Design and Analysis of a 2.45 GHz Microwave-Assisted Marble Drilling System With Near-Field Focused Radiation for Enhanced Material Processing

This study investigates the application of microwave-assisted drilling systems as an alternative to conventional mechanical drilling for marble processing. By utilising microwave energy at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, this research demonstrates how microwave radiation can effectively soften marble surfaces, reduce required drilling force, and improve surface quality. Two specialised microwave probes, Reflector Microwave Drilling Design (R-MDD) and Microwave Drilling Design-Empty Center (MDD-EC), were designed and tested to optimise the energy transfer and thermal impact on different marble types, specifically Burdur Beige and Keciborlu Angel White. Through a combination of simulation (CST Studio Suite) and experimental analysis, electric field intensity, temperature distribution, and drilling depth have been evaluated. Results indicate that microwave-assisted drilling significantly decreases burr formation and enhances drilling efficiency by generating focused thermal zones within the marble. Additionally, the MDD-EC probe's hollow conductor design allows integration with supplementary devices such as vacuum motors to manage waste discharge during drilling. This work concludes that microwave-assisted systems offer a promising cost-effective solution for hard dielectric materials in the marble industry, with potential applications extending to other high-melting-point materials.