The investigation of the effects of operational variables of polishing machine and material properties of marble on surface quality and optimization

In this study grinding-polishing tests were carried out on some sedimantary originated limestones. The experimental studies were realized by using statistical experiment design methods-central composite design(CCD). Operational variables of polishing machine such as belt speed, rotational speed and pressure of a polishing head were determined as "independent variables", surface quality parameters such as roughness and glossiness were determined as "responses". Models which describe roughness and glossiness were produced by using experimental datas and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect harmony of generated models with experimental data's. By using Fischer (F) test, statistical importance of each factor on responses was found about 95% safety level. Effect of each abrasive was interpreted by stepwise measurements of roughness and glossiness. Relationship between material properties and responses was analysed. At the end of experiments it was seen that estimated values from model equations were compatible with experimental values. Negative linear relationship was found between responses and higher surface quality was determined at lower belt speeds Good correlation was found between porosity, uniaxial compressive strenght and the surface roughness and glossiness of the studied marbles. Keywords: Roughness, Glossiness, Optimization, Experimental Design, Central Composite Design (CCD)