Bonded Abrasive Wheel with Shaped Ceramic Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bonded abrasive wheels, particularly cut-off wheels, face challenges in maintaining cutting performance and longevity due to the dulling of sharper edges during use, despite initial high cutting efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of bonded abrasive wheels comprising ceramic shaped abrasive particles with a polygonal base, top, and sides having an average radius of curvature of less than 50 micrometers, along with a binder and optional crushed abrasive particles, enhances cutting performance and longevity by maintaining sharp edges and improving abrasion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ceramic shaped abrasive particles with sharp edges (radius of curvature < 50 micrometers) are used, then initial cutting efficiency is improved, but edge sharpness deteriorates quickly during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidedge sharpness maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of abrasive particles by specifying a radius of curvature of less than 50 micrometers at side edges, creating optimally sharp edges that balance initial cutting efficiency with durability during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by creating specifically shaped ceramic abrasive particles with polygonal bases, polygonal tops, and controlled side edges, where only the cutting edges are optimized for sharpness while maintaining overall particle structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional abrasive particles are used, then edge durability is improved, but cutting efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge durabilityVSAvoidcutting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transforms conventional abrasive particles into shaped ceramic particles with controlled radius of curvature parameters, achieving both sharp edges for efficiency and structural integrity for durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses ceramic shaped abrasive particles as a composite material solution, combining the hardness and durability of ceramic with precisely controlled geometric shapes to achieve both cutting efficiency and edge longevity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If thinner cut-off wheels are used, then productivity is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidwheel structural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by concentrating the shaped ceramic abrasive particles with optimized edge geometry in the cutting zone, allowing thinner wheel design while maintaining cutting performance and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameters of the wheel by using shaped particles with specific radius of curvature values, enabling thinner wheel designs that maintain both strength and cutting efficiency

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 bonded abrasive wheels exhibit superior cutting performance and extended product longevity by maintaining sharp edges and improving abrasion resistance, contrary to expectations that sharper edges would quickly dull during use.

Implementation Method 1

They are used for operations such as cutting metal or glass; for example, to a nominal length. Cut-off wheels are also known as 'industrial cut-off saw blades' and, in some settings such as foundries, as 'chop saws'. As their name implies, cut-off wheels are use to cut stock such as, for example, metal rods, by abrading through the stock.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

Bonded abrasive articles have abrasive particles bonded together by a bonding medium. Bonded abrasives include, for example, stones, hones, grinding wheels, and cut-off wheels.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3536454B1Bonded abrasive wheel
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3536454B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3536454B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bonded abrasive (100) comprising ceramic shaped abrasive particles (20) retained in a binder (25), wherein each of the ceramic shaped abrasive particles (20) is respectively bounded by a polygonal base (321), a polygonal top (323), and a plurality of sides (325a, 325b, 325c) connecting the base (321) and the top (323), wherein adjacent sides (325a, 325b) meet at respective side edges having an average radius of curvature (329a) of less than 50 micrometers, and wherein the bonded abrasiv (100) comprises a bonded abrasive wheel (100), and wherein the ceramic shaped abrasive particles (20) are non-uniformly distributed throughout the bonded abrasive wheel (100).