Method of making abrasive article
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsJonathan M. Lise, Jean Le Normand, Gerhard Lohmeier
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of making an abrasive article comprising an abrasive disc (1) of non-woven fibres having a central shaft (3) and a hub (2) securing the shaft (3) to the abrasive disc (1). The method comprising forming the hub (3) by injecting molten thermoplastic material into the abrasive disc (1) , and allowing the thermoplastic material to cool and solidify such that the shaft (3) is secured to the abrasive disc (1). The invention provides a simple, economical and effective method of securing a shaft to a disc.
Claims17
A method of making an abrasive article comprising an abrasive disc formed of non-woven fibres, a shaft positioned at the centre of the abrasive disc and a hub securing an end of the shaft to the abrasive disc, the method comprising forming the hub by injecting molten thermoplastic material into the abrasive disc, and allowing the thermoplastic material to cool and solidify such that the shaft is secured to the abrasive disc.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the end of the shaft secured to the hub is roughened or knurled.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the abrasive article comprises a plurality of discs mounted on said shaft.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the abrasive disc(s) is (are) provided with a central aperture to accommodate the end of the shaft.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the shaft is positioned such that the end extends partially or completely through the thickness of the abrasive disc(s).
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermoplastic material is selected from polyamides, polyolefines, and polyether ester elastomer block copolymers.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermoplastic material contains filler and/or reinforcing fibres.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thermoplastic material is injected at a temperature in the range 200 to 280° C.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the steps of providing a mould having first and second mould plates which together define a mould cavity dimensioned to accommodate the abrasive disc(s), the first mould plate having a bore formed therein to accommodate the shaft so that one end thereof projects into the mould cavity and at least one of said first and second mould plates having a channel for injection of molten thermoplastic material into the mould cavity.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the abrasive disc comprises foam filling interstices between the non-woven fibres.
An abrasive article prepared by a method as claimed in any preceding claim.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.