The effects of circular sawblade diamond segment characteristics on marble processing performance

Abstract

Utilizing a fully instrumented block-cutter, an experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of diamond/metal matrix properties on the sawing performance of segmented circular sawblades. Six commercially available sawblades differing in segment compositions were used in the sawing experiments of Afyon Tiger Skin Marble. Bond compositions of the tested sawblades were determined by carrying out energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis. The sawing tests were performed in the down-cutting mode. The sawing performances of the sawblades were evaluated in terms of cutting specific energy (SE), cutting force, axial force, and force ratio (ratio of tangential to normal force). The worn surfaces of the diamond segments were examined by scanning electron microscope micrographs. Upon evaluation of the experimental data, it was concluded that the determined performance criteria from laboratory sawing tests can aid manufacturers in the design of appropriate sawblades for specific rock types. Valid for the employed machining parameters, tested sawblade types, and workpiece properties, the results of a multiple linear regression analysis have indicated that the Sn percentage of the segment matrix, the diamond concentration, and the matrix hardness are the common dominant variables that affect cutting SE, axial force, and cutting force.