Segment wear characteristics of diamond frame saw when cutting different granite types

• We introduce a novel diamond frame saw for cutting granite.
• Half–cycle sawing way is conducive to heat dissipation and detritus removal.
• Wear mechanisms of diamond particles and the matrix are studied.
• Statistical method is used to study the influence of rock properties on segment wear.
• The mathematical model will be of great value to saw manufactures and users.

An experimental study was carried out to determine the influence of rock properties on segment wear during the cutting of granite using an innovative diamond frame saw prototype. Wear is the main cost of frame saws with diamond-impregnated segments. Ten different granite types with a large market demand were cut by a stone-processing company. The diamond segment topography was studied. The microscopic appearance and a statistical analytical method were used to study the wear characteristics. The main diamond particle abrasion types are whole and micro-fractured crystals. No polished diamond particles resulted from using the frame saw prototype cutting stone. The frame saw cuts only in a half-cycle within a reciprocating stroke. The principal wear mechanisms of the diamond particles and the matrix are impact abrasion and flushing abrasive erosion, respectively. The statistical analysis indicated that uniaxial compressive strength, bending strength and quartz content were the first three rock properties that affected segment wear. The developed mathematical model can predict segment wear for manufacturers and users.

Eighty diamond blades that are 4500-mm long and 3.0–3.5 mm thickness welded with 26 segments were mounted on the diamond frame saw. A reduction in sawing thickness has a direct effect on higher outturn rate, higher resource utilization, and lower sawing cost. Influence of rock properties on diamond segment wear is studied. Half–cycle sawing way is conducive to heat dissipation and detritus removal, and the experimental results show that the diamond tools have good cutting performance.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide