A new conventional criterion for the performance evaluation of gang saw machines

Abstract

The process of cutting dimension stones by gang saw machines plays a vital role in the productivity and efficiency of quarries and stone cutting factories. The maximum electrical current (MEC) is a key variable for assessing this process. This paper proposes two new models based on multiple linear regression (MLP) and a robust non-linear algorithm of gene expression programming (GEP) to predict MEC. To do so, the parameters of Mohs hardness (Mh), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Schimazek’s F-abrasiveness factor (SF-a), Young’s modulus (YM) and production rate (Pr) were measured as input parameters using laboratory tests. A statistical comparison was made between the developed models and a previous study. The GEP-based model was found to be a reliable and robust modelling approach for predicting MEC. Finally, according to the conducted parametric analysis, Mh was identified as the most influential parameter on MEC prediction.