Systems and methods for making abrasive articles

A method for making an abrasive article comprising:

• loading abrasive particles to a distribution tool, the distribution tool including a plurality of walls defining a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots being open to a lower side of the distribution tool;
• and
• distributing abrasive particles from the distribution tool on to a major face of a backing construction web located immediately below the lower side of the distribution tool and moving relative to the distribution tool;
• wherein at least a majority of the abrasive particles distributed from the distribution tool undergo a particle orientation sequence in which each abrasive particle of the at least a majority of abrasive particles:
• a) enters one of the plurality of slots,
• b) passes partially through the corresponding slot such that a first portion of the abrasive particle is beyond the lower side and in contact with the major face, and a second portion of the abrasive particle is within the slot,
• c) remains in simultaneous contact with at least one of the walls and the major face for a dwell period during which the web moves relative to the distribution tool.