Printed chemical mechanical polishing pad having abrasives therein and system for printing

A polishing pad, comprising:

• a polishing layer comprising
• a polymer matrix;
• and
• a distribution of particles embedded within the polymer matrix, wherein the distribution of particles comprises different distribution densities of the particles laterally across the polishing layer.

An apparatus for fabricating a polishing layer of a polishing pad, comprising:

• a support;
• a printer to form the polishing layer on the support, the printer including at least one nozzle, wherein the printer is configured successively deposit a plurality of layers of a polymer matrix by ejecting droplets of a liquid polymer matrix precursor and dispensing particles to be embedded in the polymer matrix to form the polishing layer;
• and
• a computer coupled to the printer and configured to receive a computer-readable file containing data setting a desired distribution of particles to be embedded within the polymer matrix of the polishing layer, and control the printer in response to the data setting the desired distribution of particles so that successively depositing the plurality of layers includes distributing the particles in the plurality of layers according to the desired distribution with the printer.