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

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. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.