The effect of the rock anisotropy on the efficiency of diamond wire cutting machines

This study aims to investigate the effect of rock anisotropy, associated with the bedding planes of the rock in strength of the rock, on the efficiency of diamond wire cutting machines, and also on the vibration of the cutting machine. While investigating the cutting efficiency, the unit wear on the diamond bead, cutting rate and specific energy have been taken into consideration. Hoop rotation (1100 rpm) and tensioning amperage (29 A) were used as constant cutting parameters for different cutting angles (from 0° to 90°) depending on the bedding planes for two different rock types. During the cutting operations, the unit wear on beads was measured and the average cutting rate and vibration values that occurred with the diamond wire cutting machine were recorded. In addition, the strengths of the rocks were determined for the core samples prepared from the anisotropic two rock samples (Bucak Travertine and Kaman Pearl) considering different angle values from parallel to and perpendicular to the bedding plane of the rock. Then, the relationships between the angles of the bedding planes (ABP) and various variables such as the strength of the rock, unit wear, cutting rate, specific energy and vibration were investigated. Finally, the cutting efficiency of diamond wire cutting is found to be sensitive to the rock anisotropy and it is revealed that the cutting operations should be performed parallel to the bedding planes as much as possible in terms of economy.

► Efficiency of diamond wire cutting is found to be sensitive to the rock anisotropy. ► Cutting operations should be performed parallel to the bedding planes in terms of economy. ► There are positive polynomial relationships between the UCS, UW, SE and the ABP. ► There is a negative polynomial relationship between CR and ABP.