Abstract

Energy consumption is the main cost item in the marble cutting process by using segmented circular sawblade. Therefore, there are many benefits to take measures for reducing the energy consumption. The aim of this study is to reduce electricity consumption in marble cutting process by using control methods. In the study, cutting experiments were performed with a fully computer controlled test rig for three natural rocks (Burdur beige and Usak green marbles and Afyon travertine). The experiments were carried out on two modes (manual and automatic). In the experiments, travel speed is kept fixed in manual mode as usual in industry. In the experiments performed on automatic mode, travel speed is controlled by a controller embedded closed control loop during the cutting process. In addition other machine parameters such as sawblade rotation speed, cutting depth, flowing speed of cooling water are kept fixed in all experiments. In designed control systems, floating and PID controllers are used to control travel speed. Obtained results are showed that, if the travel speed is controlled during cutting process, energy saving can be provided in both of two controllers for all of three rocks.