Determination of the parameters affecting the procressability of metamorphic origin rocks with computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine

Processing the natural Stones with Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Machines is rapidly becoming widespread in our country. Natural stone managements have problems with using these machines efficiently which have high initial costs. The most significant of these problems results from not using cutting edge equipment which is not appropriate to the natural stone process and which is not efficient enough. In this study, by using cutting edge equipment within 4-axed Computer Numerical Controlled Machine, cutting parameters affecting the processability of different metamorphic origin rocks were investigated. In experimental study, 5 different metamorphic origin rocks (5 marble) in 300×300×30 mm dimensions were processed by using cutting edge equipment in two different calibers (6,0 and 8,0 mm), three different feed speed (2000, 2500 and 3000 mm/min), three different axial depth of cutting (1,2, 1,6 and 2,0 mm) and in two different draining types (external lines and linear) with fiberglass flat cutting edge equipment. A total of 5 kinds of metamorphic origin rocks (5 marbles) were categorized according to their commonly used geological formations and were subjected to various characterization tests (mineralogical and petrographic characteristics, as well as physical and mechanical properties). The effects of processing type, cutting diamenter, axial depth of cutting, feed speed, cutting speed, cutting width of processing equipment of Computer Numerical Controlled Machine on the processability of marbles were diagnosed and cutting forces (Fx, Fy, Fz, Fc and Ft), power consumption, specific energy values were analyzed statistically. It was found that the parameters that affected Fz forces and specific energy of marbles were physical and mechanical properties. Workability and energy consumption classification based on Fz forces and power consumption was recommended based on statistical analyses conducted on marbles used in the study.