Shaped Abrasive Particles Reduce Loading in Coated Abrasives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coated abrasive articles face limitations in cost, performance, and lifespan, with issues related to loading, surface finish, and raw material usage.

Innovation Solution

A coated abrasive article featuring a continuous backing layer with shaped abrasive particles and a reduced amount of abrasive mineral, optimized resin application to maximize particle orientation and minimize loading, resulting in improved cut, longer life, and lower costs without compromising surface finish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional coated abrasive article uses a high amount of abrasive mineral, then the cut performance is improved, but the loading increases and lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut performanceVSAvoidlifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the abrasive particles by using shaped abrasive particles with specific geometries (aspect ratios, angles, and configurations) rather than traditional irregularly shaped particles. This parameter change allows for optimized cutting performance while reducing the total amount of abrasive mineral needed, thereby extending article lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining shaped abrasive particles with a binder material in a specific configuration. The binder holds the shaped particles in an oriented arrangement that maximizes cutting efficiency, allowing for reduced abrasive mineral content while maintaining or improving cut performance and extending article life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a traditional coated abrasive article uses more abrasive mineral, then the cut performance is improved, but the raw material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut performanceVSAvoidraw material usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of abrasive particles from traditional irregular shapes to specifically shaped particles with controlled geometries. This allows for more efficient material removal per particle, reducing the total quantity of abrasive mineral required while maintaining cut performance, thereby lowering raw material costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates filler materials from the traditional abrasive article composition. By using shaped abrasive particles that are more efficient at cutting, the article achieves comparable or superior performance without the need for additional filler materials, reducing raw material usage and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a traditional coated abrasive article uses more abrasive mineral, then the cut performance is improved, but the surface finish quality deteriorates due to loading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut performanceVSAvoidsurface finish
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the shape parameters of abrasive particles to optimized geometries that reduce loading during the abrading process. The shaped particles maintain sharper edges and more consistent cutting action, preventing the dulling and loading that occurs with traditional particles, thereby maintaining both cut performance and surface finish quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a reduced amount of abrasive mineral (partial action) compared to traditional articles, but the shaped particles are distributed and oriented to provide sufficient cutting action throughout the article's life. This partial usage of abrasive material avoids the overloading problem while maintaining adequate cut performance and surface finish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 abrasive article's performance by maintaining equivalent surface finish while reducing raw material usage and production costs, with improved cut and extended lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

coated abrasive article... improved cut... abrading an uncoated metal workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3519135B1Open coat abrasive article and method of abrading
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3519135B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3519135B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3519135B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An open coat abrasive article includes a backing having first and second opposed major surfaces, a make coat resin on at least one major surface of the backing, abrasive particles arranged on the backing at least partially embedded in the make coat resin, and a size coat resin on the first resin and the abrasive particles, wherein the shaped abrasive particles have an average peak count of no greater than about 40,000 per 24 in2. A method of abrading in a body-in-white application is also disclosed.