, whereby a clamping torque twice that of a rotary table with a single clamping mechanism can be produced.

Abstract: A sensing and positioning device (14) adapted to be mounted on a spindle (30) of a machine tool (12), comprising: a fixing element (38); and at least three sensing elements (40A, 40B, 40C) adapted to be connected operationally to a programmable control unit of a machine tool (12). The sensing and positioning device (14) is adapted to be used with a machining tool mounted on the spindle (30). A machine tool (12) comprises a workpiece table (16), a machining head (28), and movement means (18, 20, 22, 24, 26) adapted to move the machining head above the workpiece table (16). The machine further comprises the device described above. An associated machining method is also described.

Abstract: The end face grinding method includes a structure rotating step of rotating a honeycomb structure based on a rotation axis in a direction orthogonal to the end face of the honeycomb structure, a grinding wheel reverse rotating step of using a grinding wheel disposed so that a grinding surface faces the end face and rotating the grinding wheel in a reverse rotating direction to a rotating direction of the honeycomb structure based on a rotation axis in the direction orthogonal to the end face; and a dry type grinding step of bringing the grinding wheel rotating in the reverse direction close to the rotating honeycomb structure to perform the dry type grinding of the end face.

Abstract: A double disc surface grinding machine (10) includes work holding section (65) for holding an inner circumferential surface of an annular work (W) at a plurality of locations. The work holding section (65) includes a plurality of holding members (66) extending radially as viewed from a rotation shaft (46). Each holding member (66) is movable outward and inward radially of the rotation shaft (46), and is contactable to the inner circumferential surface of the work (W). The position adjustment section (76) connects the rotation shaft (46) and the work holding section (65) with each other, and adjusts a position of the work holding section (65) in the radial direction of the rotation shaft (46). While the inner circumferential surface of the work (W) is held by the work holding section (65), the rotation shaft (46), the position adjustment section (76), the work holding section (65) and the work (W) are rotated integrally with each other around the rotation shaft (46).

Abstract: A modular honing guide system comprised of interchangeable parts, having a multitude of configurations for manually sharpening or honing a multitude of tool types used for, but not limited to wood carving, wood working, fine art printmaking, jewelry making and metal work. A plurality of edge tool clamps mountable to a universal honing guide base system. Tools are honed on planar abrading surface(s) in conjunction with a supporting honing guide base configuration moving across a work surface which is in parallel with an abrading surface or medium. Cancellation of thickness variation of individual abrading mediums, and elimination of variability of abrading surface height differentials relative to a work surface, for a plurality of abrading mediums, is provided. A multitude of bevel, skew and cutting edge profiles are attained. Resulting is a superior solution to honing guides having limited expandability and/or lacking in abrading medium thickness variation or height differential mitigation.

Abstract: A practical method of polishing a wafer that can reduce wafer loss due to dummy polishing, and stabilize the LPD count in production wafers at a low level, is provided. in the method of polishing a wafer according to the present disclosure, a wafer 104 is brought into contact with a polishing cloth 112 provided on the surface of a polishing plate 110, and the wafer 104 and the polishing plate 110 are rotated, thereby performing several rounds of a polishing process on the surface of the wafer 104 using the same polishing cloth 112. At this time, the contact angle of the polishing cloth is measured, and based on the measured value thereof, the timing for a switchover from an initial polishing (or a dummy polishing) mode to a production polishing mode is determined.