Abrasive Wire Structure for Low-Temperature Particle Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional abrasive wire saws face challenges in maintaining tensile strength and abrasive particle retention during cutting applications, particularly when dealing with hard materials, due to methods like electroplating and sintering being time-consuming and costly, and resin bonding leading to premature wear.

Innovation Solution

An abrasive article with a substrate having discrete tacking regions and formations, where the tacking regions are made of a metal material with a melting temperature not exceeding 450°C, and a bonding layer contacts both the substrate and abrasive particles, allowing for improved attachment and retention of abrasive particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electroplating or sintering is used to attach abrasive particles to the wire, then the abrasive particles are securely retained, but the production process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasive particle retentionVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the bonding mechanism from high-temperature processes (electroplating, sintering) to a low-temperature organic binder system. The binder is applied at temperatures below 100°C and cures through evaporation or chemical reaction, eliminating the need for prolonged high-temperature exposure while maintaining secure abrasive particle retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal bonding systems (electroplating, sintering) with a chemical bonding system using organic binders. The binder creates adhesive bonds between abrasive particles and the wire through chemical adhesion, achieving secure retention without the time-consuming thermal processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If brazing is used to attach abrasive particles, then the bonding strength is improved, but the tensile strength of the wire saw is reduced and it becomes susceptible to breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidwire tensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the bonding temperature parameter from high-temperature brazing to low-temperature organic binder application. This prevents thermal damage to the wire substrate, preserving its tensile strength while achieving adequate bonding strength through chemical adhesion at temperatures below 100°C.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an organic binder as an intermediary substance between the abrasive particles and the wire. This binder mediates the bonding process through chemical adhesion, providing sufficient bonding strength without the need for high-temperature brazing that would compromise wire integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If resin is used to bind abrasives to the wire, then the fabrication process is simplified, but the wire saw wears quickly and abrasives are lost before useful life is realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication simplicityVSAvoidwire saw service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite binder system combining multiple organic components (resin, rubber, plasticizers, curing agents) to create a multi-functional bonding matrix. This composite material provides both ease of application and enhanced durability, preventing premature abrasive loss while maintaining fabrication simplicity through a single-step application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the binder composition parameters by incorporating specific ratios of resin, rubber, plasticizers, and curing agents to optimize both application ease and service life. The cured binder forms a durable matrix that secures abrasives throughout the wire saw's useful life while maintaining simple fabrication procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the durability and longevity of the abrasive article by maintaining abrasive particle retention and reducing wear, thereby improving cutting efficiency and extending the useful life of the wire saw.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of discrete tacking regions defining a discontinuous distribution of features overlying the substrate, wherein at least one discrete tacking region of the plurality of discrete tacking regions comprises a metal material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a bonding layer overlying the substrate, plurality of discrete tacking regions, and plurality of discrete formations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical bonding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3313615B1Abrasive article and method of forming
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 SAINT GOBAIN ABRASIVES INC
  • EP3313615B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3313615B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP3313615B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An abrasive article includes a substrate having an elongated body, a plurality of discrete tacking regions defining a discontinuous distribution of features overlying the substrate, where at least one discrete tacking region of the plurality of discrete tacking regions includes a metal material having a melting temperature not greater than 450°C, a plurality of discrete formations overlying the substrate and spaced apart from the plurality of discrete tacking regions, and a bonding layer overlying the substrate, plurality of discrete tacking regions, and plurality of discrete formations.