Method of Forming Patterned Abrasive Substrate

Abstract

Abrasive articles and associated methods are shown that include abrasive particles arranged in one or more symbols on a backing substrate. Examples include shaped abrasive particles arranged into one or more symbols. Other examples include one or more wear particles with a height less than other abrasive particles, such that when exposed, the wear particles indicate a wear condition of the abrasive article.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of forming an abrasive article, comprising:
 aligning a plurality of shaped abrasive particles into a pattern, wherein the pattern includes particles positioned both laterally and rotationally about a Z-axis to form one or more symbols on the backing substrate;   transferring the pattern to a backing substrate containing a layer of adhesive; and   curing the adhesive.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein aligning a plurality of shaped abrasive particles into a pattern includes collecting the plurality of shaped abrasive particles into pockets arranged on a tooling surface. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further including holding the plurality of shaped abrasive particles in the pockets using a vacuum source, prior to transferring the pattern to the backing substrate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of shaped abrasive particles consisting essentially of sintered alpha alumina. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing wear indicating particles having a height that is less than a height of the plurality of shaped ceramic abrasive particles, aligning the wear indicating particles into a pattern. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising positioning the plurality of wear indicating particles both laterally and rotationally about the Z-axis. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising transferring the pattern of wear indicating particles to a backing substrate containing a layer of adhesive; and curing the adhesive. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the pattern of wear indicating particles and pattern of shaped abrasive particles are transferred together to the backing substrate containing the layer of adhesive. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of wear indicating particles are configured to communicate an end of product life to a user, and wherein the plurality of wear indicating particles are colored differently from the plurality of shaped ceramic abrasive particles. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of wear indicating particles are abrasive particles.