Microparticle-Coated Abrasive Grains for Faster Cutting and Lower Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing abrasive articles, such as cut-off wheels, do not effectively utilize microparticles to enhance performance, leading to suboptimal cut rates and wear rates.

Innovation Solution

Integrate a microparticulate layer comprising microparticles dispersed in a binder on the outer surface of abrasive particles, which can include grinding aid microparticles, to improve the performance of abrasive articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If microparticles are integrated into the abrasive article structure, then cut rate increases by over 50%, but device complexity increases due to additional microparticulate layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut rateVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microparticles are integrated within the abrasive particle structure itself, with the microparticulate layer embedded in the binder matrix of the abrasive article. This nesting approach allows the microparticles to be incorporated without adding separate external components, thereby increasing cut rate while minimizing structural complexity additions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The microparticulate layer is combined with the binder material to form an integrated abrasive particle structure. By merging the microparticles with the existing binder and abrasive grain framework, the system achieves enhanced cutting performance without requiring entirely separate structural systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If microparticles are integrated into the abrasive article structure, then wheel wear rate reduces, but manufacturing complexity increases due to coating process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel lifeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The microparticulate layer is applied to the abrasive particles during the manufacturing process before the abrasive article is put into service. This preliminary integration ensures the microparticles are already positioned and bonded to the abrasive grains, reducing wheel wear from the outset without requiring separate post-manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process parameters are adjusted to incorporate the microparticulate layer, such as modifying the binder formulation or applying coatings during particle formation. By changing these process parameters, the microparticles are integrated seamlessly during standard manufacturing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If microparticles are dispersed in binder on abrasive surface, then cut rate increases, but cost increases due to additional materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut rateVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The microparticles are applied selectively to specific regions or surfaces of the abrasive particles rather than uniformly throughout the entire abrasive article. This localized application concentrates the performance-enhancing microparticles where they are most needed for cutting, reducing overall material usage and cost while maintaining high cut rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The abrasive article utilizes a composite structure combining traditional abrasive grains with microparticulate enhancements dispersed in the binder. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of different materials to achieve superior cutting performance without requiring large quantities of expensive microparticle materials throughout the entire article

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3898088B1Abrasive article with microparticle-coated abrasive grains
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3898088B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3898088B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP3898088B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An abrasive article comprising a plurality of shaped abrasive particles (20), each shaped abrasive particle comprising a microparticulate layer disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the abrasive particles, wherein the microparticulate layer comprises microparticles (22) dispersed in a microparticle binder and the abrasive particles are shaped abrasive particles and a binder in which the plurality of shaped abrasive particles are dispersed.