Patent ID: 8357030

Claim:
A method of making an abrasive layer for superabrasive grinding tools comprising: (a) preparing an abrasive molding composition including a mixture of a particulate filler material, a binder, and abrasive particles; (b) loading said composition into a mold space defined between a first fixed wall and a flexible wall; (c) introducing positive fluid pressure into a sealed volume defined between a second fixed wall and a surface of the flexible wall that is disposed opposite to said mold space to cause said flexible wall to expand and apply pressure to the composition loaded in said mold space while applying heat to said composition within said mold space, the level of said pressure and heat being sufficient to cause said abrasive composition to be compressed and molded into a bonded, fixed configuration; (d) applying a vacuum to the mold space, simultaneously with applying positive fluid pressure to the sealed volume, to exhaust gaseous components from the mold space and further draw the flexible wall into the composition in the mold space; and (e) removing the molded configuration from the mold space.