Hook & Loop Attachment of Coated Abrasive Discs to Sanding Tools

Project Summary

For optimum performance, an abrasive disc needs to firmly attach to its BUP and not move during use. Our goal is to investigate how to best measure attachment during use. In a basic hook and loop system, a DA backing pad with rigid plastic hooks attaches to a sanding disc with soft nylon loops. There are three different hook types that can be used: J-hook, mushroom, and molded. For the data, the team conducted multiple tests to arrive at conclusions on the strength, effectiveness, and durability across all three hook types. For the test method, the team designed a mounting fixture that would hold the sander in place along with an adjustable circular portion to accurately measure shift. This, coupled with the centering fixtures designed by the team, ensures accurate test results.

Design Goal

The team was tasked with creating a reproducible test to accurately measure shifting of the abrasive sanding disc on a dual-action sander (DA). In addition, testing was to be done to collect data on the different hook and loop combinations to understand the interaction between them and their respective properties.

Design Constraints

• Test shall be reproducible at all 3M facilities
• Design shall have improved gage R&R for measuring shift
• Design shall be testable across different hook and loop families