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 first walls defining a plurality of first slots, each of the first slots being open to a lower side of the distribution tool;
• and
• a plurality of second walls defining a plurality of second slots, each of the second slots being open to an upper side of the plurality of second walls;
• spacing abrasive particles loaded into the distribution tool using the plurality of second walls;
• wherein at least a majority of the abrasive particles loaded into the distribution tool undergo a particle spacing sequence in which each abrasive particle of the at least a majority of abrasive particles:
• a) enters one of the plurality of second slots, and
• b) passes through the corresponding second slot spaced from abrasive particles in an adjacent second slot;
• 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 first slots,
• b) passes partially through the corresponding first 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 first slot, and
• c) remains in simultaneous contact with at least one of the first walls and the major face for a dwell period during which the web moves relative to the distribution tool.