Wear characteristics of circular diamond saws in the cutting of different hard abrasive rocks

Circular diamond saw of wear is affected by a range of factors. However, the principal factors that require consideration in predicting wear rates are the type of diamond saw, the saw operating parameters and the characteristics of the cut rock. A single rock property index is not a sufficient basis for predicting wear performance. A variety of ten types of rocks were cut in the laboratory with two types of circular diamond saw using a fully instrumented cutting rig at different feed rates, depths of cut and at constant peripheral speed. Quantitative determinations of a wide range of textural, mechanical and intact properties of the rocks were also made. Wear (weight loss and height loss) of saw were measured after a series of test in each rock type. The wear of saws can take many forms, however, the most common wear mechanism operating on saws during the rock cutting is abrasion. Impact loading and impact fatigue also accelerates the wear of saws. The analysis indicated that the statistical model for the rock saws have potential for practical application. The application of multiple regression analysis to diamond saw performance is novel and the technique shows promise for the prediction of saw wear in specific rock types. The ability of the technique to provide a mathematical characterization of the performance of new cutting saws in the specific rocks may prove to value to saw manufacturers and users.