Research article

Design and Construction of a Laboratory Rock Cutting Machine

^*1Ogundele OJ, ²Braimah J, ³Osaghae S and ⁴Sanni EB

^1,3,4Department of Mineral Resources Engineering, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria

²Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria

*Corresponding author E-mail: macsalem14@yahoo.com, jafacy@yahoo.com

Accepted 22 June 2014

Abstract

Design and construction of specimen cutting machine was done to assist the researchers to get mineral/rock specimen. In laboratories/mining industries, specimen cutting machines are needed to cut specimen strips, rock specimen, and cores which are used to carry out some tests. This machine basically consists of electric motor, diamond cutting disc with an electric pump for water cooling, pedal guide for vertical cutting safety device to protect against blade brakeage as well as transparent screen guide to prevent dust particles while in use. The machine accepts blades up to 350mm diameter and with the additional clamps rock, core samples and mineral samples can be sliced with a 200mm cut. It has a dimension of 1220mm x 700mm x 1360mm, and weight of 125kg. Electric motor was employed to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Electrical motor is powered by alternating current from a central electrical distribution grid. Drilling fluid was provided to improve surface finish and flushing away chips from the cutting zone. The designed machine used electric motor of 380V, 50Hz, 1.3KW at rotating speed of 2800rpm. The designed and constructed cutting machine can be used to cut various materials so as to get specimen and observe the structures.

Keywords: Cutting machines, electric motor, diamond cutting disc, chips, drilling fluid