Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides an abrasive article that has abrasive composite members secured firmly in recesses in a backing sheet in a precise pattern whereby there is desired lateral spacing between each abrasive composite member. The present invention also provides a method for preparing the abrasive article comprising the steps of providing an embossed backing sheet having a plurality of recesses in the front surface of the backing sheet. The recesses are filled with an abrasive slurry that includes a plurality of abrasive grains dispersed in a binder precursor. An expanding agent is also provided in the recesses, either separate from the slurry or dispersed in the slurry. The expanding agent, when activated, expands the abrasive slurry outward and above the front surface of the embossed backing sheet. After the binder precursor of the abrasive slurry is hardened, individual abrasive composite members extend above the front surface of the embossed backing sheet. An alternative embodiment provides recesses that extend completely through the embossed backing sheet, so that abrasive composite members protrude from the front surface and from the back surface of the embossed backing sheet.

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First Claim