An investigation on the effect of diamond concentration and matrix material composition in the circular sawing process of granites

Abstract

In the process of natural stone cutting, segmented circular diamond saw blades are widely used in the sawing process of granites. Generally, copper, cobalt, or a combination of these is used as the matrix material. The diamond particle used in segments is added to the matrix material in certain rates and sizes. In this article, the effect of tungsten, cobalt, copper, and tin elements, which are added to the matrix material, on the cutting performance was studied. In addition, in order to study the effect of diamond concentration, the segments with different diamond concentration were manufactured. Using these segments, cutting experiments for granite, which are known as natural hard stones, are conducted. In the cutting experiments, peripheral speed of the cutting disc, cutting speed, and depth cut were taken as constant. After the experiments, cutting forces, power consumption, and specific energy changes for each segment were determined. On the other hand, the status of damage and wear for the surfaces of each segment during the cutting process was evaluated in terms of segment performances. According to the results, an increase in diamond concentration results in a lower cutting force and power consumption and also causes a lower specific wear of the segment.