A method of aligning abrasive particles on a substrate. The method comprises providing a substrate. The method also comprises providing abrasive particles. The method also comprises generating a modulated electrostatic field. The modulated electrostatic field is configured to have a first effective direction at a first time and a second effective direction at a second time. The electrostatic field is configured to cause the abrasive particles to align rotationally in both a z-direction and a y-direction.