Analysis of the material removal mechanism in the sawing of marble

The present research aims at consolidating the theoretical aspects related to the use of chain-saw machines in the quarrying of marble. Cutting conditions conventionally adopted during quarrying operations have been reproduced in an experimental set-up and forces exerted during the material removal have been monitored by means of a piezoelectric dynamometer. The complex action of the chain into the stone has been decomposed into simpler conditions by analyzing each tool singularly. Once established the effect of every single tool, three main tools with different geometries have been tested varying the rake angle γ. Data relative to the monitored forces revealed that better proficiencies, in terms of feed force reduction, can be obtained with negative values of the rake angle while the effects on the cutting force can be retained negligible. A wide overview on the experimental tests was also given to asses the repeatability of the obtained results.