Performance analysis of block cutting machines (Jig saws) used in marble processing plants

Performance is generally defined as the criteria both indicating the accomplishment rate of the target and the effectiveness of the process used to reach the target. The performance of the marble block cutting machines directly affect the performance and hence the profitability of a plant. The main causes for low performance can be given by the loss of time and production during operation which is dependent and independent of the machine used. An increase in machine performance can be obtained by employing appropriate performance indicators and by measuring these indicators continuously. Unfortunately, there has not been adequate performance and productivity analysis for such machines although there are many activities being carried out in the quarries and the processing plants to make use of large natural stone potentials of Turkey.In this thesis, productivity and effectiveness were defined as the performance indicators and the performances of the jig saws used in a processing plant for a period of 3 weeks (first 3 weeks of February 2008) were measured according to the indicators chosen. After the measurements, the reasons for the low performance were investigated and measures were proposed to increase the machine performances.While determining the performance indicators (productivity, effectiveness and efficiency), the real machine input and output data obtained from the plant was used. More clearly, time (hour) and amount of production (m2) were used as the main input and output data of the machines, respectively. As a result it was seen that lots of parameters, especially operator specifications effect to work of jig saws at a high level performance.Keywords: Effectiveness and Efficiency, Machine Performance, Jig Saw Machines, Efficiency,Productivity.