Development of models for estimating specific energy and specific wear rate of circular diamond saw blades based on properties of carbonate rocks

This paper presents an experimental study to assess the effects of physical and mechanical properties of carbonate rocks and diamond/metal matrix characteristics on performance and tool life of segmented circular sawblades. For this purpose, pertinent rock properties including strength, hardness, abrasivity, water absorption, porosity and unit weight were measured by laboratory tests and compiled into a database for subsequent analysis. The testing program including using six commercially available sawblades with different segment compositions in full scale tests. The related characteristics of the sawblades were diamond concentration, Vickers hardness of the hard facing matrix, mean diamond grain size, cobalt, tin, copper, and ferrous content. Thirteen different carbonate rocks including marble, limestone, and travertine samples from various sites in Turkey were used in the experimental program. The experimental data was analysed by multiple linear and nonlinear regression analysis to develop models for estimation of specific energy (SE) and specific wear (SW) rates using rock properties and sawblades segment parameters. The proposed models were validated by comparing the results of their prediction with those of actual test results and showed good agreements. The concept of optimum total (cutting) cost (OTC) estimation for natural stone cutting is also discussed in the context of estimating sawblade wear life.