Wear Performance of Saw Blades in Processing of Granitic Rocks and Development of Models for Wear Estimation

This study investigates the wear performance of diamond circular saw blades in cutting of granitic rocks. An alternative wear measuring method is developed to measure the reduced blade radius without taking the blade off the machine. The effect on and contribution to the specific wear rate (SWR) of each operating variable are determined, and the SWR is correlated with rock properties. Morphologies of wearing surfaces of segments and rocks are also evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Depending on both operating variables and rock properties, prediction models are developed for estimation of the SWR. Results show that the SWR increases with an increase in the peripheral speed and the traverse speed, while it decreases with an increase in the cutting depth and the flow rate of the cooling fluid. The peripheral speed, and the microhardness and proportions of minerals such as quartz, plagioclase, and feldspar are statistically determined as the significant variables affecting the SWR. Finally, it is disclosed that models developed for estimation of SWR have great potential for practical applications.