Study on the fuzzy ranking of granite sawability

The ranking system of granite sawability is very important for selecting the optimum machining parameters and suitable tools to obtain high tool life and production rate. On account of the complicated relation between the mineral composition and mechanical properties with the sawability of granite, a new method by fuzzy mathematics was developed to establish the dependence function and fuzzy relationship between the quartz content, quartz grain size, hardness, compressive strength, and abrasiveness of granite with sawing force as well as tool wear. The sawability of several types of granite was evaluated and classified by this method. With the fuzzy ranking system established and the sawability classification, it is very convenient to evaluate the sawability and select a suitable saw blade and the proper sawing parameters for a new granite type by only the petrographic analysis and mechanical properties testing. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.