Method for manufacturing resin-impregnated endless belt and a belt for papermaking machines and similar industrial applications

A method for manufacturing resin-impregnated endless belt structures and belt structures designed for use on a long nip press on a papermaking machine and for other papermaking and paper processing applications, requires the application of a sacrificial material onto a base substrate in a predetermined pattern in droplets having an average diameter of 10mu (10 microns) or more. Polymeric resin material is then deposited on the base substrate to cover all areas except those on which the sacrificial material has been previously applied. The polymeric resin material is then set by means appropriate to its composition, and the sacrificial material removed. Optionally, the polymeric resin material may then be abraded to provide the belt with a uniform thickness, and a smooth, macroscopically monoplanar surface.