Evaluation of the Effect of Abrasive Series Used in Grinding-Polishing Process on Surface Quality of Marble

Abstract

Marble grinding-polishing process performed for polishing the marble surface, constitutes a significant portion of the total marble production costs. In this study, the effects of abrasives, one of the cost components of the grinding-polishing process, on marble surface has been examined in detail. For this purpose, grinding-polishing tests were planned by using statistical experimental design methodology. Grinding-polishing tests were carried out with a polishing machine with controllable operating parameters on sedimentary origin marble slabs. Surface roughness and glossiness values were measured after each grinding step and the resulting data was evaluated by considering the classification made previously in this regard. In conclusion marbles were classified according to their surface quality and some of the abrasives were proposed to be removed from the abrasive series. By avoiding unnecessary consumption such as abrasive, energy, water and labor costs, it was aimed to contribute to lower the production costs. As a result of the obtained data it was seen that the surface roughness were decreasing and the surface glossiness were increasing towards the end of abrasive series. A strong inverse relationship was determined between the final surface roughness and glossiness values

Keywords: Grinding-Polishing, Marble, Roughness