Computer simulation of stone frame sawing process using diamond blades

Based on the results of scratching tests with single point tools and single segments in a previous study, the contact area between stone and blade, the number of effective cutting edges and the cutting forces per diamond grit, per segment and blade in the frame sawing process are simulated by computer. The number of diamond grits per unit area, the distribution of diamond grits per segment and the effective depth of cut of diamond grits are calculated by a new method. The Monte Carlo method is applied to generate the position of diamond grits randomly. The results show that in cutting stroke, only half of the diamond grits on the segment surface cut stone with the depth of cut increasing and a limited moving distance. The interactions of the grooves created by different segments remove the stone and generate the saw kerf. The simulation results of cutting forces are consistent in tendency with the data tested in a frame sawing machine. Cutting feed and the cutting performance of the segments are the major factors which determine the cutting forces and segment wear. The optimized constant contact area between blade and stone depends on the segment spaces, the segment number and the segment size, the ratio of the length of block and the effective cutting length of blade etc.